Max Schautzer (14 August 1940 – 29 January 2025) was an Austrian-born German television and radio presenter, actor, and entertainer. He was widely recognized for his work on German television, hosting numerous popular shows such as Pleiten, Pech & Pannen, Immer wieder sonntags, and Alles oder nichts. His charm, wit, and talent made him a household name in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for decades.
Schautzer’s death on 29 January 2025 marked the end of an era in German entertainment. Over his illustrious career, he left an indelible mark on the television industry, earning numerous awards and accolades. In this article, we will explore in-depth details about Max Schautzer’s age, height, weight, career, net worth, early life, family, relationships, physical appearance, lesser-known facts, and much more.
Max Schautzer Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Max Schautzer |
| Profession | Television Presenter, Actor, Entertainer |
| Hometown | Klagenfurt, Austria |
| Nationality | Austrian-German |
| Date of Birth | 14 August 1940 |
| Age (at death) | 84 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Death | 29 January 2025 |
| Place of Death | Cologne, Germany |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Spouse | Gundel Schautzer (m. 1968–2021) |
| Children | Not Available |
Early Life and Career
Max Schautzer was born on 14 August 1940 in Klagenfurt, Austria. He pursued studies in Drama and Economics in Vienna, which laid the foundation for his future career in media and entertainment.
Beginning of Career (1960s-1980s)
In 1965, Schautzer moved to Germany and joined Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR), one of the country’s major regional broadcasters. His breakthrough came when he joined Hans Rosenthal’s show Spaß muß sein, which gained immense popularity.
Schautzer soon became a key figure in German television, known for hosting a variety of entertainment programs, including:
- Die schönsten Melodien der Welt (with Carolin Reiber)
- Immer wieder sonntags
- Alles oder nichts
Peak of Fame (1980s-2000s)
From 1986 to 2003, Schautzer hosted Pleiten, Pech & Pannen, a program that showcased humorous private videos of accidents and bloopers. The show was a massive hit, attracting millions of viewers and becoming one of Germany’s most beloved entertainment formats.
He also hosted the Eurovision Song Contest as a commentator in 1979 (for Austria) and 1991 (for Germany).
In the 1990s, he won the Bambi Award, further cementing his status as a television icon.
Later Years and Retirement (2000s-2025)
After retiring from television, Schautzer turned to theater and writing, focusing on advocating for older television hosts and highlighting age discrimination in the industry. His book discussing generational misunderstandings reflected his deep insights into entertainment and society.
His wife’s death in 2021 deeply impacted him, and he gradually withdrew from the public eye.
Family and Relationships
Max Schautzer was married to Gundel Schautzer for 53 years, from 1968 until her death in 2021. The couple had a deeply loving relationship, and Schautzer often spoke about how much he missed her after she passed away.
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Gundel Schautzer | Wife (Deceased, 2021) |
| Children | Not Available |
After his wife’s passing, Schautzer became more withdrawn, and those close to him noted that he struggled with loneliness.
Physical Appearance
Schautzer had a distinctive, charming presence on television, with his blue eyes, grey hair, and charismatic personality. He was known for his elegant dressing style and warm, engaging demeanor.
| Physical Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Tattoos | None |
| Piercings | None |
Max Schautzer Net Worth and Income Sources
Max Schautzer had an estimated net worth of $5 million at the time of his passing in 2025. His wealth primarily came from his long and successful career in television.
Sources of Income
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Income | Television Hosting, Broadcasting |
| Secondary Income | Acting, Theater, Writing |
| Endorsements | Various brand collaborations |
| Book Sales | Generational misunderstandings (Published Work) |
Schautzer remained financially stable throughout his career, thanks to his multiple successful television shows and business endeavors.
Lesser-Known Facts About Max Schautzer
- He studied drama and economics before becoming a television presenter.
- He started his career with Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) in 1965.
- His wife, Gundel Schautzer, was his lifelong partner for over five decades.
- He was the German Eurovision commentator twice (1979 and 1991).
- His most famous show, Pleiten, Pech & Pannen, ran for 17 years.
- He was awarded a Bambi Award for his contribution to entertainment.
- He was a strong advocate against age discrimination in media.
- He retired from television in the 2000s and focused on theater and writing.
- After his wife’s death, he struggled with grief and loneliness.
- He had no known children or direct heirs.
FAQs About Max Schautzer
Q1: What was Max Schautzer’s most famous show?
A: His most popular show was Pleiten, Pech & Pannen, which aired from 1986 to 2003.
Q2: When did Max Schautzer die?
A: He passed away on 29 January 2025 in Cologne, Germany.
Q3: What was Max Schautzer’s net worth?
A: His estimated net worth was $5 million.
Q4: Did Max Schautzer have children?
A: No, he did not have any publicly known children.
Q5: Why did Max Schautzer leave television?
A: He retired due to age discrimination and a decline in TV program quality.
Q6: How long was Max Schautzer married?
A: He was married to his wife, Gundel Schautzer, for 53 years.
Q7: What was Max Schautzer’s height?
A: He was 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) tall.
Conclusion
Max Schautzer was a legendary television personality whose contributions shaped German entertainment for decades. His legacy lives on through his timeless shows and impact on the industry.
“NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify the details independently from reliable sources.”
