Austrian actor Hans Sigl, famously known for his role as Dr. Martin Gruber on the popular series Der Bergdoktor, has publicly identified as a feminist, expressing his commitment to gender equality and social issues. During an interview at the Cologne Literature Festival, Sigl revealed his deep-rooted feminist beliefs, stating, "I find it sad to regrettable, this debate still needs to exist in our society." He believes the persistent need for discussions around feminism indicates there is still much work to be done.
Sigl voiced this sentiment as he reflected on the significance of events like Women’s Day, noting, "I find it to be shameful there is even such a day to recognize what is fundamentally out of balance." He emphasized important issues ranging from Equal Pay Day to femicides, commenting on the necessity for awareness and action. "Therefore, I call myself a feminist, as there’s considerable need for progress and catching up," he added, expressing his disappointment concerning the slow evolution of societal attitudes toward gender equality.
The actor also addressed the criticism directed at his character, Martin Gruber, often portrayed as a man who has had numerous relationships with women. While appearing on the NDR Talk Show, hosted by Bettina Tietjen, Sigl responded to inquiries about how many women Gruber had "used up" over the years. He stated, "I find the wording always so important," highlighting his discomfort with the expression. Sigl firmly rejected the notion, insisting, “He [Gruber] was never someone who ‘used’ women; he was committed and faithful to his relationships.”
Sigl shared his belief communicated to Tietjen during their conversation, reinforcing his stance: "Women are not used up, period." He articulated how important it is to portray strong female characters, pointing out the shift from past portrayals seen in earlier series like Die Schwarzwaldklinik. "We aimed from the start to depict women more modernly and differently," he asserted.
The conversation also included the serious matter of misinformation, wherein Sigl discussed fake news surrounding his life. "This year, I have died four times according to the fake news," he joked, before highlighting how frequent and troubling these false narratives can be. "There are channels dedicated to clickbait, reporting absurd stories about my supposed death from lung cancer, car accidents, or pancreatic cancer — and then it turns out to be trivial content," he explained, illustrating his frustration with the spread of sensationalized rumors.
He expressed skepticism about the potential to combat misinformation, quoting Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's controversial comments about free speech and antisemitism: "These are developments we cannot control, and they are reaching alarming heights." Sigl shared concern over the broader impact of fake news, stating, "I believe the depth of disinformation and its consequences are often underestimated by everyone."
Besides addressing contemporary issues, Sigl seized the opportunity to reflect upon language use and its significance during International Women’s Day. On social media, he later clarified the importance of the specific terms used to describe relationships, stating, "It shows how outdated such phrases can be and highlights the necessity of careful word choice."
Sigl concluded with remarks on the need to continue advocating for women’s equality, saying, "The International Women's Day must be acknowledged until it becomes unnecessary, which signals true progress." His statements resonate within the realms of entertainment and broader societal discourses, sparking important conversations around masculinity, gender equality, and representation.
Throughout his career, Sigl has remained not only committed to his character's integrity but also to the themes of empathy and respect toward women portrayed on television. His role significantly contributes to discussions about female representation, providing hope for more empathetic storytelling and genuine portrayals moving forward.
Reflecting on current media landscapes, Sigl drew parallels between Der Bergdoktor and other popular series like Yellowstone, led by Kevin Costner. He noted both share similar principles, underlining the importance of family protection, albeit with stark thematic differences. “Only we heal people instead of portraying brutal endings,” he remarked about his show, emphasizing the compassionate messaging at the heart of Der Bergdoktor.
Hans Sigl’s reflections and discussions highlight the importance of gender equality, appetite for authentic portrayal of relationships, and acknowledgement of societal issues—these expressions from someone at the forefront of popular culture may serve to inspire change beyond the screen.
