Lament Over the 'Ancient One' - Rolf Schimpf Has Passed Away - Elderly individual met his demise.
Life and Death of Rolf Schimpf - "The Man Behind the Legend" Ends His Journey
Hey there!
For over two decades, Rolf Schimpf was the enigmatic figure of "The Old One." His late-career role as Chief Inspector Leo Kress on ZDF's Munich-based crime series, which he joined when he was 65, became his signature part until his retirement in 2007. At the time, he was 82, acknowledging the growing age difference between the role and himself. After a quiet retirement, Schimpf, the native Berliner, passed away recently at the ripe age of 100, almost a decade after his beloved wife, actress Ilse Zielstorff. Their good friend Detlef Vetten announced the news.
Champagne and No Regrets on His 100th Birthday
Schimpf celebrated his 100th birthday in style, surrounded by loved ones, good food, traditional white sausages, and non-alcoholic white beer. To top off the evening, he enjoyed a Sachertorte, beautifully decorated with the number 100 in red marzipan – a delicious indulgence he couldn't resist!
Could He Solve Real Murders?
Even at 100, "The Old One" mantle still fit Schimpf perfectly for his fans. But how did he cope with such strong associations with the role? "If someone talks about a pistol, it gets to me," Schimpf once admitted. Trusting his investigator experience, he joked that he'd probably believe he could solve a real murder case. With decades of police work experience under his belt, Schimpf proved a diligent and determined actor, immersing himself in the role until it felt almost instinctual.
An Old-world Detective
Schimpf's colleagues admired his dedication and tenacity, qualities that proved valuable in both his acting and real-life endeavors. "I respected how he held out in his age," recalled Pierre Sanoussi-Bliss, who played Axel Richter, Schimpf's partner on the show for over a decade. On the occasion of Schimpf's 100th birthday, he acknowledged: "Rolf was top-notch as a colleague."
A Chance Discovery Leads to a Lifetime Passion
Although Schimpf initially aspired to become a doctor, life took a different turn after World War II. Unable to secure a medical school placement, he found his calling in theater, transitioning from the stage to the small screen. His lengthy career saw him appear in ARD's "Tatort" and nearly 50 episodes of the crime series "SOKO 5113." Much of his success can be attributed to Munich producer Helmut Ringelmann, who helped shape modern television with hits like "Derrick" and "The Commissioner." In 1984, Ringelmann cast Schimpf in the drama series "Mensch Bachmann," which aired on Saturday evenings on ZDF.
The Role He'll Always Be Known For
Following his success in "Mensch Bachmann," Schimpf landed the role that would define his career: Chief Inspector Leo Kress. He succeeded the popular Siegfried Lowitz in 1986 and remained a beloved figure on the series for nearly 20 years. His fame spread beyond Germany's borders to Italy, France, Abu Dhabi, Brazil, and South Africa.
Accidental Actor Turned Icon
Curiously enough, Schimpf's acting career started almost by accident. Initially planning to become a doctor, he didn't get accepted into medical school after World War II. He dabbled in forestry sciences but found the studies too demanding, so he opted for theater instead. "That's when it was decided. I knew where I belonged!" he once said, reflecting on his life-changing choice.
After his quiet retirement, Schimpf and his wife moved into a luxurious senior residence in Munich, where they lived harmoniously for five years. However, financial constraints forced Schimpf to relinquish his apartment in 2023, marking a significant change in his life.
As we bid farewell to the talented actor, one can't help but marvel at his distinct, refined performances and humility in the face of his success. Regarding advice for young actors, he once wisely said, "Fame is purely luck. You must try to deliver decent work. If a beautiful role comes your way, seize it!"
- Rolf Schimpf
- Munich
- Legacy
- Leo Kress
- ZDF
- Theater
- Humility
- Rolf Schimpf, the native Berliner who gained worldwide recognition for his performance as Chief Inspector Leo Kress on ZDF's Munich-based crime series, passed away at the age of 100, two decades after his late-career breakthrough.
- Despite being 82 when he retired, Schimpf enjoyed a succulent Sachertorte on his 100th birthday, surrounded by loved ones, fitting the mantle of "The Old One" perfectly for his fans.
- In a career spanning decades, Schimpf's success story stemmed from an accidental shift from aspiring doctor to actor, shaped by Munich producer Helmut Ringelmann, and marked by his humility and dedication, earning him the admiration of colleagues and admirers alike.
