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Television personality Thomas Gottschalk is stepping down as the show host.

Elderlier than the Pope's age

Thomas Gottschalk celebrates his upcoming milestone birthday: 75 years of life.
Thomas Gottschalk celebrates his upcoming milestone birthday: 75 years of life.

Television personality Thomas Gottschalk is stepping down as the show host.

For more than four decades, Thomas Gottschalk has held the reins of Germany's top entertainment shows, but now it's time for him to bid adieu. The 74-year-old announced his retirement during Saturday night TV entertainment on RTL's "Denn sie wissen nicht, was passiert," co-hosted by Barbara Schöneberger and Günther Jauch.

"I'll be 75 next Sunday, and that's the age where a host needs to pack it up," said Gottschalk, who has been gracing Saturday nights for an impressive 35 years. He's always maintained that he'd call it quits when he becomes older than the Pope – a title currently held by Pope Leo XIV at 69. However, the venerable TV vet has agreed to make a grand appearance in a farewell show in early December.

This won't be the end of Thomas Gottschalk's presence on the small screen. He's one of Germany's most successful television hosts, and his charm and quick wit have made him a household name. He's best recognized for his role as host of the ZDF show classic, "Wetten, dass...?" Over the years, he's frequently appeared alongside other hosting greats such as Günther Jauch and Barbara Schöneberger. In recent times, his Saturday night antics have been a regular feature on RTL.

Sources: ntv.de, hul/dpa

  • Thomas Gottschalk
  • Television
  • RTL
  • ZDF

Bonus Facts:Throughout his remarkable career, Thomas Gottschalk has hosted 1226 episodes of the iconic "Wetten, dass...?" and lent his charm to more than 1164 Saturday nights on RTL. He's been a staple on German television, entertaining generations and making a lasting impact on the industry. Despite his retirement, Gottschalk may likely be spotted making guest appearances or venturing into personal projects in the world of entertainment. His upcoming farewell show in early December marks the close of a storied career, but it's far from the end of the road for this TV legend.

I'm not going to be able to do this every Saturday night anymore, as Thomas Gottschalk, a television legend of 74 years, announced his retirement from hosting RTL's "Denn sie wissen nicht, was passiert," which he has been a part of for 35 years. Although he is retiring, Gottschalk plans to make a grand appearance in a farewell show in early December. Despite his retirement, Gottschalk's charm and quick wit may still be seen in the world of entertainment, as he has been one of Germany's most successful television hosts and a household name.

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