Hans Sigl, the beloved star of the ZDF series "Der Bergdoktor," has captivated audiences not only through his portrayal of the caring Dr. Martin Gruber but also by projecting the image of a devoted family man. Yet, behind the scenes, Sigl's personal story reveals stark contrasts. The 55-year-old actor shared his harrowing familial experiences, admitting to over two decades of estrangement from his biological father.
During his appearance on the podcast "Hotel Matze," hosted by Matze Hielscher, Sigl opened up about the trauma surrounding his childhood. His parents divorced when he was just ten years old, leaving him with the burden of trying to mend the shattered family structure. "I always tried to keep the family structure intact; I wanted to serve as a link for everyone," he reflected on this emotionally charged period.
Despite his efforts, Sigl faced the harsh reality of his father leaving home, leading him to predominantly live with his grandparents after his mother decided to raise him alone. Those formative years had lasting effects. Sigl eventually sought therapy and studied psychology to process his past. By the age of 30, he reached the conclusion to cut ties with both his parents, stating, "With great gratitude and humility, I find it wonderful what our life was, and I thank you for my life with you." He reinforces the notion, saying, "Biological origin is sometimes overrated," indicating his belief in the fluidity of family ties.
Sigl's emotional stance on his familial relationships does not detract from the love he expresses for his current family. He has been married to Susanne Sigl for 17 years, and they have four children together. The couple's dynamic is described as complementary; Sigl has referred to Susanne as the more reserved partner, with him being the creative one. "We are like fire and water, but it fits quite well together," Susanne remarked, shedding light on how their opposing personalities lead to mutual support as they navigate life.
The couple tends to keep their romance private, preferring to allow Sigl's work to take center stage. This approach creates not only respect but also admiration from fans who appreciate the mystery surrounding their relationship. "The beautiful part is, when you go together through life, you see how your partner develops and changes," Hans shared during the interview.
Fans are also familiar with Sigl as the charming doctor fighting for patients’ lives on screen. While many appreciate the complexity of his character, he recently addressed the controversial label of "womanizer" often assigned to Dr. Gruber. Sigl argued, "I find it unfortunate how Gruber is sometimes labeled as ‘the womanizer in the mountains;’ he is actually a very stable character who has had long relationships and truly feels for others." He defends his character’s actions, stressing the importance of long-term relationships even when they end.
Adding another layer to his career, Sigl is preparing to star as Tom Fährmann, a former smuggler turned human rights activist, in the upcoming ZDF thriller "Flucht aus Lissabon.” Taking on this role marks not only a shift from his familiar character but also tackles pressing themes like fake news and election manipulation, underscoring current societal issues.
"The topics discussed in this film are incredibly current. It’s about fake news and manipulation; you can't think of anything more relevant," Sigl enthused, highlighting the film's storyline and its potential impact on viewers.
While Sigl enjoys connecting with fans at public events, he's been candid about his discomfort with certain situations, including his decision to stop attending the Munich Oktoberfest. He described his previous experiences at the festival as increasingly uncomfortable due to the sexualization he faces, which has manifested in troubling encounters. "I used to enjoy the Wiesn, but it is no longer feasible for me," he candidly admitted, explaining the need for boundaries to protect his personal space.
Despite the challenges posed by his fame, Sigl has been touched by endearing fan interactions, including heartfelt moments with fans who find joy and inspiration from his work. Sigl remains devoted to his craft and family, with each new role allowing him to explore diverse facets of his identity and connection to both his public persona and private life.
Through both his trials and triumphs, Hans Sigl embodies the complexity of human relationships—illustrated by his commitment to personal growth, his dedication to family, and his impact on audiences everywhere.