With great sadness, the entertainment industry mourns the passing of Horst Janson, the beloved German actor, at the age of 89. Janson, known for his charming performances on screen, died peacefully at his home in Grünwald, as confirmed by family attorney Armin Rosenbach.
Born on May 5, 1935, Janson seemed to defy aging, maintaining the youthful charm he showcased throughout his extensive career. His roles across television and film, particularly as 'Horst' on 'Sesamstraße' and the titular character in 'Der Bastian', endeared him to millions of viewers, often reaching audiences of up to 15 million people per episode.
Despite his television fame, Janson faced several challenges later in life. After experiencing significant health issues beginning mid-2024, including an unexpected stroke, his health deteriorated significantly. His wife, Helgardt 'Hella' Ruthardt, recounted, 'When he came home, he could suddenly no longer speak.' Fortunately, he initially showed signs of recovery, relearning to walk and participating actively in memory training before his sudden demise. His passing was unexpected, marking the end of not only his health struggles but also his vibrant contributions to German cinema and television.
Janson’s career was not only prolific but also showcased his versatility as he transitioned from theater to television, marking his early work at the Staatstheater Wiesbaden before making his television debut with the 1959 adaptation of Thomas Mann's 'Die Buddenbrooks'. His portrayal of Morten Schwarzkopf gained him acclaim, paving the way for his future successes.
Throughout the 1970s, Janson's performances on shows like 'Salto Mortale' helped him achieve widespread recognition. He often portrayed amiable and relatable characters, which reflected his off-screen personality. 'He was such a beautiful man - with so much grandezza,' said actress Jutta Speidel, reflecting the warmth with which colleagues remembered him.
Janson's life, unfortunately, was not without its troubles. He faced severe financial difficulties, culminating in bankruptcy declared by the Munich District Court in 2011 due to misguided investments, including costly real estate deals. Janson admitted to suffering from substantial debts - reportedly around €650,000 - leading him to extreme challenges where he revealed, 'We're not just up to our necks; we're almost underwater.' Despite these struggles, he chose to live humbly, residing not in the towering villas of Grünwald but rather in a simple terraced house with his wife.
Friends and fans rallied to support him during his financial crises, with one public fundraising effort securing €45,000 to help avoid the foreclosure of his home. Tragically, even this assistance did not spare him from additional tax burdens, exacerbated by financial scrutiny from tax authorities. Nonetheless, both Janson and Hella expressed pride, refusing to seek state assistance as Hella stated they simply were not inclined to do so.
Tributes have poured in following Janson's death, with many of his former colleagues reflecting on his life and contributions. 'Horst was one of the very special and wonderful colleagues,' said actress Liselotte Pulver. She reminisced about their shared moments, recalling their first meeting during the 'Die Buddenbrooks' filming. 'He would remain forever charming and retain his youthfulness, having lost none of his humor. He will be missed,' she added.
The iconic 'Sesamstraße' also paid tribute to Janson on its social media, acknowledging his lasting impact on generations of children who watched him. 'With great sorrow, we bid farewell to Horst Janson, who enchanted us as 'Horst' with his warmth and smile,' the tribute read. 'His appearances taught valuable lessons and brought laughter, leaving behind cherished memories.' Janson's role on the show was instrumental in solidifying his legacy, cementing him as one of Germany's cherished television figures.
Janson's career spanned more than fifty years, blending theater, film, and television to create an unforgettable legacy. Even as his health declined, he remained active until the very end, gracing the stage for the last time just two years prior to his death.
Horst Janson will be remembered for his multifaceted talent, gentle demeanor, and the joy he brought to audiences across generations. His passing marks not just the loss of an actor, but the end of an era of warmth and humor on German television.
Friends, fans, and colleagues will forever treasure the memories of Horst Janson, whose radiant presence and charisma will not easily be forgotten.