Before her TV comeback, Ulla Kock am Brink talks to GALA about obsession with youth, old mistakes – and her new life on Sylt.
When Ulla Kock opens the door at the Brink GALA in her new home in Westerland, she beams over both cheeks. She has every reason to! On September 4th, the presenter, who became a crowd favorite in the 1990s, will be back in front of the camera with the new edition of her “100,000 Mark Show”. Everything as before – but also everything a little different. Just like with Ulla Kock am Brink.
GALA: What did you think when RTL called you a few months ago?
Ulla Kock am Brink: I thought they were kidding me. I got gasps. Later there were first talks here on Sylt – I had the feeling that I was being visited to see if I could still walk and talk. (laughs) I was able to make that clear pretty quickly. I still have juice for three.
And how did it go from there?
I quickly decided that I wanted to be strong for the show – I immediately booked a personal trainer with whom I have been doing strength and endurance training twice a week since March. Please feel my upper arms…
Not bad! Are you still feeling a little grumpy?
I’m happily tense. That’s because I grew up watching the big show TV of twenty years ago. I have tremendous respect for team performance.
Ulla Kock am Brink: Comeback at 61!
You could say: You are a real show dinosaur.
Dinosaurs are extinct, but I’m still here. And how! In this context, I plead for urgent action to be taken against age discrimination. I wish that we would think more about equal rights for women and men – at every age with the same rights and obligations.
What does it mean exactly?
It’s time to question the eternal obsession with youth and see: who actually represents our society? I definitely see myself as a representative of my generation. A generation that is very flexible in their heads, not only acts loyal to the brand, but also likes to try new things and cultivates and lives a modern approach to life.
Hence your comeback at 61.
I think it’s about time. I’m not sick, I’ve just gotten older. My head is as young as ever. I do my job with great passion, but that doesn’t define me as a person. I am not vain. And not dependent on seeing my nose on TV either. There are completely others who have a much harder time coping with being out of sight.
What are you hoping for with your show’s return?
We live in incredibly turbulent times. With our show you can dive into another world, into a different feeling of security – a well-deserved feeling. A bit of nostalgia resonates, a campfire moment and lightness. I wish that.
About ease and personal development
You have found your private lightness on Sylt. You recently moved from Berlin to the island.
Sylt is my soul home. I feel safe here, rooted. I’ve always felt an inner unrest in Berlin. We’ve reduced the area, but I think that’s nice too. You quickly realize what you really need – and above all, what you don’t.
Would you like to be 20 or 30 again?
No! Back then, I had a lot of fears and far lower self-esteem. I didn’t trust myself very much, allowed myself to be persuaded and took far too much to heart. It’s very different today. I have arrived in life. Dealing with painful experiences has taught me to take the beautiful things as gifts and to appreciate them. That’s why I look forward to the show with a good portion of composure.
A good 20 years ago there were a lot of headlines about you.
The chapter is closed. (Ulla Kock am Brink started a relationship with the husband of her TV colleague Sabine Christiansen at the time; editor’s note.) And the good thing is: I still haven’t become suspicious and I haven’t become bitter either.
I’m proud of that. I have very good self-healing powers. With a bit of distance, you analyze what actually happened, what you yourself contributed to the situation, to the stigmatization – and what others did. I cleared that up for myself.
What do you think in general: making mistakes or avoiding mistakes as much as possible?
Making mistakes is normal and important for personal development. That you know how to deal with your own shortcomings and when to just shut up. I really advise everyone: trust yourself, stay cool, go your own way and make mistakes! I learned that too.
How is your current attitude towards life?
Status: extremely happy. I am determined not to go through life bored and have the most wonderful moments with my husband.
How do you relax?
I really like going to the sauna. I read and cook a lot and on Sylt I almost only go by bike. And the feeling relaxes me: I no longer have to, I can. I have earned that. If the quota is right on Sunday – toi, toi, toi! – then we’ll continue. And if not, then I’m happy here on Sylt.