Hape Kerkeling Reflects on Life and Career as He Turns 60

The celebrated comedian and author celebrates his milestone birthday with retrospectives on his groundbreaking career and personal journey.

Hape Kerkeling, a pivotal figure in German comedy, marks his 60th birthday with a special day of programming on ARD, including a new documentary titled 'Hape Kerkeling - Total Normal.'
Kerkeling's career began at 19 when he won a major cabaret award, leading to a rapid rise in television despite limited experience at the time.
He is known for iconic moments like impersonating Queen Beatrix in 1991, a stunt that humorously tested security protocols and left a lasting impression on German TV history.
Kerkeling has also been candid about challenges in his career, including a period of reinvention in the 1990s and his public outing in 1991, which he addresses in his latest book, 'Gebt mir etwas Zeit.'
Now focused on writing, Kerkeling continues to advocate for democracy and social issues, using his platform to inspire civic engagement and reflect on his personal and professional growth.