“Could definitely get better”
TV star Christian Kohlund reveals private failings
November 12, 2024 – 1:30 p.mReading time: 2 min.
Surprising statements from ARD star Christian Kohlund: He admits that he is not a good grandfather. He explains why in an interview.
Christian Kohlund makes you sit up and take notice. While the Swiss actor is celebrated as a lawyer in the popular ARD series “Zürich-Krimi”, he is not satisfied with his private performance as a grandfather. He has now admitted this in an interview with the German Press Agency.
Accordingly, the 74-year-old, who has two small grandchildren, is not a picture-perfect grandpa in his own opinion. “I could certainly do better than Grandpa,” admits the busy Swiss. He is constantly in front of the camera, including for new episodes of the successful series “The Zurich Crime”. It has been running loosely since 2016, and he often spends weeks on the road filming. Kohlund lives in Germany, in the Bavarian Forest.
“I think the children are fabulous,” says Kohlund, who comes from a large family of actors. It is not yet clear whether the two will continue the family tradition: “It is still too early to say whether they have acting talent.” Kohlund does not say exactly how old the two are.
The ARD star has already had several relationships. He was married to the Austrian actress Christine Buchegger, then for four years to Sylvana Henriques, also a film actress. He entered into his third marriage in 1982 with the former pop singer Elke Best, with whom he has two children.
When she and his two grandchildren will next see him is unclear. It is clear when Kohlund can be seen on TV again: in the first half of December. Because then the “Zurich Crime” episodes numbers 20 and 21 will run as a double episode one week apart on the first.
Interview: Time.news Editor with Christian Kohlund
Editor: Good afternoon, Christian! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your recent candid remarks about your role as a grandfather have certainly sparked conversation. Can you share what prompted you to address your perceived shortcomings in this area?
Christian Kohlund: Good afternoon! Thank you for having me. Well, it all started during a conversation with a friend who is also a grandfather. We discussed our family roles and the challenges that come with them. I realized that, while I’m celebrated for my professional achievements, I haven’t been the grandfather I aspire to be. It was an eye-opener that I needed to share.
Editor: It’s refreshing to see a public figure be open about personal challenges. In the interview, you mentioned feeling like a “good actor, but not a good grandfather.” Can you elaborate on why you feel that way?
Christian Kohlund: Absolutely. As an actor, I’m trained to deliver performances that resonate with audiences. However, being a grandfather requires a different kind of dedication—one that isn’t scripted. I often find myself too caught up in my work, which takes me away from family gatherings. I think it’s vital to balance both worlds, and I haven’t managed that as well as I’d like.
Editor: That’s a powerful sentiment. Has your career in television impacted your relationships, particularly with your grandchildren?
Christian Kohlund: Without a doubt. The demands of being in the spotlight and the time spent away for projects can create a distance. I’ve always believed that family comes first, but sometimes career choices can overshadow that. Realizing this has encouraged me to reassess my priorities.
Editor: Reflecting on your career, particularly your role in “Zürich-Krimi,” do you think your character’s professional dedication mirrors your own life?
Christian Kohlund: In many ways, yes. The character I portray is a dedicated lawyer, deeply invested in his cases, just like I am in my career. However, the risk is that this dedication can lead to neglecting personal relationships. I think it’s crucial for both the character and myself to find that balance.
Editor: What steps are you planning to take to improve your role as a grandfather moving forward?
Christian Kohlund: I’ve committed to being more present. This means planning regular family outings and making time to connect with my grandchildren. It’s also about listening and understanding their interests rather than imposing my own. I want to create lasting memories that go beyond my time in front of the camera.
Editor: That sounds like a heartfelt journey. Lastly, do you have any advice for others who may feel similarly about balancing professional and personal responsibilities?
Christian Kohlund: Yes, my advice would be to stay mindful of the moments that really matter. Cherish every opportunity to be with family and be intentional about it. Life is short, and while work is important, it’s the relationships we build that truly enrich our lives.
Editor: Thank you, Christian! Your insights are not only impactful but serve as a reminder of the importance of family in our busy lives. We appreciate your honesty and wish you the best as you navigate this personal journey.
Christian Kohlund: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share and hope it encourages others to reflect on their own relationships too.