ACTOR · BORN 1955 · DIED 2019
Jan Fedder
- Born
- 14 January 1955, Hamburg, Germany
- Died
- 30 December 2019
- Known for
- Das Boot (1981), Soul Kitchen (2009), Werner and the Wizard of Booze (1990), Das Boot (1985)
23 archived facts 6 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (23)
- #001
Jan Fedder was known from his early youth as someone who frequently ran into trouble with the law. What brought him real fame, however, was his role as a police officer in the television series 'Großstadtrevier', which began in 1986 and ran for many years. Through this series he became one of Germany's most beloved and popular police characters. The character Fedder played formed an interesting contrast between his real life on the streets and his image on screen.
- #002
Fedder's passion for collecting ranged from old cars and motorcycles to antique condom vending machines. The most valuable piece in this collection was the original machine that hung in the men's restroom of Hamburg's famous Star Club, the venue where the Beatles first performed. This machine held great significance both for music history and for Fedder's personal interests. Fedder's fascination with such unusual objects showed that he was not an ordinary actor but also a collector who valued cultural heritage.
- #003
Jan Fedder's family ran a tavern in Hamburg's famous red-light district, St. Pauli. However, so that their two sons (Jan and his brother Oliver) would not encounter drunken sailors and prostitutes at an early age, the family closed the tavern every evening at 6:00 p.m. This care played an important role in shaping Fedder's childhood. His family's protective approach contributed to his developing a sense of discipline that left its mark on his later life as well.
- #004
Between the ages of 11 and 14, Jan Fedder took ballet lessons. During this period his interest in dance steered him toward the performing arts and led him to take his first steps into an acting career. His ballet training gave him the ability to control and express his body, which proved a significant advantage in his acting later on. This decision Fedder made at an early age formed the foundation of his artistic life and made him one of Germany's best-known actors.
- #005
To escape the intense pace of his career, Jan Fedder chose to live on a farm in Schleswig-Holstein. This rural life offered him an escape from the chaos of city life. Fedder's quiet life on the farm showed his fondness for nature and a simple life. This choice also revealed that he was not only an actor but a person who sought peace in nature.
- #006
In 2007, Jan Fedder was appointed as an ambassador for the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS). This role showed the importance he placed on maritime and rescue work. Through this role, Fedder aimed to raise awareness of accidents at sea and to support the work of rescue teams. His ambassadorship also brought to light his sensitivity to society and his sense of responsibility.
- #007
In a television program he appeared on in 2018, Jan Fedder spoke candidly about the long and difficult radiation treatment he underwent for mouth cancer. He stated that a third of his tongue was removed during the treatment and that this period was the worst time of his life. Fedder expressed the physical and emotional collapse he experienced, saying, 'I didn't even have the strength to pick up the phone.' These statements laid bare how hard his struggle with the illness was and his vulnerability during that process.
- #008
Jan Fedder admitted that he had suicidal thoughts during his mouth cancer treatment. 'When everything is terrible, you wonder why all this is happening and whether you should end your life,' he said, expressing the dark state of mind he was in at the time. However, his deep love for his wife Marion and the responsibility he felt toward his viewers were the greatest support in getting him through this difficult period. Fedder's statements gave hope and courage to many people battling illness.
- #009
Jan Fedder was known especially for his success in portraying typical North German characters. Combined with his distinctive voice and accent, this talent allowed him to create unforgettable characters on screen. This quality made him one of Germany's most beloved actors and built him a large fan base, particularly in the northern regions. The characters he portrayed gave viewers the chance to become closely acquainted with the cultural fabric and people of North Germany.
- #010
Jan Fedder was diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2012. This diagnosis deeply affected both his career and his personal life. Throughout his battle with cancer he underwent treatment many times and went through difficult periods. Yet despite his illness, Fedder showed the determination to keep working and took part in many projects. This revealed what a strong and resilient character he had.
- #011
In 2009, Jan Fedder appeared in the comedy film 'Soul Kitchen' by the famous director Fatih Akın. This film held an important place in Fedder's cinema career and also showcased his talent in comedy. Fedder's performance in the film received positive reactions from both critics and audiences. 'Soul Kitchen' proved that Fedder could also succeed in productions of different genres.
- #012
Over the course of his career, Jan Fedder appeared in more than 400 productions and, with his distinctive voice and accent, made North German characters virtually his trademark. In particular, his farmer character Brakelmann in the NDR series 'Neues aus Büttenwarder' formed a cult duo with 'Adsche', played by Peter Heinrich Brix. The series gained a large fan base, especially in northern Germany, and took its place among Fedder's unforgettable works.
- #013
In 2006, Jan Fedder was honored with the German Television Award for his performance in the production 'Der Mann im Strom' ('The Man in the Current'). This award is regarded as one of the most important achievements of his acting career. Fedder's role in this film revealed his dramatic talent and the depth of his characters. The award proved how successful he was not only in comedy but also in serious dramas.
- #014
Jan Fedder rarely went to the cinema; his true profession was television. Over the many years he spent on television screens, he appeared in numerous series and films and secured a solid place for himself in this field. Fedder's commitment to television was decisive in shaping his career. This also formed the basis of the strong bond he built with viewers.
- #015
Alongside acting, Jan Fedder also worked as a voice actor. His distinctive voice brought characters to life in many productions. Fedder's work in voice acting showed that he was a versatile artist. In this way he left his mark on viewers' memories both on screen and through his voice.
- #016
During the filming of 'Das Boot', in a scene where the submarine U-96 is caught in a storm, Jan Fedder lost his balance and nearly fell from the tower set into the sea. Bernd Tauber, noticing this dangerous moment, shouted 'Mann-über-Bord!' (man overboard) and helped Fedder climb onto the tower hatch. Director Petersen initially did not realize it was an accident and, saying 'Good idea, Jan. We'll do that again!', treated the situation as a scene. But when he realized the seriousness of the incident, Fedder was immediately taken to hospital. This event laid bare how risky the moments Fedder experienced on set were and the importance of the crew's quick intervention.
- #017
Jan Fedder's wife Marion was on holiday in Spain at the time of her husband's death. The couple generally spent their holidays apart; Marion preferred the warm south, while Fedder liked to stay in Hamburg's St. Pauli neighborhood. When Marion could not reach her husband by phone, she became worried and called a friend who had a key to the house. The friend went to Fedder's home immediately and found him lifeless in bed. Paramedics were called, but despite all efforts Fedder could not be saved. This event showed how sudden and unexpected Fedder's death was.
- #018
Jan Fedder had a sharp-tongued character who hardly followed the rules but was all the more charming. He was known as someone who spoke his mind openly and did not easily bend. Fedder, who was several times elected an honorary commissioner by the police, also earned society's appreciation with this title. In addition, he was immortalized with a wax figure displayed at the 'Panoptikum' museum on Hamburg's famous Reeperbahn street. This figure symbolized his standing in the public eye and his popularity.
- #019
In 2013, the Hamburg Film Festival celebrated the 45th anniversary of Jan Fedder's stage career. Fedder had first stepped in front of the camera as a 13-year-old boy, and over this long career he had signed many unforgettable productions. This celebration honored his success and endurance in his artistic life. This milestone in Fedder's life showed how productive his acting journey, which began at a young age, had been.
- #020
In the last years of his life, Jan Fedder struggled with many health problems. Due to serious conditions such as cancer treatment and blood poisoning, he was sometimes forced to take breaks. Yet despite these difficulties he did not give up and managed to return in front of the camera every time. Fedder's resilience showed his passion for his profession and his commitment to his viewers. His perseverance became a source of inspiration for many people.
- #021
Jan Fedder went down in history as one of Germany's longest-serving television police officers. His role in the series 'Großstadtrevier' made him one of the indispensable police characters on screen. Fedder's long-running performance is regarded as one of the most important achievements of his acting career. This role earned him great acclaim from both critics and viewers.
- #022
Alongside acting, Jan Fedder was also involved in music and was the lead vocalist of the rock band 'Big Balls'. The group revealed a different side of his artistic life. Fedder's music career showed that he was a versatile artist. This interest in rock music also reflected his energetic and dynamic personality.
- #023
Jan Fedder was known for his sensitivity toward disadvantaged segments of society. He took part in various efforts to support former prisoners, the homeless and HIV-positive individuals. Fedder's charity showed that he was not only an actor but also a person with a sense of social responsibility. His efforts touched the lives of many people and had a positive impact on society.
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