Katja Burkard, a prominent television moderator, has recently turned 60, and she celebrated this milestone in style. Known for her role as the main presenter of "Punkt 12 - Das RTL-Mittagsjournal" since 1997, Burkard marked her special day with a lavish birthday celebration in the Maldives, where she shared stunning bikini photos with her fans.
As Burkard entered her sixth decade on April 21, 2025, she took to Instagram to share a striking photo of herself in a black bikini, paired with a light beach tunic. The backdrop of her birthday celebration featured the idyllic scenery of the Maldives, with turquoise waters and pristine sandy beaches, creating a picturesque setting for her milestone moment.
In her Instagram post, Burkard expressed her enthusiasm for turning 60, stating, "Now I am it: 60! You know my credo and the title of my book: 60 is the NEW 60." She continued, "Yes, in the photo I look pretty good and am on a dream island in the Maldives. But even better and more beautiful is what has happened inside me: I am more and more the woman, the person I have always wanted to be." Her candid reflections on aging resonated with her followers, who showered her with compliments and birthday wishes.
Burkard’s journey to success has not been without its challenges. Early in her career, she faced criticism regarding her speech and public perception, particularly concerning her relationship with Hans Mahr, the former RTL chief editor. However, her perseverance paid off, and she has become a beloved figure in German television.
Reflecting on her life experiences in her recently released book, "60 ist das neue 60: Und warum es überhaupt nicht wehtut," Burkard challenges the stigma surrounding aging. She emphasizes that turning 60 is not a cause for concern but rather a time for celebration. "What’s so bad about turning 60? Am I bothered by it? Honestly: NO. Let’s celebrate our age!" she stated, advocating for a positive perspective on growing older.
Burkard's career began after she studied German and Political Science in Mainz and Cologne. She started as a reporter for RTL News in Cologne and quickly rose through the ranks. By autumn 1995, she was presenting weekend editions of "RTL aktuell," and her popularity led to her current role as the main presenter of "Punkt 12" since April 14, 1997.
Throughout her career, Burkard has explored various formats beyond her midday journal. She hosted shows like "Mein erstes Leben - Mich hat es schon einmal gegeben" in 2009 and 2010, appeared as herself in the series "Doctor's Diary" in 2011, participated in "Let's Dance" in 2015, and showcased her talent by winning against Olivia Jones on "Schlag den Star" in 2021. In 2022, she even surprised audiences by appearing as Brokkoli on "The Masked Singer."
In addition to her television career, Burkard has authored four books, including two children's picture books. Her 2019 book, "Wechseljahre? Keine Panik!", addresses women's health and experiences during menopause, where she openly discussed her own struggles and triumphs.
Burkard's personal life has also been in the spotlight, particularly her relationship with Hans Mahr. The couple, who have two daughters born in 2001 and 2007, faced a significant relationship crisis in 2022, leading to a nearly year-long separation. However, they reconciled, and Mahr expressed his enduring love for Burkard during a surprise live celebration on "Punkt 12." He stated, "I love you like on the first day. We have been together for a quarter of a century, and we will likely endure another quarter-century together."
During the celebration on "Punkt 12" following her birthday, Burkard was surprised with a cake featuring her favorite snacks, chips and Maggi, and a heartfelt video message from her family and friends in the industry, including well-known figures like Barbara Schöneberger, Markus Lanz, and Oliver Pocher. The heartfelt messages brought Burkard to tears, showcasing the love and support she has from her colleagues and family.
Burkard's confidence and self-acceptance shine through in her public persona. She has spoken openly about her lisp, which she initially sought to correct but eventually embraced. In a 2023 interview with "Stern," she mentioned, "I have made peace with my lisp, which I initially wanted to correct with speech lessons." She acknowledged the challenges she faced with her hearing and the impact it had on her speech, but she credits her supportive colleagues for encouraging her to embrace her unique voice.
Moreover, she has addressed the topic of cosmetic procedures candidly, revealing in an interview with "Brigitte" that she uses Botox to manage her appearance. "I take Botox because I don’t want to have this frown line on my forehead," she explained, emphasizing the importance of feeling good in one's skin and challenging societal judgments regarding aesthetic enhancements.
As she embarks on this new chapter of her life, Burkard remains a beacon of positivity and empowerment, encouraging others to embrace their age and celebrate their achievements. With her vibrant spirit and dedication to her craft, Katja Burkard continues to inspire not only her fans but also women everywhere to live life fully, regardless of age.
