Between us
Jan Ammann wants to "invent" his own Chris Weigel
Musical star Jan Ammann is the new Chris Weigel.
© TVNOW / Stefan Behrens
Musical star Jan Ammann reinvents himself. This week he celebrates his debut in the RTL series "Unter uns".
23 years ago, on September 15, 1997, Chris Weigel left Schillerallee in episode 677 to start a new life with his wife Corinna in the Maldives. Now he is finally coming back. His comeback is one of the highlights of the "Unter Uns" event week, which starts on March 9th on RTL. Today, however, the series character is no longer played by Oliver Bootz (49), but by musical star Jan Ammann (45).
"I am very happy that there are two decades between the last appearance of my esteemed colleague Oliver Bootz and my appearance as Chris Weigel", Ammann said in an interview with spot on news about possible comparisons. The 1.94-tall actor is one of the most successful musical performers in Germany and is now starting a new career on TV with "Unter Uns".
How did a celebrated and successful musical star like you come up with the idea of joining a daily series?
Jan Ammann: As long as you are not allowed to be on stage, the idea of becoming professionally creative is very close. Therefore, the request from "Unter uns" definitely came at the right moment. I see it as a great opportunity to reinvent myself a little, do new things and develop myself further.
So Corona also played a role in your decision?
Ammann: Overall, Corona has a very common role profile and is always the villain in every story. But in mine it also ensured that I even had the time to tread this new path. At least one can shoot – under certain precautions – while theater is still not possible.
Are you now turning your back on the musical industry?
Ammann: Singing will always play a big role in my life, that's why I don't intend to. When theater can be played again, I'll be on the concert and musical stage again, even if maybe not as often as before. But music will always be part of my life, I'm sure of that.
Always wanted to watch TV?
Ammann: I was always very interested and I took part in shooting workshops in Los Angeles years ago, but I was always worried that I would somehow fall out of it because of my height. The best film actors in the world are almost all very small. Back in L.A., my height really slowed me down a lot. I was so fixated that my first reaction after the "Among Us" casting was: "You already know how tall I am, don't you?" Fortunately, that's not a problem at all. And now I've really caught fire and I'm really looking forward to trying out this area.
How was it for you on the first day of shooting on set?
Ammann: It was the total challenge. Many colleagues have told me beforehand that it won't be easy at the beginning – and that was no exaggeration. It was really exhausting: New people, new technology, the time pressure, the desire to do everything right the first time. But I survived it (laughs) and now I enjoy learning more and more in this field.
How well do you know your way around the "Below Us" universe?
Ammann: At the moment I am still a small, lonely, eager to learn astronaut who seeks friendly contact with the other aliens.
Oliver Bootz originally played the role of Chris Weigel. Did you watch the old episodes with him?
Ammann: I actually remembered Oliver Bootz in the role because back then as a student – I knew a lot of colleagues who wanted to work in television – I regularly watched the series. That's how I knew Chris Weigel back then.
What is it like for you to take on a role that another actor has already played?
Ammann: In general, that's a challenge that I'm looking forward to. And I am very happy that there are two decades between the last appearance of my esteemed colleague Oliver Bootz and my appearance as Chris Weigel. A long time, during which Chris has of course also changed, so that I got the opportunity to invent my own Chris.
How has Chris and his wife Corinna fared over the past 23 years?
Ammann: Good. They were doing well in the Maldives, but at some point they realized that their little paradise is no longer one. The kids need an education and the Schillerallee has always been in their hearts. Family is also important to them, which is one of the reasons why they come back.
What can fans expect from Chris' comeback on Schillerallee?
Ammann: You can look forward to exciting stories, Chris completes the family again. He has his wife Corinna with him – played by the wonderful colleague Nina Weisz – and his two children. Of course I'm not allowed to reveal details yet, but everyone can find out for themselves in the big "Unter Uns" event week. We can be seen from March 15th.
Will Chris and his wife Corinna return forever?
Ammann: I'd like to. Let yourself be surprised …