Hans-Joachim Kulenkampff was a German actor who is best known for his quiz show “Einer wird gewinnen” (One Will Win), among other television programs. He was born on April 27, 1921, in Bremen, Germany, and passed away on August 14, 1998, in Salzburg, Austria.
Personal and Family Life
Kulenkampff was married to Gertraud Schwarz from 1948 until his death in 1998, and they had three daughters together. His children are Merle, who was born in 1949; Norbert, who unfortunately died in a road accident at a young age; and Kai-Joachim, born in 1959. He studied acting at the Deutsches Theater in Berlin and became one of the most recognizable names in German television.
Career
His television career began in 1953 with the show “Who vs. Who?”. However, he truly became a household name with “Einer wird gewinnen,” which aired 82 times from 1964 to 1987. Alongside his TV work, he remained active in theater, performing in various productions throughout his life, including a notable tour in 1997. Kulenkampff received several awards for his contributions to entertainment, including multiple “Golden Camera” awards.
Death and Legacy
Kulenkampff passed away from cancer on August 14, 1998. His impact on German television and theater remains significant, and he is remembered fondly by audiences who grew up watching his shows. The nickname “Kuli” has become synonymous with entertaining television in Germany.
Filmography
Title
Release Date
Character
Starke Zeiten
1988-05-12
Hans-Joachim Jennings
Drei Mann in einem Boot
1961-08-25
Harry Berg
Immer die Radfahrer
1958-09-11
Ulrich Salandt
Immer die Mädchen
1959-08-14
Dr. Peter Klausen
Dr. med. Fabian – Lachen ist die beste Medizin
1969-06-15
Dr. med. Paul Fabian
Bonjour Kathrin
1956-05-08
Columbus
Kein Mann zum Heiraten
1959-12-18
Wolf Kruse
Noch ‘ne Oper
1979-02-21
Theaterdirektor
Sooo nicht, meine Herren
1960-10-17
John Morton
Käpt’n Senkstakes Abenteuer – Ehrenhäuptling der Watubas
1974-05-31
Wilhelm Senkstake
Käpt’n Senkstakes Abenteuer – Das Spukschloß von Baskermore
1974-03-23
Wilhelm Senkstake
Käpt’n Senkstakes Abenteuer – Ay, ay, Sheriff
1974-01-26
Wilhelm Senkstake
Münchhausens letzte Liebe
1988-01-01
Münchhausen
Das Geheimnis der Mary Celeste
1972-06-03
Benjamin Briggs
The Memory of Justice
1976-10-04
Self
Kulenkampffs Schuhe
2018-08-08
Himself (archive footage)
Unsere Väter – Die größten Showmaster Deutschlands
2020-12-25
Self (archive footage)
Herzlichen Glückwunsch! Heinz Rühmann zum 90. Geburtstag