Thriller writer Sebastian Fitzek (54) can be seen on July 23 and 24 in a guest role on "Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten" on the occasion of his 20th anniversary as an author (already on RTL+, now also on RTL, 7:40 pm). In the two episodes, he plays himself - and with his guest appearance, he follows in famous footsteps.
The Berlin-based bestselling author had already filmed on May 12 at the UFA Serial Drama studios in Potsdam-Babelsberg and was impressed by the work on set. "It was exciting to switch sides for once and become part of a 'GZSZ' story myself. The atmosphere on set was great and I was impressed by the passion with which gripping stories are told here daily and implemented by the entire team."
In a video from the set, Fitzek also explained that it had been a dream of his to be able to act in this "cult show" once. Now he even appears in two episodes. "But don't worry, I'm not so dominant that I could ruin anything here!" he emphasized to "RTL". "I'm playing myself, the author Sebastian Fitzek, and I'm giving a very private reading for Jo Gerner from my book 'Der Nachbar'."
Big names from show business - and politics too
While this represents Fitzek's premiere in a daily serial format, the RTL series has long experience with prominent guests. Since its launch in 1992, numerous stars have already stopped by. Often they appeared as themselves like Fitzek, but some also took on smaller supporting roles. Acting legend Brigitte Mira appeared as fortune teller Simone shortly after the 1992 launch, host Thomas Gottschalk appeared in a scene with Rhea Harder and Jeanette Biedermann in 2000, entertainer Hape Kerkeling portrayed a furniture mover named Dietmar in 2005.
Even some politicians have participated. In 1999, former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder stopped by and spoke a full five sentences. Three years later, the then-Governing Mayor of Berlin appeared: Klaus Wowereit played himself at a fictional awards ceremony.
Many musical acts
Well-known musicians also regularly grace the series. Many artists have already presented their songs at the "GZSZ" club "Mauerwerk - including Nena (2009), Andreas Bourani (2014), Vanessa Mai (2017) and Adel Tawil (2019). International celebrities also use the stage of the popular TV production to present themselves. In 2013, for example, the Backstreet Boys performed at the fictional "Mauer Flower" festival. Ed Sheeran sang his hits "The A Team" and "Lego House" at "Mauerwerk" in 2012, Beth Ditto rocked the series stage with her band Gossip in 2024.
Eight years earlier, U.S. talk show host Conan O'Brien made a guest appearance on "GZSZ". He played the character "Johnny J. Smith" and even learned a few sentences in German for the role.
