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Loriot’s legacy as one of Germany’s most beloved comedians and artists lives on, and his impact on the entertainment industry cannot be overstated.
From his cartoons to his television series, movies, and directorial work, Loriot brought laughter and joy to millions, earning him a rightful place in German comedy history.
Loriot’s Biography
Bernhard-Viktor Christoph-Carl von Bülow, known as Vicco von Bülow or Loriot, was a multi-talented German comedian, humorist, cartoonist, film director, actor, and writer.
On November 12, 1923, he was born in Brandenburg a der Havel, Prussia, which is now modern northeastern Germany. Loriot is well known for his classic cartoons and skits from his 1976 television series Loriot, as well as his two films, dipussi (1988) and Pappa Ante Portas (1991).
Loriot’s artistic career began during his school years when he showed an aptitude for drawing. He studied graphic design and painting at the Landeskunstschule in Hamburg after WWII.
In 1950, he began producing cartoons under the pen name “Loriot,” derived from the French term for oriole, his family’s heraldic animal.
Loriot developed Wum, a cartoon canine he voiced himself, in 1971. Wum became the mascot of the German humanitarian organisation Aktion Sorgenkind. “Ich wünsch’ mir ‘ne kleine Miezekatze” (“I wish I had a little kittycat”) by Wum became successful and spent nine weeks at the top of the German pop charts.
Loriot also performed with Wum in the German show Der Große Preis (The Big Prize). All of these skits were written, drawn, and dubbed by Loriot. Many people in Germany were delighted and entertained by Loriot’s cartoons and characters.
Loriot’s first episode of his television comedy series, simply titled Loriot, aired in 1976. The six-part series featured drawings and short cartoons drawn by Loriot himself.
He was frequently the protagonist in these skits, which became long favourites. “Der Lottogewinner” (“The lottery winner”), “Jodeldiplom” (“yodelling diploma”), and “Englische Ansage” (“English announcement”) are some famous instances.
Aside from his work in humour, Loriot had a strong interest in classical music and opera. In 1982, he conducted a lighthearted gala concert to commemorate the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s 100th anniversary.
He also narrated Camille Saint-Saens’ The Carnival of the Animals, performed by the Scharoun Ensemble, a chamber music ensemble comprised of Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra musicians.
Loriot’s abilities went beyond comedy and music. In 1986, he directed Martha, and in 1988, he directed Der Freischütz.
Throughout his career, he garnered numerous honours for his work on television, in films, and in other mediums. Loriot was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Wuppertal in 2001.
Until his death, he was also an honorary citizen of his hometown of Brandenburg a der Havel and his adopted city of Münsing.
Loriot’s Cause Of Death
Loriot died of old age on August 22, 2011, in Ammerland at Lake Starnberg. His death was a natural death.
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