Ottie's Big Move Before 70
German entertainer and actor Ottfried Fischer, famed for roles in "Der Bulle von Tölz" and "Pfarrer Braun," decided to uproot his life before turning 70. The cabaret star now calls Gauting, nestled near Lake Starnberg, home. The commute was proving too much of a struggle in Passau due to his Parkinson's disease, Fischer and his wife Simone shared with the German Press Agency.
Struggling with Parkinson's, Ottie is confined to a wheelchair, but his 70th birthday on November 7 is set to be filled with cheer, with colleagues, family, and friends planned to attend celebrations in Munich. The couple made their public debut at the Munich Film Festival in June, although appearances have dwindled as time goes by.
A Career to Remember
Ottfried Fischer found fame in the 1980s, with founding roles in series like "Irgendwie und Sowieso" and "Zur Freiheit." Fischer's career took off from there, thanks to Director Franz Xaver Bogner. The cabaret show "Ottis Schlachthof," a cult phenomenon, followed in the 1990s, as well as features in "Zärtliche Chaoten" and "Go Trabi Go." His breakout role as gruff detective Benno Berghammer in "Der Bulle von Tölz" remains his most enduring on-screen appearance.
However, it's "Irgendwie und Sowieso" that holds a special place in his heart. He revealed to dpa in 2018 that this was his most requested series and goes as far as recalling whole dialogues from fans.
The Effect of Parkinson's
Ottfried Fischer announced his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2008. He joked that he steered clear of "shake rhymes," but the disease has nonetheless changed his life significantly.
Not only did the death of film mother Ruth Drexel force an end to "Der Bulle von Tölz" in 2009, but by November 2012, "Ottis Schlachthof" was no more on Bavarian television. He assessed his departure from the stage and television as a veteran actor who had appeared in more than 150 films, pushing aside reminders of his accomplishments and the relentless pressures of his line of work.
Though adversity took hold, Ottie's personal life yielded solace. A media-focused separation and his union with Simone in 2017 brought him newfound happiness, which shone through in interviews. The couple has since settled in Passau, having restored a townhouse inherited from Ottie's grandparents.
Recognition Aplenty
Accolades seem to follow Ottie Figgerman around like a shadow. The German Comedy Prize, Bavarian Cabaret Prize, Golden Romy, and the Order against Animal Seriousness are just a few of the awards that honor his enduring talent. Comedian Hape Kerkeling paid tribute in a laudatory speech, hailing Ottie's selfless support for fellow artists, from himself in "Ottis Schlachthof" to lesser-known entertainers looking to make a name for themselves.
Ottfried Fischer’s "Ottis Schlachthof" became a staple on German television. The role of Benno Berghammer in "Der Bulle von Tölz" emblemized Ottie’s successful cinema career. For a more thorough appreciation of O.W. Fischer, a notable Austrian actor, check out the enrichment data below.
Enrichment Data (for O.W. Fischer):
Notable Film Roles
- Ludwig II: Glanz und Ende eines Königs (1955) - A remarkable performance as Ludwig II of Bavaria, showcasing Fischer's acting prowess in this historical drama.
Career Milestones
- Breakthrough Role - Fischer made his acting breakthrough in the film "Ludwig II: Glanz und Ende eines Königs" in 1955, positioning himself as a leading figure in German cinema.
- Awards and Recognition - Lauded with prestigious awards such as the Goethe Prize in 1946 and the Nobel Prize in Literature (though not directly for acting), Fischer's remarkable impact on culture was undeniable.
Impact of Parkinson's Disease
Though specifics on how Parkinson's disease affected his career are scarce, Fischer continued to act and remained active in the film industry despite his health challenges.
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