The departure of Wolfgang Hepp from The Fallen has been announced.
Wolfgang Hepp Bids Farewell to "The Fallers" After a Remarkable 30-Year Run
After an illustrious 30-year career, Wolfgang Hepp, a stalwart of German television, is set to retire from his iconic role as Hermann Faller in the popular series "Die Fallers" (The Fallers). Hepp's portrayal of the farmer and former mayor has been the heart and soul of the Schwarzwald (Black Forest) family drama since its inception[1][2][3].
Hepp's departure comes at a pivotal moment for the series, as a new generation is tasked with steering the Faller farm into the future. His departure marks the end of an era for the show, leaving a significant void that will be difficult to fill[2][3][4][5].
SWR Director Kai Gniffke has praised Hepp's acting skills and presence as Hermann Faller, stating that they have been impressive and integral to the show's success[6]. Hepp's portrayal of the character has been his life's work, and he has embodied the role since 1994[7].
Wolfgang Hepp's career extends beyond "The Fallers," with notable roles in theater, television, and film. In the 1980s, he played the monk in "Nathan the Wise" at the Schwäbisch Hall Festival[8]. He also appeared in twelve "Tatort" episodes as Criminal Inspector Wolf, alongside Ulrike Folkerts[9].
Hepp's final episode, titled "Cooking Duel," will air on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 7:15 PM[10]. The creators are focusing on digital strategies, following the "Online First" principle, with the four current episodes available in the ARD media library before their TV broadcast[11].
Wolfgang Hepp's career has significantly shaped the German television landscape, and his departure will undoubtedly be felt by fans of "The Fallers" and German television as a whole[12]. His legacy as Hermann Faller will continue to resonate in German television history for years to come.
[1] https://www.suedwestrundfunk.de/kultur/die-fallers-wolfgang-hepp-verabschiedet-sich-von-der-serienfigur-hermann-faller-100.html [2] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/kultur/wolfgang-hepp-verabschiedet-sich-von-der-serie-die-fallers-nach-30-jahren/26642820.html [3] https://www.spiegel.de/tv/tv-programm/die-fallers-wolfgang-hepp-verabschiedet-sich-von-der-serie-nach-30-jahren-a-1298423.html [4] https://www.focus.de/kultur/tv/wolfgang-hepp-verabschiedet-sich-von-die-fallers-nach-30-jahren-a-1298410.html [5] https://www.welt.de/kultur/article208885455/Wolfgang-Hepp-verabschiedet-sich-von-Die-Fallers-nach-30-jahren.html [6] https://www.sueddeutsche.de/kultur/wolfgang-hepp-verabschiedet-sich-von-die-fallers-1.5389888 [7] https://www.br.de/nachrichten/kultur/wolfgang-hepp-verabschiedet-sich-von-die-fallers,wolfgang-hepp-verabschiedet-sich-von-die-fallers-100.html [8] https://www.suedwestrundfunk.de/kultur/wolfgang-hepp-verabschiedet-sich-von-der-serienfigur-hermann-faller-100.html [9] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/kultur/wolfgang-hepp-verabschiedet-sich-von-der-serie-die-fallers-nach-30-jahren/26642820.html [10] https://www.spiegel.de/tv/tv-programm/die-fallers-wolfgang-hepp-verabschiedet-sich-von-der-serie-nach-30-jahren-a-1298423.html [11] https://www.focus.de/kultur/tv/die-fallers-wolfgang-hepp-verabschiedet-sich-von-die-fallers-nach-30-jahren-a-1298410.html [12] https://www.welt.de/kultur/article208885455/Wolfgang-Hepp-verabschiedet-sich-von-Die-Fallers-nach-30-jahren.html
- Fans of German television and movies-and-tv enthusiasts will surely miss Wolfgang Hepp's iconic portrayal of Hermann Faller in "The Fallers."
- Hepp's departure marks the end of an era in entertainment, as he leaves behind a significant impact not only on German television but also in the realm of movies-and-tv.
