Lilli Hollunder loves clear words. That’s why the actress and mother of two tells GALA not only why her new job is so great – but also what’s going wrong.
She adjusts the gun, pushes a strand of hair out of her face, and jokes a bit with her colleagues. But then: action! The next scene from “Notruf Hafenkante”!
Lilli Hollunder: Success also has its disadvantages
For Lilli Hollunder, 37, has a dream come true on the set of the ZDF series. After being offered the role as police chief inspector Isa, it was immediately clear to her that she had to seize this opportunity – even though the actress and her husband, ex-national goalkeeper and TV sports commentator, were filming René Adler, 38, demands a lot in his private life. Lilli Hollunder explains in the GALA interview how the parents of Casper, 3, and ten-month-old Billie organize their lives.
GALA: Who is happier to see each other again in the evening? You or the children?
Lilli Hollunder: They are extremely happy! The little one is now starting to hug me, and for a few weeks now she’s been saying “Mommy” and “Dad”. I am hugged and kissed. Caspi is also happy when he can come along to the shoot. He says he knows I’m not a real cop and am just pretending, but he finds it exciting to see Mom in uniform.
Does he want to become a police officer now?
No, currently a carpenter.
Balancing children and a career is important to you.
Yes, but in reality it is a real challenge. Sometimes I work eleven or twelve hours a day. And then I come home and just about put the kids to bed. Then I learn texts, have acting coaching or take care of my podcast. That’s pretty awesome.
They do it anyway.
Because it’s so much fun, gives me energy and makes me happy. The work enriches my personal life and my motherhood because I have a completely different energy and appreciate what I have much more.
Would you like to set an example for your children as a working mother?
It’s not important to model a working mother, but to show that you’re happy and going your own way. Man strives for happiness. The children should learn that they are doing everything they can to achieve this. But I would be happy if they didn’t follow in our footsteps. Please no professional athletes or actresses! Maybe doctors, that would be practical for us as we get older.
Between career and family happiness
How do you organize your everyday life?
We have a great one Nanny, that’s the best feeling. Billie loves her.
Do you sometimes feel jealous?
No, I just want the children to be happy.
How looks Renes role?
Even though he is working, he is currently doing a lot for the family. This isn’t easy for him because otherwise he would be the one on the move. But I said: Now it’s my turn. It’s only possible with a man who follows along. We support each other very well.
He knew he was marrying a strong woman.
Yes, but he was used to something different in the past few years, I just didn’t have a permanent job. And of course I cooked great in the evening. Now I’m often too tired. Then I say: Please order something or spread some bread, I just can’t handle it. My eyes close at 9 p.m.
Are you reaching your limits?
Sometimes missing the children gets really physical – Billie is still a baby. She went along with everything great, set the pace for weaning and at some point decided: I’ll sleep through the night. I was incredibly grateful. But I need the children so intensely. If the filming schedule allows it, I give the nanny time off until I get annoyed again. (laughs)
That’s a luxury not many working mothers have.
I know. In terms of energy expenditure, working is more relaxing than parenting. Especially when you have a son in the anger phase.
How did Casper receive his sister?
The children are absolutely smitten with each other. Billie crawls after him and Casper tries everything to make her laugh. That makes my heart open. It’s a blessing that the mice have each other. I tell them how much I love them 3,000 times a day.
Does this sound like child #3?
Well, I have to say that Billie has helped me understand the topic more and more. When I had my first child, I struggled and asked myself why I had to give up my freedom and my job. Now I’ve found peace with it. And René is a great father. But I think if we had a third child, I would have to commit him. (laughs)
Lilli Hollunder about letting go
But you seem very relaxed.
After the second child, I sat back and told myself that I should trust life a little more, that it was kind to me. It has become clearer to me what it is about. Even though I was never a typical gamer’s wife and René is very down-to-earth, I’m now even further away from that life, from that self-portrayal.
How does this show up?
It’s not about what you have – I’m not taking a luxury handbag to my grave. That doesn’t matter. We also got rid of a car and ordered a cargo bike. I walk a lot or take public transport. I try to consciously live in the here and now and enjoy every moment with the children. Even if it’s too rare right now.
Where is the real quality time?
It doesn’t exist for us right now. We were on Sylt for a few days, but the little one got her third tooth there. It wasn’t relaxation. But from November I have six months off, and in January we want to travel through Australia for six or seven weeks, let ourselves drift, live into the day. When the children are at school, this no longer works.
Do you also create space for yourself as a couple?
Oh yes, we’ll have to take care of that again soon.