Hape Kerkeling

Hape Kerkeling, born in 1964 in Recklinghausen, began working in television in 1984. He first became known for the character “Hannilein” and later for numerous live performances and television shows and series, including “Total Normal” and “Hape trifft.” As an entertainer, actor, singer, presenter, comedian and author, he became a prominent figure in German entertainment. His well-known characters included Queen Beatrix, Uschi Blum and Horst Schlämmer. Kerkeling received, among other honors, the Golden Camera, the Grimme Award and the German Television Award. His book “Ich bin dann mal weg,” about a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, became a bestseller. His childhood memoir “Der Junge muss an die frische Luft” also reached a wide audience. Both books were adapted into successful films.