Harald Schmidt, the iconic German entertainer, recently made waves with his public appearances, showcasing his unmatched humor and sharp wit. Known for his late-night talk show, which set the standard for comedic television in Germany, Schmidt's latest engagements offer fans both nostalgia and insight.
One of the most anticipated events took place on February 3, 2025, at the Forstner stage. Here, Schmidt met with his old acquaintance Bernd Gnann, offering attendees a spontaneous evening filled with laughter and lively conversation. Both alumni of the same acting school, Schmidt and Gnann were quickly at ease, conversing like old friends, reminiscing about their shared experiences, and engaging the audience with their dynamic banter.
Meanwhile, not long after, Schmidt graced the stage at the Deutsches Theater, where he stole the show alongside former ARD presenter Bernadette Schoog. The pair dove deep without rehearsals, allowing Schmidt's extraordinary talent for improvisation to shine. From the very start, Schoog introduced him as the "Messiah of good entertainment," setting the stage for what would be described as almost a one-man show filled with delightful anecdotes and comedic storytelling.
Throughout the evening, Schmidt's storytelling was punctuated with sharp observations on current events, humorously reflecting on his interactions with notable political figures and his experiences as a father. His knack for comedy turned even mundane stories—like his daughter’s brief internship at Heckler & Koch—into hilarious narratives, captivating the audience's attention.
Shifting the conversation to matters more serious, Schmidt was open about his perspectives on election dynamics. He highlighted how older voters were shaping the political scene, humorously recounting his own diverse voting history as he navigated preferences among various political parties. “I have always scored fifty percent for the Greens and fifty percent for the AfD,” he mentioned, eliciting laughter and applause from the audience.
Despite the laughter, Schmidt’s commentary wasn’t without critique. He addressed the casting situation on the ZDF show "Traumschiff," which he has been part of since 2007. Schmidt openly questioned the caliber of talent being cast, remarking, “It’s astonishing what category of actors is now filming on 'Traumschiff'.” His sentiments echoed those of fellow actor Sigmar Solbach, who lamented the loss of the show's original charm.
Schmidt also humorously expressed how being on the cruise ship often dulls wanderlust: “Having visited most dream destinations through the 'Traumschiff,' once is enough for me.” This sardonic take on travel showcased his unique blend of humor coupled with insightful commentary on the celebrity lifestyle.
Social issues were not spared either, as Schmidt, who has often spoken about mental health awareness, is the patron of the German Depression Relief charity. He brought this cause up during his talk, advocating for the importance of mental health discussions, showing his depth as both entertainer and advocate.
Adding to the levity of the evening, Schmidt joked about generational divides among parents at his adopted son Noah’s school, humorously bemoaning his status as the only father present without the typical “dad sandals.” This light-hearted joke perfectly encapsulated Schmidt’s ability to weave humor within societal observations.
Reflecting on his career during the night, Schmidt discussed the financial realities of being one of Germany’s most recognized entertainers. He revealed, somewhat shockingly, the low pension he receives—just 272 euros—despite his years of contributions to the system, stating with humor, “I accept it firmly. After all, I’ve paid contributions for years; it's my right.” His candidness about the challenges of retirement triggered laughter, yet also serious contemplation among the audience.
Schmidt’s ability to oscillate between humor and poignant insight continued throughout the night, keeping the audience thoroughly entertained and engaged. His self-deprecatory humor about everything from aging to his early career aspirations made for relatable content, as he lightheartedly reminisced about his potential future as “a full-blown alcoholic” had he not pursued acting.
Closing the evening, Schmidt quipped, “The king has left the building,” signaling the end of another memorable performance. With raucous applause echoing throughout the theater, attendees departed with smiles, reflecting on the blend of humor, honesty, and criticism mirrors the man himself: unpredictable, entertaining, and always captivating.