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Host Thomas Gottschalk is stepping down from his role as hostmaster.

Senior in years, surpassing the pontiff's age.

Actor Thomas Gottschalk approaching milestone of 75 years.
Actor Thomas Gottschalk approaching milestone of 75 years.

Thomas Gottschalk: The Unstoppable German TV Host Bids Farewell After 35 Years

Host Thomas Gottschalk is stepping down from his role as hostmaster.

Thomas Gottschalk, the legendary German TV host and entertainer, has declared his retirement from the world of showbiz. After three and a half decades of gracing our screens, the 74-year-old has decided it's time to hang up his hostin' boots. But don't worry, he's not leaving without throwing one final bash!

On Saturday night, in typical Gottschalk fashion, he announced his retirement on RTL's "They Don't Know What's Happening." Surrounded by Barbara Schöneberger and Günther Jauch, Gottschalk dropped the bombshell that he'd be 75 next week, and according to him, that's the perfect age for a host to call it quits!

Taking a moment to reminisce, Gottschalk recalled his epic 35 years hosting Saturday nights, met with thunderous applause from the studio audience. Always one to set his own rules, Gottschalk promised he'd retire when he was older than the Pope. With the recently crowned Pontifex Leo XIV at just 69, it seemed like the right time to make good on his promise.

But fear not, Gottschalk fans! The TV veteran has agreed to come out of retirement for one more hurrah, with a farewell show scheduled for early December.

A television titan

An icon in the German TV landscape, Gottschalk's career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his magnetic charm and unique ability to strike a chord with audiences, Gottschalk has solidified his place as one of the most successful show hosts on German television.

One of his most memorable roles was hosting the hit ZDF show "Wetten, dass..." for many years, which propelled him to fame in Germany. Recently, he's been a regular on RTL Saturday nights, alongside Jauch and Schöneberger, and has made appearances on various German channels over the years.

With his impeccable timing, infectious energy, and unparalleled charisma, Gottschalk has left an indelible mark on the German television industry.

The end of an era

As he takes his leave from the world of entertainment, it's clear that Gottschalk has chosen to bow out on his terms. With the Pope himself setting an age limit for him, he's decided it's time to embrace a new chapter in his life.

While details about his post-retirement plans remain a mystery, we can't help but feel a sense of familiar sadness and excitement. After all, it's the end of an era, but it also marks the beginning of a new journey for one of Germany's most beloved TV personalities.

So, here's to Thomas Gottschalk, a man who's kept us entertained for far longer than the Pope! You've earned your time off, mate. Break a leg at the farewell show, and cheers to the next chapter!

Source: ntv.de, hul/dpa

  • Thomas Gottschalk
  • Television
  • RTL
  • ZDF
  1. However, the retired Thomas Gottschalk, once an entertainer on RTL, has agreed to come out of retirement for one more hurrah, with a farewell show scheduled for early December.
  2. Despite his legendary status as a German TV host, Thomas Gottschalk has admitted that he won't be able to continue his work in the entertainment industry forever, citing emails stating his decision.
  3. The iconic German entertainer, Thomas Gottschalk, who has graced TV screens for decades, has finally decided to hang up his hostin' boots after 35 years in the industry.
  4. The German TV landscape will miss the entertainment icon, Thomas Gottschalk, who delivered three and a half decades of exceptional television on channels like RTL and ZDF, eventually retiring at the age of 74.

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