Hermes Phettberg, Austrian TV Icon and LGBTQ Advocate, Dies at 72

The host of the cult 1990s show 'Phettbergs Nette Leit Show' passed away in a Vienna hospital, leaving behind a legacy of wit, eccentricity, and cultural impact.

Hermes Phettberg, born Josef Fenz in 1952, was a celebrated Austrian TV personality known for his unique hosting style and outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ rights.
His 1990s talk show, 'Phettbergs Nette Leit Show,' gained cult status for its unconventional humor and bizarre guest interactions, including the infamous question, 'Eierlikör or Frucade?'
Phettberg's career was marked by his openness about his sexuality, struggles with mental health, and physical ailments, which included multiple strokes and severe health decline in his later years.
Despite his fame, Phettberg faced financial difficulties and lived a reclusive life after his show ended, continuing to write a candid and personal column in the Viennese weekly 'Falter' until his death.
Phettberg passed away on December 18, 2024, in a Vienna hospital, leaving behind a poignant final message to his readers wishing them 'Frohe, gesunde und friedliche Weihnachten.'

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung