ARD Changes TV Schedule - German TV legend Uwe Kockisch dies at 81 after iconic crime drama role
German television star Uwe Kockisch has passed away at the age of 81. The actor, best known for his role as Commissario Guido Brunetti in the Donna Leon crime series, breathed his last in Madrid on December 22. To honor his legacy, ARD will air one of his most notable performances on Christmas Day.
Kockisch played the lead in Donna Leon: A Rich Inheritance, a 2014 crime drama set in Venice. In the film, Commissario Brunetti investigates a series of suspicious deaths in a nursing home. His probe uncovers a web of murder and financial fraud.
ARD has scheduled an unscheduled broadcast of the drama as a tribute. The film will air at 12:30 AM on December 25, giving fans a chance to remember the actor's work. Luca Zingaretti later took over the role of Brunetti in subsequent adaptations of Donna Leon's novels. However, Kockisch's portrayal remains a standout in the series for many viewers.
The late-night screening follows Kockisch's death in Spain just days before Christmas. His performance in A Rich Inheritance will be shown again, offering a final on-screen appearance for his long-time audience. The broadcast serves as a direct tribute to his contributions to German television.
