Many of us grew up with his voice, millions have (also) become fans of radio plays like “Die Drei ???” or “TKKG” because of him. Voice actor and radio play star Wolfgang Draeger has now died at the age of 95. His children shared this in one on Tuesday Instagram post with.
Draeger’s daughter Kerstin wrote: “Dear dad, we’ve just been up in your beloved mountains for your 95th birthday… and now you just wanted to get even higher. Say hello to Mom and Stefan in heaven. I love you. Your Kerstin.” Draeger also posted an old photo of herself and her brother Sascha when they were children with their father. He only turned 95 on January 9th.
In Germany, Draeger was best known for his work as a radio play announcer for the Europa label: in the radio play series “Die Drei ???” he succeeded Horst Frank as Commissioner Reynolds at the end of the 1980s. For the series “TKKG” he voiced Commissioner Glockner. In “Sesame Street” Draeger lent his voice to the big yellow bird Bibo.
Draeger also “translated” a big Hollywood star into German: he was the German voice of Woody Allen (87). The star’s special way of speaking was never a problem for him, Draeger said in a dpa interview in 2015: “Because I’m partly like that myself. I’m a stutterer and I have a penchant for psychopaths and lunatics. If I had to not only speak the roles but also act them, I would create them exactly like that. James Cagney, who I also spoke to, was much more difficult. With this steam boiler I really had to act and make an effort. But Woody Allen, that’s practically me in a lot of things.” He also voiced other stars, such as Dudley Moore, and once Roman Polanski.
Draeger also lent his voice to Hollywood star Woody Allen
European boss Heikedine Körting said about the death of the cult spokesman: “With Wolfgang Draeger, a really great, wonderful actor and friend has left us. He leaves us all an incredible number of great memories – both in film and on television, dubbing and radio plays. Last year we made great recordings together in the studio for “The Three ???”. Farewell, dear Wolfgang Draeger!”
As an actor, Draeger was seen in the ZDF series “The Legacy of the Guldenburgs” – again as a commissioner. (dpa/cbu)
