Antje-Katrin Kühnemann, the beloved TV doctor who graced German screens for decades, has passed away at the age of 80. She died on February 28, 2025, just days after celebrating her 80th birthday with friends at St. Moritz, Switzerland, according to reports from Bayerischer Rundfunk and various news outlets.
Kühnemann was best known for hosting the show "Die Sprechstunde. Ratschläge für die Gesundheit" from 1973 to 2007, which made her one of Germany's most recognized medical experts on television. Her ability to communicate complex health issues simply endeared her to the public, and she often appeared as the go-to medical voice on screen. Born on February 22, 1945, she pursued her medical studies at Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) in Munich, graduating and gaining her doctorate before turning to television.
Throughout her illustrious career, which began when she was just 20 years old as the youngest television announcer, Kühnemann demonstrated her versatility by also hosting children's programs, gymnastic series, and quiz shows paired with notable figures like Hans-Joachim Kulenkampff. Her contributions to health media extended beyond television; she was also the medical director at the Sanatorium Vital-Zentrum in Rottach-Egern for nearly half her life.
Despite her public successes, her personal life saw struggles as she faced serious health challenges. Kühnemann was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. After enduring rigorous chemotherapy and multiple surgeries—over 40 operations total, including breast removal due to fear of the disease—she often spoke openly about her deteriorated health. Just months before her passing, she candidly shared her feelings on death, stating, "I have no fear of death and long for it. When my husband calls me, I will comply. Then my constant pains will finally be over." She faced her ailments with remarkable bravery, articulately noting, "From the outside, you would think I lack nothing. But I am rigid from the neck down. There is nothing whole left on my body."
Kühnemann’s emotional remarks about death were rooted deeply in her personal experiences. Her second husband, Jörg Gühring, passed away from Parkinson's disease in 2021, and Kühnemann had often expressed her grief over his loss. "My soul cries for my husband. I try not to make life harder for others," she reflected during interviews, poignantly highlighting her enduring love for him even after his death.
Her last public appearance came on February 25, 2025, just three days prior to her death, when she attended the premiere of the play "Im Geheimen Mission" at the Kleine Komödie im Bayerischen Hof, demonstrating her commitment to continuing her public presence as long as possible.
Throughout her career, Kühnemann received numerous accolades for her work. She was honored with the Bundesverdienstkreuz, the Bavarian Order of Merit, the Hartmann-Thieding Medal, and the Bambi for her charitable efforts and contributions to public health education.
Friends and former colleagues mourn her passing greatly. Carolin Reiber, who knew Kühnemann for over 55 years, shared her heartbreak, recalling fond memories and stating, "We have been through thick and thin. I think of the beautiful moments we have shared. Just last week, I didn’t know she would be gone. I placed our photo on display, wanting to frame it anew. It’s hard to grasp she is no longer with us."
Kühnemann's legacy is not just one of television and medicine. It's also one of empathy, bravery, and the heartfelt connection she nurtured with her audience for over three decades. She taught many about health with compassion and insight, making her impact on German television and medicine last way beyond her years on screen.
Cherishing her legacy, those who loved her hold on to the memories of her vibrant spirit and insatiable curiosity about life, inviting others to do the same. Kühnemann leaves behind not just her expertise but also her warmth, reminding us of the importance of empathy and the connection we share with one another.