Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Thomas Gottschalk Ends TV Career With RTL Farewell

He cited treatment-related brainfog and a recent cancer surgery in explaining his decision to step away.

Overview

  • In a conversation with Günther Jauch, he said the cancer was detected after his wife urged him to see a doctor and described surgery that involved cutting a thigh muscle to reach the ureter.
  • He announced he will withdraw from public life and reduce his presence on social media.
  • Explaining that treatment-related brainfog worsens late at night, he left the program halfway through and departed the studio to sustained applause with his wife, Karina.
  • The audience offered standing ovations and tribute signs, and friend Mike Krüger performed a reworked song for him but briefly lost the lyrics before finishing.
  • Reports floated potential successors such as Giovanni Zarrella, Jörg Pilawa and Michelle Hunziker, though any replacement lineup remains unconfirmed.