Hermes Phettberg, the Austrian TV personality and cultural icon, has passed away at the age of 72. Known for his late-night parody show "Phettbergs Nette Leit Show," which gained cult status during the 1990s, Phettberg was remembered as much for his eccentric personality as for his frank discussions on sexuality and society. He died on December 18, 2024, suffering from multiple strokes and living alone and impoverished.
Raised as Josef Fenz, Phettberg became synonymous with unconventional entertainment on Austrian television. His show, which aired on the public broadcaster ORF, was marked by its bizarre and humorous questions, famously asking guests to choose between "Eggnog or Frucade?" This signature style showcased his wit and vulnerability, allowing him to explore personal fantasies and societal norms with refreshing honesty. Late-night talk show host Harald Schmidt once hailed him as "a total work of art," underlining Phettberg's unique place within the television community.
Despite his popularity, Phettberg's life was fraught with challenges. He was often candid about his struggles with weight, financial distress, and mental health. "Every day my saliva is sucked out of my mouth, it's unpleasant," he remarked from the clinic, capturing his deteriorated condition shortly before his death. His friend and caregiver Hannes Moser noted the loneliness of his final days, painting a poignant picture of the once-celebrated figure who had become isolated from the public eye.
Initially rising to fame through his humorous and sometimes controversial material, Phettberg’s candid exploration of his sexual identity and sadomasochistic tendencies had set him apart from his peers. His show premiered to sensational ratings, drawing enthusiastic crowds and fostering discussions previously considered taboo. According to Moser, he died quietly at Vienna's hospital, leaving behind bittersweet memories of his trailblazing influence on Austrian media.
Reflecting on his diverse roles, Phettberg was not just a television host; he was also described as "a friend, an eccentric, a literate, and above all, a dear person," as noted by Florian Klenk, the editor of the "Falter," the weekly paper where Phettberg continued to write his column even amid health struggles.
The legacy of Hermes Phettberg challenges the societal norms he so often critiqued. While he found success amid the laughter and uproar of his talk show, he also faced harsh criticism, as exemplified by the "Kronen Zeitung" which voiced disapproval at what they deemed unappetizing content, stating, "With this unacceptable show, the ORF dipped dangerously..." This critique highlighted the complex relationship between Phettberg and the media, reflecting both admiration and disdain throughout his career.
Throughout his life, Phettberg remained unapologetic about his identity, often reiteratively declaring, "I actually come from sexuality," emphasizing the importance of sexual discourse not just for himself but for society at large. From his days as a bank employee to becoming the figure he was on television, he embodied the struggles and triumphs of challenging conventional wisdom.
Despite these struggles, he maintained connections through his writings, expressing hope even when his health was failing. His last wish for the holidays, “Merry, healthy, and peaceful Christmas everywhere,” shared with his readers weeks before he passed, resonates as both a personal flourish and a final acknowledgment of his empathy.
Phettberg’s artistic contributions remain significant even as he departs from this world. His ability to blend humor with serious social commentary paved the way for future generations of entertainers to express complex narratives about identity and sexuality on public platforms. He may have passed on, but his spirit of inquiry and celebration of individuality has left an indelible mark on Austrian culture.
