Entertainer and host Thomas Gottschalk (76) is leaving the spotlight behind. In an interview with "Bunte", he says about new appearances: "Nothing more is planned." There "probably won't be any more" public events, the magazine writes.
How consistent this withdrawal is became clear already in spring. In May, Gottschalk was supposed to host the "Goldenen Ochsensepp" awards ceremony in Munich, at which Austria's former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (39) was to be honored. He canceled the event for health reasons.
"Saturday night was the best time of my life"
The former "Wetten, dass..?" host also rules out a comeback on television. The medium has changed too much, he told "Bunte". He no longer fits in, entertainment is no longer what it once was. "For decades, Saturday night was the best time of my life. But it's over - and I don't miss anything."
Behind the decision is a difficult year. About twelve months ago, Gottschalk received the diagnosis "epithelioid angiosarcoma", a very rare and highly aggressive vascular tumor. According to "Bunte", there are at most three cases per million people. Gottschalk had in a post on Instagram, with which he updated his followers on his health over the weekend, already mentioned two surgeries. The magazine now reports details. Among other things, it says the first lasted seven hours, the second six.
Gottschalk calls himself "cancer-free at the moment"
After the medical procedures and a three-week rehab, the 76-year-old is now doing significantly better. "I'm doing well, considering the circumstances. I'm on my way back to life", he told the magazine. The therapies are working and his values are increasingly improving. The doctors are also satisfied.
Additionally, Gottschalk is participating in a study at Greifswald University Hospital, where he receives an injection every 14 days. He has already completed eight of the total twelve treatments, according to his own statements. Whether the method actually helps against the cancer is still unclear, but it can't hurt, the host says.
The entertainer made his cancer diagnosis public in late November 2025, and a few days later he said goodbye to television. A few days ago, he returned. In a video message on Instagram, he summarized: "After two surgeries, 33 radiation treatments, and three weeks of rehab, I am cancer-free at the moment. That's the most important news for now." Shortly after, he showed himself with a photo overwhelmed by the many well-wishes that reached him.
"Karina is the flame of my heart"
Gottschalk names his wife Karina, who accompanied him throughout the entire treatment, as his most important support. "Without her, I wouldn't have made it through all of this", he said. He still wonders today where she gets her energy and how she keeps his spirits up. "Karina is the flame of my heart. I still burn for her every single day."
Instead of stage and camera, the couple now focuses on traveling together. Gottschalk spent his birthday in May with family at Lake Maggiore and Lake Lucerne, then went with Karina for a weekend to Paris, where the two visited the opera.
