Actor Christoph Maria Herbst has praised the work ethic of cancer-stricken entertainer Thomas Gottschalk. At the premiere of the new 'Stromberg' film in Berlin, he called Gottschalk an 'old circus horse'. Gottschalk had kept his diagnosis secret for months and continued working.
Christoph Maria Herbst expressed admiration for Thomas Gottschalk's dedication to work despite the serious cancer diagnosis. The 75-year-old host had kept his condition—a rare malignant tumor called epithelioid angiosarcoma—secret for months and continued fulfilling obligations. At the premiere of the 'Stromberg' film in Berlin, Herbst told the German Press Agency: «He is just an old circus horse». He emphasized that Gottschalk wanted to be there for his audience and avoid worrying anyone. «That's old school, and I can only tip my hat to that,» Herbst added.
Herbst wishes Gottschalk all the best from the heart and hopes for a swift recovery with his family. He views Gottschalk's secrecy as personal autonomy, not a typical celebrity issue. In contrast, Bjarne Mädel, a 'Stromberg' co-star, highlighted the pressure on public figures: «You're always under observation. And of course you want to maintain the image, be the beaming, fun guy.» Mädel criticized harsh judgments on social media about Gottschalk's performances: «One doesn't always have to beat down on people so mercilessly».
Entertainer Julian F. M. Stoeckel showed understanding for the secrecy: Producers panic over even minor ailments. RTL announced that Gottschalk will host his final 'They Don't Know What Happened' show on December 6, with Günther Jauch and Barbara Schöneberger, before withdrawing for treatment. Gottschalk told Bild newspaper: «I can't perform anymore. I have to get healthy.» His wife Karina reported two surgeries and ongoing medication side effects.