Wibke Bruhns was a German journalist and writer who is best known for being the first woman to host a major news broadcast in West Germany and for her bestselling book “My Father’s Country.” She was born on September 8, 1938, in Halberstadt, Germany, and passed away on June 20, 2019, in Hamburg, Germany.
Personal and Family Life
Wibke was born to Hans Georg Klamroth, a Wehrmacht officer and NSDAP member, and grew up in a challenging environment after her father’s execution for his involvement in a failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler. She had two daughters and was married to actor Werner Bruhns from 1965 until his death in 1977. Her family included several nieces and nephews.
Career
Bruhns completed her education in history and politics at the University of Hamburg before starting her journalism career. She made a name for herself when she began hosting the ZDF program “heute” in 1971, becoming the first woman to do so. Over the years, she wrote for various publications, worked as a correspondent in Jerusalem and Washington, and continued to write critically about social issues.
Death and Legacy
Wibke Bruhns passed away on June 20, 2019, in Hamburg, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering journalist. Her impactful work and books, especially “My Father’s Country,” have contributed to understanding her family’s history and the historical context of her time.
Filmography
| Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Heute | Newsreader | 1971-1972 |