Nobody was “The Old Man” anymore: Rolf Schimpf played Chief Inspector Leo Kress 222 times in 21 years in the ZDF crime series. He was an unassuming and gracious investigator – but his dry manner was popular. Schimpf was already 83 years old when he retired in 2007. He turns 100 on Thursday.
Schimpf was born on November 14, 1924 in Berlin. His father was a naval officer who first took on important tasks during the rise of National Socialism, but then died in 1935 under circumstances that have never been clear. Rolf Schimpf was drafted into the Wehrmacht during the Second World War and suffered a serious head injury. After the war, he first trained as a businessman before becoming an actor.
Schimpf and his second wife Ilse Zielstorff, who died in 2015, performed theater together, and from the 1970s onwards Schimpf appeared more and more often on television. He was there at the beginning of the crime series “Soko 5113″ and also in “Office Office”. In 1984, Schimpf took the lead role in the popular six-part series “Mensch Bachmann”, where he was a widower with four daughters. The producer Helmut Ringelmann took the success of the series as an opportunity to give Schimpf the main role in “Der Alte”, which he also showed – Schimpf had no time for further commitments.
Shortly before his birthday, the Munich “Abendzeitung” gave Schimpf, who lives in a retirement home, a typical basket. “The Old Man” was written on the black and white flag and “100/1”. Schimpf is said to have commented on her unusually special day with the word “big”. However, according to statements from those around him, Schimpf is now ill. The sad news that he had to move from his long retirement home to a more affordable one last year at the age of 99 for financial reasons came from his doctor, who is also his carer.
A 100th birthday should not be a celebration. This is a bit reminiscent of the last episode with insults in “The Old One”. “Actually, I don’t feel like celebrating,” he said to Leo Kress when his colleagues wanted to see him out with champagne in the episode “Jakob”. The celebration was actually canceled because Schimpf’s colleagues were called to another murder case. “You can do that very well on your own—you’ve learned long enough from me,” were the inspector’s last words.
It is unclear whether Schimpf modeled “The Old Man” or whether the series would have been a long-running hit even with a different actor. But ZDF’s Friday evening crime thriller already succeeded with the first “Old” Siegfried Lowitz. It still is today. Thomas Heinze is attracting millions of viewers to his screens as the “Old Man”. After the discontinued series “Derrick”, “Der Alte” was also ZDF’s biggest export success with sales to more than a hundred countries.
Schimpf described the calm actions of the Munich investigators as the secret of the series’ success in the newspaper “Die Welt”. ”There are too many crime shows that use guns and violence and exploding cars - and ‘The Old Man’ is one of the few that doesn’t.” The series has always tried to portray the everyday life of a criminal – and it has paid off.
Many people were affected last year by the fact that the actor, despite his many years as a prominent television face, can no longer afford his retirement home. His doctor and carer gave a calm justification for the move of the then 99-year-old in the newspaper “Bild” with the words: “I have to make sure that I put him up so that he can live for two or another three years.”
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Rolf Schimpf
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good evening, and welcome to our special segment. Today, we celebrate a truly remarkable life as Rolf Schimpf approaches his 100th birthday. To help us reflect on his career and legacy, we have Dr. Anja Müller, a renowned film and television historian. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Müller.
Dr. Anja Müller (DAM): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an iconic figure in German television.
TNE: Rolf Schimpf, known for his role as Chief Inspector Leo Kress in the long-running ZDF crime series ”Der Alte,” has been a household name for decades. What do you think made his portrayal so special?
DAM: Schimpf brought a rare blend of humility and intelligence to the character of Leo Kress. His dry wit and unassuming nature made him relatable, while also allowing him to tackle serious issues in a nuanced way. It’s not just about solving crimes; it’s about the human experience behind those stories.
TNE: It’s interesting to note that he played this character 222 times over 21 years. How do you think that consistency contributed to his legacy?
DAM: Consistency is key in building a connection with the audience. Rolf Schimpf embodied the character so well that viewers felt they really knew him. It’s a testament to his talent that even after retiring in 2007, Kress remains an iconic figure in the crime genre.
TNE: His background is also quite fascinating. From serving in the Wehrmacht during World War II to becoming a successful actor, how do you think his early life experiences shaped his performances?
DAM: His life experiences undoubtedly added depth to his character. Having faced adversity, Schimpf brought an authenticity to his roles that many actors might lack. His ability to portray pain, loss, and resilience resonated with audiences, giving his performances a weight that was both compelling and real.
TNE: And his recent health struggles and financial difficulties present a somber contrast to his illustrious career. Can you elaborate on how this affects the public’s perception of such a towering figure?
DAM: It highlights the vulnerability that exists even in the lives of those we admire. Celebrities often seem invincible, but Schimpf’s situation serves as a reminder of the reality many face in old age. This duality can deepen our connection with him; we see him not just as a character on screen, but as a human being with real challenges.
TNE: As he approaches his 100th birthday, what do you think is the most important aspect of his legacy that we should remember?
DAM: I believe his legacy lies in his dedication to his craft and the profound impact he had on German television. He showed us the power of storytelling and was a pioneer in the crime genre. His work paved the way for future generations of actors and storytellers, reinforcing the idea that television can explore complex human emotions while entertaining.
TNE: Dr. Müller, thank you for sharing your insights. Rolf Schimpf’s journey from a young boy in Berlin to a beloved actor is an extraordinary tale that continues to inspire.
DAM: Thank you for having me. I believe as a community, we should celebrate not just his anniversary but the art he has created and the impact he made on all of us.
TNE: Absolutely. Let’s honor Rolf Schimpf’s contributions and the joys he brought into our lives. Thank you for tuning in to this special tribute.