With series such as the RTL soap "Unter uns" or the ARD soap "Die Strandclique", Marco Girnth (50) became a swarm of girls in the late 1990s. Today, around 20 years later, he is a senior commissioner for criminal matters Jan Maybach in "Soko Leipzig" (Fridays at 9:15 p.m.) an integral part of the ZDF crime evening. He has been loyal to the successful crime film format since 2001.
His marriage to fellow actor Katja Woywood (48) is now even longer. The two have been married since 1998 and have a son together. On the occasion of his 50th birthday on February 10, Girnth takes stock in an interview with the news agency spot on news and reveals, among other things, his secret recipe for a happy relationship.
How do you feel so shortly before your 50th birthday, are you struggling with the number?
Marco Girnth: No, not at all. At the very least, that the questions that reach me on this day sound a little more like condolences than congratulations, which makes me a little suspicious … Otherwise I feel the same as before my 49th birthday.
How will you celebrate your day of honor?
Girnth: Together with the "Soko Leipzig" team, I will open a barrel right for my birthday. And since February is a bit overloaded due to the Berlinale, there is still a drop-in for the family in spring.
The 50th birthday is often an occasion to take stock. What would you like to have done differently?
Girnth: Not so much different, but some things maybe a little earlier. I always wanted to learn Spanish, play guitar, surf, ride and more. I think it would have been easier for me earlier …
Have you ever struggled with a midlife crisis?
Girnth: I don't know if the word "crisis" hits it, but at some point you understand that we are not all immortal. As a 20-year-old, you only have that abstract on your screen, and then you realize that the light will actually go out at some point. That means if you still have a few things on the list that you still want to do, then you should start at some point.
What are you particularly proud of?
Girnth: I don't like the word "proud". But I am very happy that I have been married to my Katja for 22 years and that our son is just the way he is. I enjoy that every day.
What is the secret of your long marriage?
Girnth: tolerance.
Does it make the relationship easier if both are actors?
Girnth: I don't think it depends on the job, but on the way in which you deal with the peculiarities of the job. Of course, it can be a burden for a relationship if you don't see each other for three weeks. But it can also liven up the relationship if there is no routine and the door opens every evening at 6:00 p.m. because the partner comes from work.
Valentine's Day in a few days, how are you going to spend this day?
Girnth: So, I forget that every year. If I think about the flowers in time, everything went well again.
Do we see you both together in front of the camera again?
Girnth: Definitely, who knows …
At the beginning of your career, you were often reduced to your appearance. You still have a big female fan base today. How much time do you invest in your appearance, how often do you exercise each week?
Girnth: Actually, I have an urge to move every day. I find it incredibly difficult not to do anything. That's why I go running almost every day and keep trying new sports.
You have been loyal to "Soko Leipzig" for 20 years now. Did you ever think they'd be there for so long?
Girnth: No way. But I'm very happy about it
Have you ever thought of quitting, would you like to die a dramatic serial death?
Girnth: I would rather survive in a dramatic way. Then maybe I can come back again …