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Helga Hahnemann’s impact on East German television and her ability to captivate audiences will always be remembered despite her untimely death.
In today’s article, we will be taking a look at his life as we find out more about what actually caused his demise.
Helga Hahnemann’s Biography
Helga “Big Helga” Hahnemann was a prominent East German stage performer and entertainer.
She was the youngest of four children born on September 8, 1937, in Berlin-Wilhelmsruh. While in school, Hahnemann realised her flair for comedy and pursued a career in the entertainment sector.
From 1956 to 1959, she attended the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts in Berlin-Niederschöneweide.
Hahnemann made her theatrical debut after finishing her education with the cabaret ensemble Die Pfeffermühle.
She quickly returned to Berlin, however, because she did not feel comfortable in Leipzig. In Berlin, she specialised in cabaret and humour, particularly in one-woman shows as a freelancer.
Hahnemann also began working for DFF, East Germany’s state-controlled broadcaster, doing television and radio work as well as voice-over work.
During this period, Hahnemann had a noteworthy appearance on the satirical comedy show “Tele-BZ.” Her performances on the show drew a nationwide audience of several million people and earned her the East German Trades Union Federation’s renowned arts prize.
She joined DFF in 1969 as a member of the “DFF Drama Ensemble” and stayed with the company for the next 21 years.
Hahnemann started a relationship with scriptwriter Angela Gentzmer in 1974. Their partnership produced countless popular song lyrics and sketches, earning her the moniker “the voice of the little man.”
She also collaborated with composer Arndt Bause, who composed music for her performances.
Hahnemann began working with Berliner Rundfunk in the late 1970s as a moderator-presenter on her programme “Helgas Top(p)-Musike,” which generated three television shows.
Hahnemann’s popularity as a vocalist grew with “Schlager” songs, many of which contained local Berlin accent.
She was also a regular on the variety show “Ein Kessel Buntes,” where she performed comedic sketches alongside other actors and comedians. Hahnemann also created German-language versions for three of the 14 Olsen Gang films.
Hahnemann’s career, however, ended prematurely due to her worsening health. German reunification occurred in October 1990, and Hahnemann strove to win over listeners in the changing social and economic context of a unified Germany.
Sadly, she was already terminally ill. Despite plans for her to present a New Year’s Eve television special, she was unable to do so due to illness. Hahnemann’s health problems were most likely caused by her overeating and her smoking habits.
On November 20, 1991, she died at the age of 54, just a few weeks after being diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer.
In 1995, the annual “Goldene Henne” prize was established to honour Hahnemann’s achievements to the entertainment business. This award honours and celebrates her talent and legacy.
Helga Hahnemann’s Cause Of Death
Helga Hahnemann’s cause of death is reported to have been lung cancer as she was a very heavy smoker as well as an overeater.
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