The Man Behind "Der Alte": A Tribute to Rolf Schimpf by Charles M. Huber
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Charles M. Huber describes Rolf Schimpf as a genuinely kind individual. - Charles M. Huber describes Rolf Schimpf as an "honorable individual."
A simple, heartfelt adoration doesn't always require complex words. Charles M. Huber (68) recalls his conversation with "Bild" as he honored the late Rolf Schimpf, a former "Der Alte" colleague, saying, "Rolf was just an exceptional individual with an awe-inspiring personality. He was just a kind-hearted soul and never held grudges."
Even during the 80s, when millions watched the crime cases of Hauptkommissar Leo Kress (Schimpf), Kriminalkommissar Henry Johnson (Huber), and Kriminalassistent Gerd Heymann (Michael Ande, 80) on the small screen, Schimpf maintained his humility. "That quality also applied to Michael Ande. Our bond wasn't just a job, it was an amazing journey. We were an unstoppable team," expressed Huber.
Meeting Rolf Schimpf Inspired a New Path
Although Huber stepped away from "Der Alte" after about ten years and 120 episodes to explore other opportunities, his bond with Schimpf remained unbroken. Schimpf's death at 100 left him "speechless" and filled him with gratitude as he looked back, saying, "The encounter with Rolf was life-changing for me. It paved the way for everything that came afterward."
Together, Huber and Schimpf joined the crime series in 1986. While Schimpf retired as a commissioner in 2007, he made a special appearance on "Der Alte" in 2009.
As reported by BR, among others, the acting legend passed away peacefully in a Munich nursing home on Saturday morning. After living with his wife Ilse in a Munich senior residence from 2010, he moved into a nursing home at the age of 99, reportedly due to financial constraints following her death.
The Remarkable Rolf Schimpf
Rolf Schimpf was a renowned German actor, best known for his role as Hauptkommissar Leo Kress in the ZDF television crime series "Der Alte," which he played for approximately 20 years. Schimpf's impact on Charles M. Huber, his co-star in the series, was profound. Being a genuinely kind and humble individual, Schimpf never sought the limelight, demonstrating an admirable character that contributed significantly to the success of the series.
An Extraordinary Career
- Career in "Der Alte": Schimpf's portrayal of Hauptkommissar Leo Kress was instrumental in the show's popularity. He appeared in the series from 1986 until his retirement in 2007, with a final guest appearance in 2009[2][4].
- Dedication and Professionalism: Despite his celebrity status, Schimpf remained level-headed and dedicated, avoiding the pitfalls often associated with fame and success[1][2].
A Lasting Connection
- Professional Impact: Working with Schimpf inspired Charles M. Huber, who credited their collaboration on "Der Alte" as a turning point in his career, saying that the experience significantly changed his life[2][3].
- Personal Impact: Huber highlighted Schimpf's positive influence on his life, both on and off the set, fostering a strong bond between the two actors that continued beyond their time on "Der Alte"[1][3].
- At a Loss: Huber expressed deep emotional distress upon learning of Schimpf's passing, reflecting on the impact of their long-standing relationship [1][3][4].
Schimpf's passing has been met with tributes from his colleagues, including Pierre Sanoussi-Bliss, who honored his resilience, humor, and professionalism throughout his life[4].
- Rolf Schimpf, the old star and Kriminalkommissar Charles M. Huber's former colleague in "Der Alte," has left Huber grieving and filled with gratitude following his demise.
- Despite the fame and success accompanying his role as Hauptkommissar Leo Kress, Rolf Schimpf maintained a humble and kind-hearted personality, attributes that greatly impacted his co-star, Huber.
- Upon meeting Schimpf in the set of "Der Alte," Huber highlighted that the encounter was life-changing for him, paving the way for everything that came afterward in his career.
