Thanks to his ZDF role, he is one of the most popular actors in the country: Hans Sigl. The 55-year-old talks to t-online about doctor’s visits, the “mountain doctor” and politics.
When the mountain panorama of the Wilder Kaiser flickers across the screen and Hans Sigl gets out of the car in a leather jacket, it’s usually a successful evening for ZDF. More than five million people recently tuned in to the TV series “Der Bergdoktor”. The format is therefore one of the strongest audience magnets in the station’s portfolio.
Fans have been looking forward to the start of the 18th season on January 2nd, 2025 for months. t-online previously had the opportunity to conduct an interview with the lead actor of the television series. In it, Hans Sigl looks into a previously uncertain “Bergdoktor” future, comments on the social situation in the country and talks about strenuous filming.
t-online: Mr. Sigl, which doctor’s visit do you personally always feel most nervous about?
Hans Sigl: Honestly, in front of no one! I have great doctors that I have known for a long time and whom I trust completely. Of course, a treatment at the dentist is not as pleasant as a visit to the wellness temple, but afterwards you feel good even there.
Do you pay much attention to your body?
It’s more of a natural approach to my body that sends more positive signals when I exercise regularly and eat a balanced, healthy diet. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle is not a question of importance, but rather a careful use of my own resources.
You turned 55 this year. Are you already feeling certain signs of aging?
So. The biorhythm changes – in favor of endurance. Speed strength must be trained and recovery phases become more important. Mentally there has been a lot of improvement and in terms of meditation I am close to black belt. So everything is fine.
Filming for a “Bergdoktor” season takes several months. How much time do you then need to recharge your batteries?
With the right technology, it doesn’t take long. Meditation and exercise. Good food and a hike and everything will be back on track. After the shoot, there will be nice readings on stage, and then in the new year there will be a little break – including digital detox!
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In the end, it is primarily ZDF that has to decide. If they want to continue, I’m ready.
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Speaking of time out: Have you ever thought about leaving during your “Bergdoktor” career?
But according to the contract, your commitment ends in 2026. So will this be your “Mountain Doctor” ending?
There is an agreement until season 20 – we’ll see what happens after that. In the end, it is primarily ZDF that has to decide. If they want to continue, I’m ready.
You have been a Dr. since 2008. Martin Gruber on board: Is it part of your thinking for future planning that you could celebrate a major anniversary in 2028?
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They recently complained about the toxic social climate. How worried are you about the current mood?
What worries me is that the media is constantly fueling the bad mood and politicians are creating big scandals out of trivialities, which really doesn’t help anyone. It would be so nice if we could all approach things in a more positive way together again. Permanent pessimism is not a good basis.
I understand that many people are very worried given the political and economic situation. These people and their concerns must be taken seriously, and at the same time we should all remind ourselves that we are far better off than most other people in the world.
That’s unlikely to reassure people in this country…
