Hans Sigl, the beloved star of the ZDF series "Der Bergdoktor," has captivated audiences since 2008 with his portrayal of Dr. Martin Gruber. At age 55, Sigl recently opened up about how he navigates the challenges of aging, particularly under the public's watchful eye. With the release of the latest season starting January 2, Sigl's reflections on personal changes and professional commitments are more pertinent than ever.
Throughout his nearly two-decade-long stint on the show, Sigl has witnessed, alongside his fans, the evolution of Dr. Gruber. “Of course, the Bergdoktor has become more serene because he has earned some inner calm with his experience,” Sigl noted in an interview with Super TV. This evolution mirrors Sigl's own acceptance of the aging process. He emphasizes his comfort with the changes occurring both personally and professionally, stating, “The surprise over physical changes is quite minimal for me. I can live well with it because I am at peace with myself.”
Rather than viewing aging as hindering his career, Sigl appears to embrace it. Many public figures grapple with the so-called midlife crisis, yet Sigl claims to have successfully sidestepped this common pitfall. “I would describe myself as a motivator, as the good-mood bear,” Sigl said, highlighting his positive attitude even amid the pressures of public life.
Behind the scenes, Sigl's role isn't just about the character he portrays but also the camaraderie he shares with his cast and crew. The relationships developed during the filming of "Der Bergdoktor" are cherished by Sigl, who regards the team spirit as pivotal. After almost twenty years, he still relishes the complexity and development of his character, indicating he feels there is more story to tell: “I still enjoy it because it keeps developing.”
On the personal front, Hans Sigl leads quite the interesting life. Having been married to Susanne Sigl for almost 16 years, the couple celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary recently. Sigl often speaks fondly of his wife, and they occasionally showcase their relationship on social media and red carpets. Prior to this marriage, Sigl was involved with actress Katja Keller, with whom he shares a son, Nepomuk Jim. Although he has experienced family dynamics firsthand through these relationships, Sigl maintains close ties with Keller’s daughter Joana, his adopted child. He enthusiastically embraced his role as grandfather when Joana had her child recently.
Reflectively, Sigl offers insight on the importance of communication within his blended family. “Nothing at home stays unspoken, and all parents are united on the main issues,” he shared candidly. This commitment to transparency helps maintain harmony within their diverse household, where each child, whether biological or adopted, is valued.
Encounters with aging, family, and public scrutiny shape Sigl's narrative both on-screen and off. His ability to embrace change contrasts with the often harsh realities faced by celebrities, reaffirming his grounded perspective. The star remains focused on his craft, stating, “But there will definitely come the point where I realize my part is told.” While acknowledging eventual career transitions, Sigl remains committed to his character and the series for the foreseeable future.
Even with the holiday season on the horizon, Sigl approaches it with calmness, previously sharing his secrets for celebrating stress-free Christmases. This balanced approach exemplifies his attitude toward both his personal life and professional obligations.
Fans of "Der Bergdoktor" can look forward to experiencing more of Hans Sigl's growth as both himself and Dr. Martin Gruber as the new season premieres, promising to deliver more cherished moments and insights from the series’ enduring storyline.
Through candid conversations about aging, family, and personal growth, Hans Sigl sets an example for others grappling with similar experiences. His unwavering commitment to authenticity resonates deeply with audiences, offering them not just entertainment, but also perspective on life’s continual changes.
