Rolf Becker, well-known German theater, film and television actor, passed away this Friday, December 12, 2025, aged 90, in a hospice in The artist, who became a familiar face as the canteen operator Otto Stein in the ARD series “In aller Freundschaft”, died surrounded by his family. The confirmation came from pastor Sieghard Wilm, from the St.-Pauli church, to the dpa news agency, highlighting the death in his adopted city.
Born on March 31, 1935, in Leipzig, Becker built a career that spanned more than 200 film and television productions. Sua trajectory began after studying at the Otto-Falckenberg-Schule, in Munique, and included stints in theaters in Bremen, Darmstadt and Ulm. In 1971, he moved to Hamburg, where he settled and worked in Deutsches Schauspielhaus and Thalia Theater.
The news of the death quickly resonated in the German media, with initial reports from Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR). Becker, who remained active until old age, had turned 90 in March and still appeared in recent episodes of the series that made him famous.
- Main roles in series: “Derrick”, “Der Alte” and “Tatort”.
- Film highlights: “Ich bin ein Elefant, Madame” (1969) and “Die verlorene Ehre der Katharina Blum” (1975).
- Contributions as voice actor and announcer in more than 100 audiobooks and radio soap operas.
Beginning of career in German theater
Becker began his professional journey in the 1960s, with productions in Bremen that mixed acting and directing. Ali, he explored classical and contemporary texts, gaining recognition for accurate interpretations. Within a few years, he moved to bigger stages in Hamburg, where the city’s cultural environment influenced his direct and engaging style.
This phase marked his transition from regional to national, with collaborations under directors such as Peter Zadek. Becker often highlighted theater as the basis for his later versatility on screen.
Iconic role in ‘In aller Freundschaft’
Since 2006, Becker has incorporated Otto Stein into ARD’s production, participating in around 550 episodes until 2022. The character, a widowed worker at Sachsenklinik, represented everyday resilience and won over audiences with his authenticity. Ele shared scenes with actors like Bernhard Bettermann, who played his son in the plot.
In 2022, Becker acted for the first time alongside his real son, Ben Becker, in an episode that combined fiction and personal life. Essa appearance reinforced family ties on screen and highlighted his professional longevity. The series, which aired for over 25 years, remains in production, with recent episodes subtly paying homage to his contribution.
The impact of the role extended to generations of spectators, who saw in Otto a reflection of traditional values mixed with modernity. Becker received invitations to the network’s events until last year, maintaining contact with the cast.
Family legacy in acting
Son of Becker, Ben Becker, aged 60, followed in his father’s footsteps in cinema and theater, with roles in productions such as “Affe”. Meret Becker, 56 years old, daughter from his first marriage to actress Monika Hansen, excelled in music and acting, including collaborations in “Tatort”.
From his second marriage, with Sylvia Wempner since 1980, came three children: two biological and one adopted, all involved in performing arts. The family formed a creative nucleus, with Becker encouraging independent careers.
This network of professional relationships avoided nepotism, as Becker observed in past interviews, prioritizing individual merit.
Political and social engagement
Becker joined Gewerkschaft Verdi and participated in anti-austerity groups at Grécia in the 2010s.
In the 1990s, he criticized Otan interventions in the former Yugoslavia, facing public debates. In 2003, he served as a volunteer guardian for Christian Klar, a political prisoner, and visited Mumia Abu-Jamal in American prison in 2009.
His activism was intertwined with art, with appearances at events at Rosa-Luxemburg-Konferenz and exhibitions at the jW-Galerie. Becker saw activism as an extension of his civic responsibility, without compromising commercial roles.
Presence in cinema and dubbing
In addition to the stage, Becker shone in films by renowned directors, like Volker Schlöndorff in literary adaptations. Seu’s role as prosecutor in “Die verlorene Ehre der Katharina Blum” explored themes of justice and media, based on Heinrich Böll.
As a voice actor, he provided voices for international productions, including animations and blockbusters, achieving more than 100 credits. Essa facet expanded its reach to young audiences, with audiobook narrations of German classics.
Becker balanced these works with police series, where his grave presence added narrative tension. Sua filmography reflects a transitional era in post-war German cinema.
Lasting influence on Hamburg
Hamburg has served as home and inspiration for Becker since 1971, with walks along the edge of Elba a daily routine. Ele described the city as unique for its mix of port and culture, frequenting the St.-Pauli-Theater until recently.
Pastor Wilm, who followed his last moments, noted Becker’s gratitude for the local community. Sua residence in the neighborhood strengthened ties with neighbors and theater colleagues.
This connection culminated in posthumous tributes, with Thalia Theater planning retrospectives of their performances. Becker left a void in the Hanseatic cultural scene, but its archive of works guarantees continuity.
The trajectory of Rolf Becker illustrates dedication to an art that transcends generations, with contributions that range from light entertainment to profound social criticism. Nascido In turbulent times, he navigated six decades of change in the German art world, always prioritizing integrity and innovation. Seus children and colleagues keep alive the memory of a professional who combined talent with conviction, influencing aspiring actors in schools and festivals. Episódios from “In aller
