Robert Atzorn reveals in an interview why he no longer follows the "crime scene" and how he finds his successor in "Nord Nord Mord".
Robert Atzorn (75) and Tilo Prückner (1940-2020) worked together in the "crime scene" from 2001 to 2008 as chief inspector Casstorff and chief inspector Holicek. Prückner died at the beginning of July. The death of his friend "hit him very hard," Atzorn said in an interview with spot on news. In addition, the actor, who is now publishing his autobiography "Showering and brushing your teeth – What really matters in life" (Eden Books) reveals why he no longer looks at the "Tatort" and how he finds his successor in "Nord Nord Mord".
Her autobiography appears: is this the final end of your long career?
Robert Atzorn: I actually finished with the book, it's like a closing point. It was very exciting for me to see again how many blows in the neck and crashes I had survived. I think it's good that I never stopped in between. And that can also be taken from the book as a message: You can always get up again if you believe in yourself and develop yourself further.
You left acting about three years ago. What have you enjoyed most since then?
Robert Atzorn: The external control that I previously had for 50 years has ceased to exist. I had to read scripts nonstop, learn text, as an actor you also have to adjust to the working methods of different directors – there is really always an external control and it was like a release when it suddenly disappeared, I could totally enjoy that.
Are you still spoken to on the street?
Robert Atzorn: That has subsided. I live in Bavaria in the countryside, near Lake Chiemsee, and everyone knows me there. That's why I can live a completely normal everyday life, I'm nothing special at all. This can only happen when the tourists come in, as they do now when everyone is on vacation in Germany. But it is very limited. I can usually lead an undisturbed life.
Are you following what's going on in the TV industry?
Robert Atzorn: My two sons work in the industry. That's why I'm still in close contact with them and find out what's going on. But what really hit me recently was the death of Tilo Prückner, with whom I was friends. I think it's a shame that he is no longer there. I was always able to communicate well with him. We knew each other's entire lives, crashes and successes.
You celebrated successes with "Our teacher, Doctor Specht". Would such a series still work today?
Robert Atzorn: I think so. Everyone was in the school and had experiences and experiences there. The audience feels very connected to the topic. As a family series, this will always work. The series "Der Lehrer" is running on RTL and I think it will be well received.
Another big role of yours was Chief Inspector Jan Casstorff. "The detective at the crime scene was a kind of accolade for an actor back then," you write in the book.
Robert Atzorn: It was really something really outstanding. Then this feeling came up in me: Now I've made it! The "crime scene" has a special status until today. Even if it has been around every Sunday for decades. Personally, I don't even look at it anymore because all the stories are told. Very rarely does something new happen.
You also "got too much violence" on television, you say about your "crime scene" time.
Robert Atzorn: I still feel that way. And it's gotten worse. I don't know why all stories about human problems have to be told through crime fiction. But it is obviously booming. When I talked to the executives of the broadcasters, they said that it gave the best ratings. I find it exaggerated and overused. I am always happy when multi-part series like "Ku'damm 56" or "Our Mothers, Our Fathers" are on.
After the "crime scene" you played a detective in "Nord Nord Mord". Have you looked at your successor Peter Heinrich Brix in the series?
Robert Atzorn: Yes, I looked at it to see how he does it. And I think he's great. My former partners are also very satisfied with him and continue to do it with great pleasure. It works like the fire department.