Sandra Maischberger Keeps Helmut Schmidt's Cigarette Stubs as Memento

The talk show host cherishes a unique keepsake from her last interview with the former German Chancellor.

Sandra Maischberger retains an ashtray containing cigarette stubs from Helmut Schmidt, collected during her final interview with the former Chancellor.
The ashtray was a gift from her director, Markus Verhall, who preserved the stubs from Schmidt's last appearance on her show.
Maischberger's son humorously speculated about cloning Schmidt using DNA from the cigarette stubs, inspired by the concept from 'Jurassic Park'.
Helmut Schmidt, known for his disregard of smoking bans, famously said he only needed work and cigarettes as stimulants.
Schmidt, who passed away in 2015, was a lifelong smoker and often smoked during public appearances, including on Maischberger's show.