Otto is already giving his many fans a Christmas present today (December 2nd): his Advent show “Otto Fröhliche” in the first. In an interview, the comedian legend talks about Christmas rituals, wishes and his personal plans.
Every year again? No, Otto is doing something completely new: an Advent show on the first with the title “Otto Fröhliche” with music and sketches. He invites many stars to do this. Presenter Florian Silbereisen, singer Mark Forster, comedian Matze Knop, actress Uschi Glas, musician Max Raabe, “Tagesschau” spokeswoman Judith Rakers and singer Stefanie Heinzmann will be there. It’s 90 minutes of the finest Otto. You can feel how much the comedian is enjoying being in front of an audience again after the corona break.
In an interview, the 73-year-old reveals how he celebrates on Christmas Eve when no one is watching. Otto also hears “O Tannenbaum” by Max Raabe when he celebrates with friends in Florida – with a fir tree, but without real candles.
An interview with HÖRZU reporter Mirja Halbig
Dear Otto, what can you bring the greatest joy with this Christmas?
OTTO WAALKES: I feel like most – thanks to the good news: The pandemic is over! How are you going to celebrate this year? Let’s see if I can travel to America this year. In that case I invite American friends and celebrate with them the old German way: with biscuits and a Christmas tree.
Three quick decision-making questions so that we know what makes you tick: goose or sausages with potato salad?
One after the other.
Real candles or fairy lights?
Real ones are almost banned in America.
Sparkling wine or seltzer?
Both.
Who decorates your house for the big party?
I’ll have to do that myself. Let’s see if I can still find the fairy lights from the year before last. I also take care of the tree myself. Finding a real fir tree in Florida could be a bit tricky.
What should you definitely not be missing on Christmas Eve?
When I hear old Christmas carols, I’m already in the mood. Some are always new versions. I like “O Tannenbaum” by Max Raabe a lot. I would miss such songs very much. And the rituals from yesteryear that come from my parents’ house: ringing the bell when giving presents, singing together before unpacking the presents, sausages with potato salad – everything.
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© ARD
Otto in a Christmas duet with Max Raabe.
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How did you experience the holidays as a child?
The great feelings you had as a child, this anticipation, this tension, whether you would actually get what you wanted – my parents always made sure of that, and I am grateful to them to this day.
What was your most important Christmas present?
My first guitar. A very small one, I must have been six years old. From then on it was clear to me: I will be a pop star!
Do you remember your most beautiful or your funniest experience on December 24th?
It’s typical that you always remember the saddest Christmas. That was a long time ago: My older brother was hired on a freighter and he couldn’t be with us on Christmas Eve – the Suez Canal was closed. So there were only three of us and we were very sad. Instead of “O you happy”, my parents and I sang “Boy, come back soon”.
How much are you looking forward to Christmas this year – after the last festival was heavily influenced by the corona pandemic and many families were unable to celebrate together?
Yes, it was complicated last Christmas: Up to ten people from two households, not counting the under 14s. Or was it 14 households with two people each that … until 10 a.m.? Fortunately, I forgot.
How did you experience it?
Oh, I could celebrate Christmas with my brother. We could take long walks in the woods. But if at some point you know every tree by first name, then you will be happy when it starts again next year. On tour next year: “Otto Live!”.
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After the lockdown, you seem to have more to do than ever: TV appearances, the tour. What does Otto actually do to relax?
I don’t know anything better for relaxing than preparing for these events: practicing the guitar, thinking up new jokes and going into the studio every now and then and painting a new picture. Yes, painting, that’s really relaxing!
What can your fans expect on the tour next year?
Otto! I’ll be alone on the stage again, and if the people in the hall feel like taking part, we’ll have a nice, colorful evening.
What are you particularly looking forward to after the long break?
On the direct contact, the hour after the show, when I can give autographs and everyone can take their selfie with me. I always get the nicest compliments. That feels good.
You have been on stage for 57 years. What is easier for you today than at the beginning of your career? And is there anything that is more difficult for you?
It is harder for me to hit the high notes when singing – I find it easier to do without such high notes. I even speak a little more slowly and don’t constantly overtake myself.
Have you ever thought about leaving the stage forever?
Oh, as long as there are still spectators who like to see me on stage, I don’t worry about that. When the time comes, I will definitely miss the applause.
Besides your tour, what are your plans for 2022?
The tour will take six months: two months in spring and two in autumn. Then there is the preparation. And if there is still time – I’m just thinking about a small series. I already have my role in my head, now it’s the turn of the others.
Finally, do you have a little Christmas wisdom for us? Or maybe a poem too?
A year goes by quickly, but this took a while, it was a bit cloudy, but we are not acidic. Now the first time is celebrated with candles and gifts, poems are poured out, you can imagine the text: A year goes by quickly … and so on and so on.
Thank you and Merry Christmas! The Christmas season with frost and frost, unfortunately, only makes your fingers stiff.
“Otto Fröhliche”: Fri, December 3rd, 10:15 pm in the Erste and already in the media library
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