Günther Jauch stands as one of the most recognized figures on German television, having started his career at the age of 29 as an outside reporter for the South German Broadcasting Corporation, now known as SWR. Over the years, Jauch has gained fame primarily as the host of the quiz show Wer wird Millionär? on RTL, captivating audiences since he began with the program over two decades ago.
After completing his training at the German School of Journalism, Jauch transitioned to radio. Initially, he served as a sports presenter, eventually hosting his own daily afternoon show on Bavarian Broadcasting from 1985. It was during this period he met his longtime television friend, Thomas Gottschalk, who would later become his co-star on various shows. The bond they formed has made them inseparable figures on German TV, with Jauch often referring to Gottschalk fondly.
Jauch's significant milestone came when he signed with RTL in 1990. His first prominent role was hosting stern TV, where he presented 891 episodes until 2011. Come 1999, he took on his most notable role as the moderator of Wer wird Millionär?, which has since defined his career.
Aside from his quiz hosting duties, Jauch has also been involved with his own weekly talk show on ARD, dubbed Günther Jauch, which commenced after 2011. Although his television presence is strong, he remains somewhat private, managing to keep much of his family life away from the public eye. Jauch has been married to his wife Thea since 2006, and they share two biological daughters as well as two adopted daughters from Russia, maintaining their family's privacy as much as possible.
Despite the glamour of his TV persona, Jauch has had his fair share of humorous incidents. One notable moment occurred during Wer wird Millionär? when, due to a technical malfunction, incorrect answer options were displayed. To fill the time, Jauch engaged with the contestant, humorously dropping hints about the number of times he had been caught speeding – jokingly estimating around 50 times, only to later amend it to 35.
Speaking of humor, Jauch once revealed how he met his wife, recalling how they crossed paths beside a cigarette vending machine at a bar, using it as the perfect icebreaker due to its proximity to the women's restroom.
His career has not been without its challenges as well. Jauch once worked as a janitor prior to making it big on TV, reflecting on the less glamorous aspects of his life and engaging openly about his past experiences.
Philanthropy is also important to Jauch, who uses part of his earnings to contribute to charitable causes, particularly within his hometown of Potsdam. One of his significant contributions has been to the restoration of historical sites, showcasing his commitment to his roots and to humanitarian efforts.
On top of his TV achievements, Jauch is also noted for owning his family’s vineyard, which has been managed under his name since 2010, along with running a restaurant, Villa Kellermann, opened with chef Tim Raue, which earned accolades almost immediately.
Despite his long-standing success, Jauch has faced setbacks too. The show Quarantäne WG launched during the pandemic was pulled after just three days, showcasing the sometimes unpredictable nature of television.
Recently, attention turned to Jauch’s political neutral stance as he prepares to co-host upcoming political debates on February 16, 2025, alongside Pinar Atalay, featuring candidates Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz. The planned debate brought up discussions about political bias and representation, with Jauch remaining uncharacteristically vague about his political opinions but hinting at criticism of certain parties during past discussions.
Jauch's reputation as one of Germany's most beloved television figures continues to grow with each new project he embarks on. His mix of humor, authenticity, and dedication to his profession keeps audiences engaged, as he remains not just the quizmaster everyone knows but also someone with depth beyond the screen.
