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How a Decades-Long Friendship Helped Two TV Icons Fight Cancer Together

From prostate cancer to a rare sarcoma, their battles reveal how loyalty outlasts illness. One always answers when the other calls—no matter what.

, and ASMedia

2025 December 6 . 1:10 AM

1 min read

In this image there is a conference in which there are people sitting in chair and listening to the... — In this image there is a conference in which there are people sitting in chair and listening to the people who are on the stage. It seems like an event in which there is a conversation between the media people and the owners. At the background there is a big hoarding and the wall beside it.

Always an open ear for Thomas Gottschalk - How a Decades-Long Friendship Helped Two TV Icons Fight Cancer Together

Always an open ear for Thomas Gottschalk

2025-12-05T22:36:47+00:00

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Two well-known German TV personalities, Fritz Egner and Thomas Gottschalk, have faced serious health battles in recent years. Their long-standing friendship has provided mutual support during difficult times. Both men, now in their mid-70s, have relied on each other through cancer diagnoses and treatments.

Fritz Egner, 76, was diagnosed with prostate cancer over 15 years ago. During his treatment, he found comfort in music by artists like Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, and James Brown. Though he considers the illness behind him, he remains cautious about the possibility of recurrence.

Thomas Gottschalk, 75, received his own cancer diagnosis in late November 2025. His wife, Karina Gottschalk, revealed in an interview that he had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form called epitheloid angiosarcoma in July 2025. The diagnosis led to two major surgeries.

The two friends have supported each other through these challenges. When Egner was first diagnosed, Gottschalk immediately offered to be by his side. Now, Egner has returned the gesture, making it clear he is always available if Gottschalk needs someone to talk to.

Egner has often spoken of his admiration for Gottschalk as a TV host. Beyond their professional bond, he describes him as a warm, generous, and dependable friend. Their decades-long friendship has only grown stronger through these trials.

Both men continue to navigate their health struggles with resilience. Egner remains vigilant about his prostate cancer while offering unwavering support to Gottschalk. The two have shown how deep friendship can provide strength during life’s toughest moments.