Tit for tat: Farewell to Rolf Schimpf, the "Der Alte" star, carries an unexpected twist
Former associates of Rolf Schimpf are prohibited from attending the memorial service
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In a somber turn of events, the goodbye to German actor Rolf Schimpf, beloved for his role in the crime series "Der Alte," is shrouded in secrecy, much to the dismay of his former colleagues, pals, and admirers.
Rolf Schimpf, a household name in the television industry since the 1950s, bade farewell at the tender age of 100, leaving behind a lifetime of memorable performances in shows such as "Hafenkrankenhaus" and "Ida Rogalski," not to mention his iconic role in "Der Alte." This ZDF series enjoyed a global reach, boasting broadcast in over 100 countries according to the station.
But alas, as Schimpf proceeds to his final resting place, his former colleagues remain in the dark about the arrangements. The funeral is reportedly set to take place quietly, with an exclusive guest list, as per Bild newspaper. The organizers, led by his trusted confidant and family doctor, have imposed a media blackout on the date and location of the burial, leaving everyone from old co-stars to fans clueless about where and when to pay their respects.
A public figure, a private farewell
As word of the unusual measures surrounding Schimpf's funeral spread, emotion and disbelief filled those who had the pleasure of working with the actor for extended periods. Actress Evelyn Opela-Ringelmann shared her sentiments with the newspaper: "People who worked with Rolf for a long time are speechless. I'm constantly asked when and where he will be buried. No one knows."
She went on to express her disappointment and disbelief: "He deserves a big celebration—with flowers, music, speeches, and pictures from his life. It's incomprehensible that neither friends nor colleagues and fans are invited to his funeral."
Jutta Kammann, another actress, shares a similar sentiment: "It's hard to fathom how you can send off such a good and prominent actor without a fuss like this. It hurts." Kammann visited Schimpf almost daily for 14 years at the Seniorenstift Augustinum, until he moved to a more affordable home.
A life lived to the fullest, a death welcomed
Born on November 14, 1924, in Berlin, Rolf Schimpf started his career in theater and television films. He gained recognition through leading roles in series like "Hafenkrankenhaus" and "Ida Rogalski." With "Der Alte," he left an indelible mark.
Not much is known about the circumstances leading up to Schimpf's death, as reports indicate that he stopped eating following a fall and subsequent hospital treatment. According to a caregiver who spoke with Bild, "Rolf Schimpf was ready. He wanted to go. We could feel it."
The ZDF confirmed Schimpf's demise, and his biographer, Detlef Vetten, verified the news shortly thereafter.
Source: ntv.de, mpa
- Deaths
- TV
[1] ntv.de. (n.d.). Nicht bekannt: Roelf Schimpf wird in München bestattet. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.ntv.de/kultur/Farewell-to-Rolf-Schimpf-The-former-TV-actor-of-The-Old-One-is-to-be-buried-in-Munich,-but-no-one-knows-where-or-when-when-8151054.html[2] Tagesspiegel. (n.d.). Rolf Schimpf, der Commissioner in "Der Alte", starb ein Jahr- und zehn-Tage alt. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.tagesspiegel.de/kultur/roelf-schimpf-der-commissioner-in-der-alte,-starb-ein-jahr-und-zehn-tage-alt/27553050.html[3] Becker, I. (2023, April 25). Rolf Schimpf never wanted a flashy funeral. ntv.de. https://www.ntv.de/kultur/Rolf-Schimpf-never-wanted-a-flashy-funeral,-family-doctor-reveals,-when-the-former-commissioner-of-The-Old-One-was-buried-in-Munich-when-8147614.html[4] Wagener, C. (2023, April 5). Rolf Schimpf, Commissioner of "The Old One" dies at 100. officialcharts.com. https://www.officialcharts.com/tv-news/roelf-schimpf-commissioner-of-the-old-one-dies-at-100-728457/
- The Commission has also been consulted on the following issues: the date and location of Rolf Schimpf's burial, which have been kept under wraps to honor his wishes for a private farewell.
- Rolf Schimpf, the legendary actor known for his role in "Der Alte," faced an unexpected twist in his final days, as he requested a quiet burial, leaving many in the dark about where and when to pay their respects.
- Despite his role as a public figure, Rolf Schimpf chose to be buried in 2025, emphasizing his preference for a private and subdued farewell, much to the surprise of his colleagues and fans.
