In the latest edition of the podcast "Jung in der Gesellschaft," hosted by up-and-coming journalists Julius Stockheim and Tom Prumbach, renowned entertainer Harald Schmidt spoke candidly about his finances and colleagues. At 67 years old, Schmidt discussed the milestones of his career, revealing that he earned his first million at the age of 36. Over the past three decades, he has acquired an impressive fortune, though when asked about the total amount, he playfully remarked, "I stopped counting at some point."
Schmidt’s net worth is unofficially estimated at around 20 million euros, according to "Vermögen Magazin." Not one for ostentation, he clarified that he does not flaunt his wealth; for instance, he would never be seen wearing a golden Rolex or driving flashy cars. "I wouldn’t run around with a golden Rolex," he insisted, reinforcing his down-to-earth disposition.
In his candid chat, Schmidt didn't shy away from commenting on fellow entertainers and political figures. He critiqued Thomas Gottschalk, noting that his recent interview with "Der Spiegel" raised eyebrows, especially considering the sort of revelations Gottschalk made. "One should think about what point in one’s career someone finds it necessary to give an interview to 'Der Spiegel' again," he quipped, adding that former 'Spiegel' guests were once prestigious stars, or as he put it, "the real old hands."
Gottschalk, who recently generated controversy with statements about women on television, has been a subject of discussion in various media outlets. Schmidt, however, not wanting to judge his colleague too harshly, humorously remarked, "I don’t need to give Thommy advice; he’s a giant, a titan,” emphasizing Gottschalk's stature in the entertainment world.
Schmidt also took the opportunity to comment on the demography of media consumption. He mentioned that the average viewer of ARD and ZDF, Germany's public broadcasters, is 63 years old, totaling over 20 million viewers — a fact he believes emphasizes the continued relevance of traditional television even in the age of social media. "The demographic change speaks for television. The average ARD and ZDF viewer is 63. That’s over 20 million, and thanks to healthy living and modern medicine, they’ll all reach 100. That’s going to last a long while," he predicted.
Looking ahead, Schmidt plans to appear on the popular series "Traumschiff" on Easter Sunday, taking on the role of cruise director Oskar Schifferle once again. Despite his enthusiasm for the role, he didn't hold back criticism of the show's talent pool, commenting, "It’s astonishing what kind of actor is filming on the 'Traumschiff'," indicating a shift in the caliber of talent compared to earlier seasons where only top-tier actors were featured.
As Schmidt's career continues, he reflects on the changing landscape of entertainment and the value it has held throughout his life. His humor and critical eye offer a fascinating perspective on both his journey and the industry at large. Schmidt remains a prominent figure, proving that even as trends change, his insights continue to resonate. His blend of humor, realism, and criticism keeps audiences engaged, as he navigates the complexities of fame, finance, and societal expectation.
