Rolf Schimpf, ‘Der Alte’ Actor, Dies at 100
- A German television actor, known for his role as chief inspector Leo Kress in the ZDF series The Old One, has died at the age of 100.
- He took over the role in 1986 and played it in 223 episodes over 20 years.
- According to news reports, he died peacefully in his sleep at a nursing home in Munich.
German TV Actor Dies at 100
Table of Contents
- German TV Actor Dies at 100
- German Television Actor Dies at 100: A Life in acting
- Introduction: Remembering a Legacy
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Actor
- Who was the German actor who recently passed away?
- What was the actor’s most famous role?
- How long did he play Chief Inspector Leo Kress?
- What other roles did the actor have?
- When did The Old One last air featuring the actor?
- What was his personal life like?
- What are some of the key dates in this actor’s life?
- Conclusion: A Lasting Impression
Published: March 22, 2025

A German television actor, known for his role as chief inspector Leo Kress in the ZDF series The Old One,
has died at the age of 100.
He took over the role in 1986 and played it in 223 episodes over 20 years.
According to news reports, he died peacefully in his sleep at a nursing home in Munich.
in November, he reflected on his life and career, stating that Leo Kress was his favorite role.He also noted the challenges of aging, saying, It is indeed not funny to get that old. You forget so much, and the people who were most important to you all died.
His wife, an actress, passed away in 2015 after nearly 50 years of marriage. He is survived by a son from a previous marriage who resides in Iceland.
Career Highlights
Born in Berlin in 1924, the actor had extensive acting experiance prior to The Old One.
He attended theater school in Stuttgart and held permanent positions at theaters in Lucerne and Bern.
Beginning in the late 1950s, he appeared on television, often in supporting roles. In the late 1960s, he secured a recurring role in the series Port Hospital.
He also appeared in Crime Scene
and nearly 50 episodes of the crime series Market 5113.
His last episode of The Old One
aired in 2006. However, he reprised the role in 2009, appearing as a retired chief inspector Leo Kress in the 340th episode.
German Television Actor Dies at 100: A Life in acting
Published: March 22, 2025
Actor in a scene from “The Old One.”
Introduction: Remembering a Legacy
The world of German television mourns the loss of a beloved actor, who passed away peacefully at the age of 100 in a nursing home in Munich. He was best known for his iconic role as Chief Inspector Leo Kress in the ZDF series The Old One. This article delves into the life and career of this remarkable performer, celebrating his contributions to the world of entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Actor
Who was the German actor who recently passed away?
The German actor, renowned for his role as Chief Inspector Leo Kress in The Old One, has died at the age of 100. Further details regarding his name, will be public as family wishes are respected.
What was the actor’s most famous role?
His most famous role was undoubtedly as Chief Inspector Leo Kress in the ZDF series The Old One. He considered this his favorite role.
How long did he play Chief Inspector Leo Kress?
He played chief inspector Leo Kress for 20 years.He took over the role in The Old One in 1986 and appeared in 223 episodes.
What other roles did the actor have?
Before gaining fame as Chief Inspector Kress, the actor had an extensive career in German television and theater. He appeared in supporting roles starting the late 1950s.
He attended theater school in Stuttgart.
He held permanent positions at theaters in Lucerne and Bern.
He secured a recurring role in the series port Hospital in the late 1960s.
He also appeared in Crime Scene and nearly 50 episodes of the crime series Market 5113.
When did The Old One last air featuring the actor?
His last episode of The Old One aired in 2006. However,he reprised the role in 2009,appearing in the 340th episode as a retired Chief Inspector Leo Kress.
What was his personal life like?
The actor was married for nearly 50 years to an actress, who passed away in 2015. He is survived by a son from a previous marriage who resides in Iceland.
What are some of the key dates in this actor’s life?
| event | Date | Details |
| :————————— | :——— | :—————————————————————————————————————————— |
| Born | 1924 | In Berlin. |
| Started in The Old One | 1986 | Took over the role of Chief inspector Leo Kress. |
| Wife’s passing | 2015 | The actor’s wife, also an actress, passed away. |
| Last episode of The Old One| 2006 | Finished primary run of The Old One. | |
| Final appearance as Leo Kress| 2009 | Reprised role in the 340th episode of The Old One. |
| death | March 22, 2025 | Died peacefully in a nursing home in Munich at age 100. |
Conclusion: A Lasting Impression
This actor’s legacy extends beyond his extraordinary television career. He embodied dedication to his craft, and his performances have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the German television landscape.
