Otti Fischer feels with Gottschalk: Confession a liberation - Ottfried Fischer reflects on fame, illness, and Thomas Gottschalk’s cancer reveal
Veteran cabaret artist Ottfried Fischer has spoken openly about living with Parkinson’s disease. He first revealed his diagnosis back in 2008. Now, he has shared his thoughts on fellow entertainer Thomas Gottschalk’s recent decision to disclose his own health battle.
Fischer, known for his role in The Cop from Tölz and comedy movies like Tender Chaos, understands the pressures of keeping such news private. He also drew parallels between public reactions to Gottschalk and the late Harald Juhnke, another beloved German performer.
Fischer admitted that, before going public, he lived in constant fear of being outed. The secrecy left him exhausted. When he finally announced his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2008, he described the moment as liberating.
His comments come after Thomas Gottschalk, a household name since the 1970s, revealed his rare cancer diagnosis in December 2025. Gottschalk, 75, had faced speculation after appearing frail at the Romy TV awards on November 28. Fischer noted that the public’s response to Gottschalk mirrored how they once treated Harald Juhnke—a mix of sympathy and intrusive curiosity.
The two entertainers share a long history. In 1987, Fischer co-starred with Gottschalk in the romantic comedy Tender Chaos. Both men have spent decades in the spotlight, shaping German comedy for generations.
Fischer’s reflections highlight the challenges of fame when facing serious illness. His own experience with Parkinson’s and Gottschalk’s recent announcement show how public figures navigate health struggles under scrutiny. For Fischer, speaking out brought relief—something he believes Gottschalk may now also feel.
