Berlin is buzzing with excitement as renowned actress Brigitte Grothum celebrates her 90th birthday this week. Known for her remarkable performances on stage and screen, Grothum is marking this milestone with the premiere of the play "Oma Trick" at the Schlosspark Theater, where she stars alongside fellow actor Johannes Hallervorden.
For Grothum, turning 90 is not about lavish celebrations. "Bitte nicht vorher gratulieren," she insists, making it clear she prefers not to make too much fuss. Unlike many who choose grand parties for such significant birthdays, she has opted for the theater stage as her venue for celebration, initially suggested by the theater's director, Dieter Hallervorden. "Ich habe meinen Geburtstag bisher nie gefeiert," she shares, highlighting her humble approach to personal milestones.
The actress, who has entertained audiences for over seven decades, commented on her career with great pride. "Na, so was gibt es beim Privattheater schon lange nicht mehr, und wenn man sich den Text nicht mehr merken kann, dann sollte man wirklich abtreten von der Bühne," she notes about performing without the aid of cues. Grothum emphasizes the importance of being prepared on stage, showcasing her commitment to her craft even as she enters her ninth decade.
Her health and vibrant spirit continue to astonish those around her. While Grothum maintains her busy schedule filled with rehearsals and performances, she relies on the encouragement of her family to stay active. "Ich mache gar nicht so viel, meine Tochter achtet darauf, dass ich mich bewege," she beams. Her daughter ensures she gets fresh air and physical exercise, with visits from a personal trainer to keep her agility intact.
Looking back on her career, Grothum's impressive portfolio includes pivotal roles dating back to her first performance at the Tempelhofer Zimmertheater over 65 years ago. She quickly found fame, landing her first leading role in the film "Das Mädchen Marion" and later captivating audiences with her work on the iconic television series "Drei Damen vom Grill," which aired from 1978 to 1992. With 140 episodes under her belt, Grothum became a household name across Germany, treasured for her comedic timing and relatable portrayals.
More recently, Grothum experienced personal loss and professional triumph through her solo performance "Ein deutsches Leben," where she portrays the secretary of Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels. "Das Stück hat mich gerettet," she confides, emphasizing how the play helped her cope after the death of her beloved husband, Manfred Weigert, with whom she shared 50 years of marriage until his passing in 2019.
Despite her age, Grothum shows no signs of slowing down. This year alone, she has been showcased at various performances, including one at Dessau, and she has plans for the Bad Hersfelder Festspiele with the production "Wie im Himmel" as well as filming for the upcoming TV series "Wapo Berlin." Her motivated outlook stands out even more against the backdrop of the broader world. "Man weiß ja nicht mehr, wer schlimmer ist, Putin oder Trump," Grothum reflects, expressing her concern for global politics and urging for unity among nations to address their collective challenges.
The conversations surrounding her future performances are imbued with anticipation as Grothum gears up for her Berlin premiere of "Oma Trick," bringing laughter and joy to audiences on her milestone birth date. For her, each performance is not just another show but rather part of her legacy. Her determination remains evident as she jokes, "Aber betonen Sie das mit der Zahl 90 nicht so," expressing her superstitious nature about acknowledging age directly.
Brigitte Grothum's 90th birthday celebrates not only her enduring contributions to theater and television but her indomitable spirit. With each role she plays and every audience she entertains, Grothum continues to leave an unparalleled impact on the stage, proving age is merely a number when one’s passion for performance endures.