Marion Mitterhammer, the beloved star of the ARD telenovela "Sturm der Liebe," is mourning the loss of her husband, renowned director and cameraman Hans-Günther Bücking, who passed away on April 24, 2025, at the age of 73. His death marks a significant loss for both his family and the German film industry.
Bücking's wife, Mitterhammer, confirmed the news to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa), revealing that he had been battling a long and serious illness before his passing. The couple shared a deep bond, having met in 2011 during the filming of "Die Tänzerin – Lebe Deinen Traum," where Mitterhammer starred and Bücking directed. What began as a professional relationship blossomed into a profound personal connection.
Reflecting on their meeting, Mitterhammer recounted, "At that time, I thanked him for the shoot, and he directly asked if he could marry me. We did so a few months later." Their love story, which flourished on set, quickly turned into a lifelong partnership. They were married in 2011 and enjoyed both a personal and professional life together, collaborating on various film projects.
Over his impressive career, Bücking directed more than 20 films and worked as a cameraman on over 60 projects since the early 1980s. His directorial work includes ten episodes of the popular ZDF crime series "Wilsberg," the drama "Jennerwein" featuring Fritz Karl, and the black comedy "Die Häupter meiner Lieben" with Heike Makatsch. He was also behind the camera for notable films such as "Schneeland" (2005), "Solo für Klarinette" (1998), and "Todesspiel" (1997).
Bücking's contributions to the film industry were recognized with numerous prestigious accolades, including the German Film Award and the German Camera Prize. Marion Mitterhammer noted that her husband's camera work had a lasting influence on German cinema, stating, "His work has been stylistically influential in German film for years."
In 2020, Bücking undertook a unique project titled "Lotti oder der etwas andere Heimatfilm," which involved over 300 citizens from his hometown of Bleicherode in Thuringia. This film centered around the return of a former porn star to her roots and featured Mitterhammer in the lead role. Bücking described the experience as creating a wonderful sense of community in a region that felt somewhat neglected.
Bücking was born in Bleicherode, Thuringia, and fled with his family to West Germany in 1961 when he was a teenager. His early career included roles as a camera assistant and lighting technician on productions by noted directors such as Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Roland Klick, and Margarethe von Trotta. His diverse experiences in the film industry laid a solid foundation for his future as a director.
Despite his success, Bücking remained humble. He often emphasized the importance of simplicity in his work, saying, "In the end, he always said: Only the simple is truly great. That was his theme towards the end."
His last significant collaboration with Mitterhammer was the 2022 Austrian feature film "Taktik," where they co-directed, co-wrote, and produced the project together. The couple's shared passion for filmmaking not only strengthened their relationship but also enriched the film community.
Marion Mitterhammer, now left to navigate her grief, expressed her sorrow over the loss of her husband. The couple had built a life together, sharing homes in Munich, on the Mediterranean island of Malta, and in the Harz region. Their bond extended beyond the screen, as they spent quality time together away from their professional commitments.
As the news of Bücking's passing spreads, tributes from the film industry have begun to pour in, highlighting his contributions and the impact he had on those who worked with him. His legacy will undoubtedly live on through the films he created and the lives he touched.
In a final reflection, Mitterhammer shared, "We did not reinvent cinema, but we had fun, and in a rather neglected area, we created a wonderful sense of community." This sentiment captures the essence of Bücking's approach to filmmaking and life, leaving behind a rich legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Hans-Günther Bücking's passing is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Marion Mitterhammer, who will continue to honor his memory both personally and professionally.
