Uschi Obermaier: “You don’t need a man for a full life”

On her 75th birthday, Uschi Obermaier takes stock. The former sex symbol speaks more openly than ever about her loved ones and vices.

The sparkling white teeth, the girlish smile, the hair thrown back with a swing: Uschi Obermaier seems to have passed the time. Hardly a wrinkle – just a few gray strands that she wants to leave that way. She was the sex symbol of the late sixties and seventies, figurehead of the counterculture, top model, Stones lover, and later also a jewelry designer. She has not lost her wonderful Bavarian language despite decades abroad.

Uschi Obermaier will be 75 on September 24th – a day like any other for her, filled with the renovation of her new house in Portugal. “My Garden of Eden”, as she calls it. When she describes it in such a colorful, enthusiastic and full way, you can see it in person. “With almond trees, figs, mulberries, fragrant fruits and olive trees as far as the eye can see.” The wild Uschi has arrived. “This is sure to be my last domicile,” she says. “That’s what I thought of Topanga in California, where I lived for so long. But somehow it was exhausted, there was no more inspiration.”

In the GALA interview, she reveals whether a new beginning in Europe also includes a man, how she looks back on her glaring life – and what about the rumor that she is undressing again for “Playboy”.

Uschi Obermaier in a GALA interview

GALA: 75 – what does that number do to you?
Uschi Obermaier: In the past I always thought: God, this or she is already 75, pretty old! Now it’s me and I don’t feel like that at all.

Why did you leave Los Angeles?
This perpetual danger of fire, the forest fires, often made my fear sink to my knees. This mad traffic, this hectic pace. Also, I didn’t feel inspired anymore. By selling my house there, I was able to afford something new.

How important is inspiration to you?
I need them like flowers need water. Inspiration is as important and beautiful as sex. I found it mainly with musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards – my greatest love – and Mick Jagger. Musicians are the most creative people there is. Inspiring each other is the best thing about a relationship.

Uschi Obermaier in 1969

© Jochen Harder / Getty Images

How was it with your husband Dieter Bockhorn, the wild and non-conformist King of St. Pauli?
It was a love like a roller coaster ride, with arguments, sex and reconciliation, but always on the same wavelength. I admired him. He always surprised me with everything he did. And he loved me. I cried for him for a long time.

“I don’t compromise anymore”

Is there a man in your life right now?
It doesn’t take a man to have a full life, besides, I’ve already had the best. I don’t need sex anymore, I’ve loved so much in my life, given and received so much love, that’s enough. My account is empty. Now I could only repeat myself. And here during the renovation, I can do everything myself, nobody tells me. I have wonderful helpers and I no longer make compromises.

Which man would you have liked to have conquered earlier?
I can’t think of any. I have all got to know the ones I wanted.

Which of your lovers are you still in contact with?
I was in contact with Keith for a long time and we remained good friends. I am still in contact with Rainer Langhans from time to time.

You once said you never sold yourself.
Neither have I. I never did anything that I didn’t want to do. In that respect, I was always very straightforward.

Have you never been scared with all those wild trips and drug excesses?
I was very young and wanted to try everything. It was also a lot of fun.

The hard times made them strong

Didn’t you even ask yourself: What would have happened if you had stayed in New York as a model and not gone back to Munich because you were homesick? Or if you had stayed with Keith Richards? Or if you, as an actress, had accepted the ten-year contract with the Italian producer Carlo Ponti?
“What if” – these are not thoughts, but a waste of time for me. Everything was fine as it was. Mourning for people like Dieter Bockhorn is also part of life, joy and sorrow. Difficulties made me strong too.

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What is happiness to you?
Happiness ruled my life. Even now when looking for and finding my oasis. We found this house on the third day in Portugal, and as soon as the beautiful gate opened and I drove inside, my heart leaped and I knew: this is it!

Is it true that you show yourself naked again for “Playboy” for your birthday?
25 years ago I took off my clothes again for “Playboy” for my 50th birthday – now I wouldn’t do that anymore. I leave that to the younger ones now.

What makes a woman sexy for you?
Humor and self-confidence, live according to your own schedule and not do what is given.

So your verdict on your 75th birthday is: I would do everything again?
Yes, exactly like that, everything was fine. Maybe I could have saved myself a few men.

Gala