Harald Schmidt

Harald Franz Schmidt is a German actor, comedian, television presenter, and author, best known as the host of two popular German late-night shows. The son of refugees who fled the Sudetenland (now the Czech Republic) in 1945, Schmidt spent his youth in the Swabian town of Nürtingen. Due to his strict Catholic upbringing, he became actively involved in the Roman Catholic Church, serving as a choirmaster and playing the organ. At the age of 21, Schmidt moved to Stuttgart, where he attended drama school for three years. Subsequently, he gained stage experience at the *Städtische Bühne* (Municipal Theater) in Augsburg. His first role was that of the Second Mamluk in Lessing’s *Nathan the Wise*. In 1984, Schmidt became a lyricist for the cabaret ensemble *Kom(m)ödchen* in Düsseldorf, and in 1986, he was named "Best Up-and-Coming Cabaret Artist." That same year, he toured Germany with his own solo show. Television soon took notice of the talented young comedian, and in 1988, Schmidt hosted his first TV program, *MAZ ab*. This was followed by shows such as *Psst!* and *Schmidteinander*. He experienced the greatest boost of his career in 1992, when he took over as host of the popular Saturday-night show *Verstehen Sie Spaß?*. Schmidt was awarded the Adolf Grimme Prize—Germany’s most prestigious television award—the first of many such honors to follow. Just one year later, he was named "Entertainer of the Year" and received both the Bambi and the *Goldene Kamera* awards.

Harald Schmidt is known for work in acting across film and television. New Release currently presents 17 verified screen credits connected to this profile. Selected work includes Kurzstrecke mit Pierre M. Krause (2020), Gredig direkt (2020), The Legend of Timm Thaler: or The Boy Who Sold His Laughter (2017), Schmidt & Pocher (2007), Lesen! Mit Elke Heidenreich (2003), Kuli & Co. (1999), Deutscher Fernsehpreis (1999), Die Harald Schmidt Show (1995). The recorded credits span 1980 to 2020, including 1 movie and 16 TV shows. The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles. This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.