ARD Series „Um Himmels Willen“ Stars Reunite for a Special Occasion in Munich
The popular ARD series „Um Himmels Willen“ had been a hit for almost 20 years until it ended three years ago. Recently, a belated farewell celebration was held, although some key members were unable to attend.
The cast and crew of the series „Um Himmels Willen“ gathered in Munich for a special reunion. Actress Janina Hartwig (62) expressed her feelings about the event, stating, „It feels like coming home.“ The pandemic had prevented a proper farewell party when the series ended in 2021, but now they were able to make up for it. They also wanted to honor their late colleagues who could not be there to celebrate with them: Karin Gregorek (who played „Sister Felicitas“) passed away last year, followed by Horst Sachtleben („Bishop Rossbauer“) in May 2022, and Fritz Wepper in March of this year. Wepper had portrayed the character of Mayor Wolfgang Wöller, alongside Hartwig’s Sister Hanna, for almost 20 years.
Hartwig mentioned that she was celebrating the event with mixed emotions, with a tear in her eye, but she was glad that they could remember Fritz in this way. She recalled seeing Wepper just three days before his death when his final wish to visit the Circus Krone in Munich was fulfilled. She described their on-screen chemistry as a „cool pair.“
The entire team had grown close over the years, enduring various life events together. „We have been through thick and thin,“ said Hartwig. „Children were born, relatives passed away, there were separations, there were weddings.“ However, she emphasized that she would especially remember Fritz.
The Origins of the Series
Gaby Dohm (who played Mother Superior „Luise von Beilheim“) and Jutta Speidel (portrayed „Sister Lotte“) were among the attendees at the reunion organized by the production company ndf. Speidel, who played a pivotal role in the series as Sister Lotte, shared her fond memories of the early days, stating that she was essentially the foundation of the series. She still maintains friendships with many of her former colleagues from the show.
„Um Himmels Willen“ concluded after 20 seasons, attracting a large audience throughout its run. The decision to end the series in June 2021 was based on the belief that it is best to stop when things are going well, as stated by the ARD.
Since January 2002, „Um Himmels Willen“ had been airing on Tuesday evenings on ARD. Fritz Wepper had been part of the cast from the beginning, portraying Wolfgang Wöller, the mayor of the fictional town of Kaltenthal. The series was filmed in various locations in Bavaria, including Landshut, Niederaichbach, Munich, and the surrounding areas. The ARD once referred to „Um Himmels Willen“ as one of the most successful series on their channel, known for its consistently high ratings.