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Thomas Gottschalk Ends TV Career on RTL, Leaves Farewell Show Early

The veteran host pledged to withdraw from public life after revealing a rare aggressive cancer.

Overview

  • In an on-air conversation with Günther Jauch, Gottschalk said he will step away from public life, stating there will be no more red carpets or appearances.
  • He exited the studio at about 22:15 to sustained applause, leaving with his wife Karina as longtime friend Mike Krüger and other guests offered tributes.
  • Gottschalk discussed his diagnosis of an epithelioid angiosarcoma and recent treatment, including surgeries removing bladder and ureter tissue and roughly 33 radiation sessions.
  • He explained that recent uneven public appearances were due to treatment-related brain fog that worsens later in the evening.
  • RTL confirmed that co-hosts Günther Jauch and Barbara Schöneberger are also departing and that the format will continue with a new, yet-to-be-named team.