The comedian Max Giermann (47) is one of the most sought-after parodists in the country. Imitations of celebrities such as actor Klaus Kinski (1926-1991), Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens, 53) or entertainer Stefan Raab (56) have made him famous. With the satirical show “Switch Reloaded”, the Freiburg native made his big breakthrough in 2007, and since then his detailed imitations have been an integral part of German television.
From April 6, Giermann can be seen again in the Amazon comedy “LOL: Last One Laughing”, the fourth season of which is starting. The 47-year-old is taking part in the show for the third time, but was also there once as a surprise guest. In addition to him, Cordula Stratmann (59), Moritz Bleibtreu (51), Jan van Weyde (43), Elton (51), Michael Mittermeier (56), Joko Winterscheidt (44), Kurt Krömer (48), Martina Hill (48 ) and Hazel Brugger (29) not to laugh for six hours.
In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Giermann now reveals why he considers the show a “giant gift”, whether he would be there again for the next season and what German television can learn from the program with Michael Bully Herbig (54).
Max Giermann: Most at Easter! But you can combine that with “LOL” and start at Easter with the first two episodes of the fourth season. It’s definitely worth it, I promise!
Giermann: “LOL” was really a huge gift for me, because I used to always disappear behind my roles. With “LOL” I was able to show myself in a completely different way. I love this playground, but not being able to laugh for six hours is really a bit exhausting.
Giermann: Of course, clowning also got me into comedy. That helped me on every point. In the previous seasons I also did a lot of clownesque things, things that you might not have heard of me before. And when it comes to improvisation, it also helps to have been a clown. You often feel reminded of the beginnings anyway and become really humbled when no one laughs… that grounds you.
Giermann: I can’t enjoy it in the meantime. There are such highlights again in season four. To avoid laughing, you have to be incredibly focused, like an athlete who needs to concentrate on peak performance. You have fun afterwards when you recap what you have experienced.
Giermann: I think we all assumed that both Elton and Joko were easy prey. You can see if that is true in the new episodes. But of course they were put through the wringer accordingly – hilarious how Kurt Krömer follows Elton… It’s just so entertaining to watch people suffer. I’m always amazed at how well this format works.
Giermann: I initially saw my biggest competitor in Martina Hill. I didn’t know Cordula Stratmann personally before and couldn’t assess her. With Moritz Bleibtreu I had no idea what could happen. I tried to avoid Kurt Krömer. But my experience of the last few seasons is that the moments that you don’t expect are always dangerous (laughs).
Giermann: No, the format itself is just so strong, you can definitely tell it a few more times. I just have to ask myself: ‘How often do I actually want to take part?’
Giermann: I would probably taste blood again immediately. But of course: I have to dig deep in my bag of tricks to find fresh ideas. But basically I love the format, everything is made very lovingly.
Giermann: As a young actor, I was accepted into the ensemble of Switch and then I couldn’t get out of the parody corner – for better or for worse. But that’s also the nice thing about “LOL” now, to show myself completely differently, even beyond Kinski, Raab and Co.
Giermann: Basically, there are actually no taboos. In the meantime, of course, female characters are excluded, that just doesn’t work anymore, which I think is right. I’m always interested in characters where you don’t immediately scream for parody. Like Habeck for example…
Giermann: Of course Kinski has been a favorite over the years. A character that was always fun because it moves forward. In parodic terms, Habeck is actually my best role.
Giermann: No, I don’t do that at all. I don’t even try to make fun of myself privately. It’s just not in my nature. Recently, however, a friend asked me to do the Kinski in a restaurant – he had something good with me. After that he probably regretted it because he’s definitely banned from the house now (laughs).
Giermann: “Frei Schnauze” was a very personal and emotional thing for me, because that was the beginning of my career. And there are memories of Dirk Bach and Mirco Nontschew attached. So it felt right to take on the remake. But I personally tend not to look at retro formats.
Giermann: I would say you have to approach it in a more artist-driven way. “LOL” is the best example. No one says, ‘Wait a minute, you can’t do that! Nobody wants to see that and we have to rewrite that again!’ We can do whatever we want. And I think the secret is that you let the creative minds design things freely.
I think so.
