A Legend of German Television: Rolf Schimpf, the Mastermind Behind "The Old Man," Has Departed
Television personality Rolf Schimpf, famously known as 'The Old One,' has passed away. - Old Man served as the title for an individual.
Get ready to say goodbye to one of Germany's most prominent television figures - Rolf Schimpf. The venerable actor, who passed away at the age of 100 on March 22, 2025, was a household name, thanks to his stellar role in the beloved ZDF series "The Old Man."
As his biographer and close friend Detlef Vetten confirmed to the German Press Agency, Schimpf bid farewell to the world on a Saturday, following media reports. Schimpf, who had previously retired in 2007, had been best known for his role as Chief Inspector Leo Kress, a character he played for almost 20 years in Munich.
This native Berliner, who made Munich his home with his wife, actress Ilse Zielstorff, decades ago, kept a low profile after his retirement. Now, Schimpf has left us, nearly a decade after Zielstorff's passing.
Schimpf had already enjoyed a rich acting career before diving into the world of television. As far back as the 1950s, Schimpf graced the stage and screen with his presence. Some of his notable television appearances included a recurring role in the crime series "SOKO 5113," as well as series like "Ida Rogalski" and "The Black Forest Clinic." But it was his powerful role in "Der Alte" that truly etched him into the annals of German television history.
His foray into "Der Alte" came in 1986, under the guidance of esteemed Munich producer Helmut Ringelmann, who had a knack for creating successful television formats such as "Derrick" and "The Commissioner." Ringelmann cast Schimpf in the Saturday evening drama series "Mensch Bachmann," which aired on ZDF.
A Career Overview and Enriching Details
Born on November 14, 1924, in the heart of Berlin, Schimpf honed his acting skills at the Gensichen drama school in Stuttgart after serving in World War II and enduring a severe head injury.1 Over the course of his career, Schimpf performed at various theaters, including the Luzern City Theatre, Bern City Theatre, Württembergisches Staatstheater in Stuttgart, and the Hamburger Kammerspielen.1
Schimpf's television career gathered steam, with a variety of supporting roles in the late 1950s. Some notable appearances include "Ida Rogalski," a series where he played the son of Inge Meysel, as well as a recurring role in the crime series "SOKO 5113." He also found success in medical series like "The Black Forest Clinic."
His defining role came when he landed the role of Leo Kress in "Der Alte," a ZDF crime series that made him a national treasure in Germany.1 He played this character from 1986 to 2007. Although Schimpf stepped down from the lead role in 2006, episodes featuring him continued to air until 2007. He even made a special guest appearance as retired Chief Inspector Leo Kress in the 340th episode, "Taximörder," in May 2009.1
Additionally, Schimpf has credits in dubbing, notably for his role as Bela Lugosi in various German-speaking films.1 He was married to actress Ilse Zielstorff from 1968 until her death in 2015. Together, they had a son, Daniel, who is an architect.1
Although initial reports did not mention Schimpf's appearances in "Tatort" episodes, his impressive television career encompasses a wide range of roles, including his part in "Der Alte" and several other series, such as "SOKO 5113."
Footnotes
- Enrichment Data: Rolf Schimpf was a celebrated German actor, with extensive experience in both stage and television. Here's a brief summary of his notable roles and experiences:
- Early Life and Stage Career: Schimpf was born on November 14, 1924, in Berlin, Germany. He studied acting at the Gensichen drama school in Stuttgart after serving in World War II, where he sustained a severe head injury.1 Post-study, he performed at various theaters, including the Luzern City Theatre, Bern City Theatre, the Württembergisches Staatstheater in Stuttgart, and the Hamburger Kammerspielen.1
- Television Career: Schimpf's television career took off with various supporting roles in the late 1950s. Some of his notable television appearances included roles in series like "Ida Rogalski," "SOKO 5113," and "The Black Forest Clinic." But it was his powerful role as Leo Kress in "Der Alte" that truly solidified Schimpf's place in German television history.1 His presence in the series ran from 1986 to 2007. He stepped down as the lead in 2006, but episodes featuring him continued to air until 2007. He reprised his role as a guest star in the 340th episode, "Taximörder," in May 2009.1
- Miscellaneous Roles and Personal Life: Schimpf also made a name for himself in dubbing, notably lending his voice to Bela Lugosi in various German-speaking films.1 He was married to actress Ilse Zielstorff from 1968 until her death in 2015. They shared a son, Daniel, who is an architect.1
[1]: Enrichment Data: In the given information, there is no specific mention of Schimpf acting in "Tatort" episodes. However, Schimpf's broad career encompassed a wide range of television roles, including his iconic part in "Der Alte" and numerous other series like "SOKO 5113."
- Rolf Schimpf's illustrious television career, which spanned several decades, included working on various formats, such as "Ida Rogalski," "SOKO 5113," and "The Black Forest Clinic."
- In 1986, Schimpf began working on the successful television format "Mensch Bachmann," under the guidance of producer Helmut Ringelmann, which aired on ZDF.
- Schimpf's employment policy and roles in different formats were confirmed by his biographer and close friend, Detlef Vetten, to the German Press Agency.
