Horst Janson, the beloved German actor best known for his roles in "Sesamstraße" and "Der Bastian," has passed away at the age of 89. His death, which occurred several days prior to the official announcement, was confirmed by his second wife, Hella Ruthardt, and his first wife, Monika Lundi.
Born on May 24, 1935, in Mainz, Janson's passion for acting ignited at a young age, leading him to study at the drama school in Wiesbaden. He made his film debut in 1959, portraying Morten Schwarzkopf in the adaptation of Thomas Mann's classic novel "Die Buddenbrooks." This role marked the beginning of over five decades of incredible contributions to film and television.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Janson became known internationally, taking part in films such as "Zwei Kerle aus Granit" alongside Tony Curtis and “Zwei wilde Companeros" with Franco Nero. He also captivated audiences through several TV series, with notable performances in "Salto Mortale" and the film series "Unter weißen Segeln." His role as "Horst" on the iconic children’s show "Sesamstraße" from 1980 to 1985 solidified his status as a cultural icon within the German entertainment sphere.
Janson's portrayal of "Der Bastian" in the popular 1973 ZDF series showcased his charm and charisma, attracting massive viewership and making him widely recognized as a heartthrob. Colleagues and fans alike remembered him as affable and kind, traits he carried both on-screen and off.
His personal life saw him marrying twice; his first marriage to actress Monika Lundi lasted from 1973 until their divorce three years later. He later wed Hella Ruthardt in 1982, and together they had two daughters, Sarah-Jane and Laura-Marie, both of whom have followed in their father's footsteps to pursue acting careers.
Health issues plagued Janson during the final years of his life. Family lawyer Armin Rosenbach confirmed the actor's passing as “peaceful,” shedding light on the health struggles—notably, he suffered a mild stroke in the summer of 2024. His wife Hella recounted the harrowing moment when the stroke struck: "When he came home, he could suddenly no longer speak." Following rehabilitation efforts, there were glimmers of hope, but complications persisted, culminating with another stroke exacerbated by injuries resulting from a fall.
Janson spent much of his last year receiving treatment, enduring hospital stays including recovery from a dangerous infection he contracted during his hospital visits. These challenges left him unable to take part in scheduled performances, such as at the Bad Hersfeld Festival. His health struggles became progressively worse, leaving friends and family concerned.
Yet through all his trials, Hella remained by his side, steadfast and loving. She consistently expressed her optimism, often stating, "We will get through this together." She praised Janson’s resilient spirit during difficult times, highlighting their deep emotional connection and how they brought comfort to one another.
Reflecting on Janson’s legacy, many from the television industry expressed their sorrow at his passing. "He was admired for his dedication to his roles, and there are not enough words to describe the kind of man he was—that gentle spirit and his ability to connect with audiences," recalled one industry peer.
His impact on pop culture, especially among children, remains significant. Janson's time on "Sesamstraße" not only entertained younger generations but also shaped their formative years. Viewers often shared fond memories of watching him play alongside characters like Tiffy and Samson. He became synonymous with warmth and kindness, creating lasting memories for many.
Despite facing financial difficulties and health challenges in his later years, Janson remained hopeful for future opportunities, expressing his love for acting, which emphasized his unwavering passion for his craft. A few years back, he acknowledged the ups and downs of his career, stating, "There is no retirement age for actors; I want to work as long as I'm physically able. That’s the beauty of our profession.”
Janson's legacy will undoubtedly live on, not only through his memorable performances but also through the generations he inspired both on-screen and through personal interactions. His wife Hella, daughters, and extended family have shared their heartbreak, noting how deeply he will be missed but also how grateful they are for the countless joyful memories.