interview
Ulla Kock am Brink
"I lost a lot of people of the heart to cancer"
Ulla Kock am Brink
© Gisela Schober / Getty Images
Although Ulla Kock am Brink has appeared on many TV shows, "Showtime of my Life" is a highlight of her career: "It's about getting a message across."
"Cancer plays an important role in my life," says Ulla Kock am Brink, 59, in an interview. For a sad reason: The presenter has lost many of her loved ones to the insidious disease. "When I think about the gaps these people have left in my life, it makes sense to take precautionary measures." That is why she is now pulling bare – in front of the cameras.
Ulla Kock am Brink: "When I thought about pulling bare, I really panicked"
BRIGITTE: What was going through your head when you got the request for the show?
Ulla Kock am Brink: When I saw the request for the show, I just thought, "No, no, no !!!"
Why?
The format of the show is very unusual and also entertaining, in order to convey a serious and important message. And that's exactly where I had a problem, I didn't know whether this topic could be presented in an entertaining and informative way. But it works as I see now. Then I was afraid of the choreo, I'm not a dancer and have never been to dance school. And when I was still thinking about pulling bare, I really panic.
Why did you accept anyway?
I spoke extensively with my husband about the show and watched a few episodes from other countries. It became clear to me that my worries about whether I was still pretty, crisp and young enough for the show were totally superfluous. It's about getting a message across. And I haven't regretted it until today.
© TVNOW
"Showtime of my Life" is definitely a highlight of my career, and above all, it's something I've never done before. In my previous entertainment formats, the height of the fall is very low, with "Showtime of my Life" it is different.
"I've never stripped in my life"
Cancer plays an important role in my life because I have lost many people to cancer. And when I say a lot, I mean a lot. Especially those who are close to the heart: My father died at 63, my brother-in-law at 58, a very close friend of mine had to leave when he was 54, a friend of mine survived breast cancer, but had to struggle through tough times, because chemo is yes not a walk. And there is more.
I am very sorry about that.
When I think about the gaps these people have left in my life, it makes sense to take precautionary measures. For me, this is an act of liberation, although I also like to postpone things and, as a doctor's daughter, often don't take small ailments seriously. Now I am ashamed of being so light with myself at times. But not anymore!
Have you used table dance before?
No, I've never stripped in my life.
Have you ever been to a strip club?
Yes, I went to see the "Chippendales" with my gay friends in Cologne. (laughs) But that wasn't for me. Fortunately, I've never had a stripper for my birthday – please keep it that way!
"Showtime of my Life" runs on VOX on February 1st and 2nd at 8:15 pm. A total of 16 prominent women and men strip to get the message across: "If we can undress in front of an audience of millions, then you can do it all the more with cancer screening in front of your doctor!"
Sources used:own interview