Actor Achim Wolff has died at the age of 87

Wolff became known to a young audience through the role of Santa Claus in the Kika series "Beutolomäus," which he portrayed from 2005 to 2012. Over the years, the character earned him a loyal fan base among children and families.

On the theater stage, Wolff took on what was likely his last major role in 2025: at the summer theater of the Beelitz Festival, he appeared on stage together with his wife Rita Feldmeier. The joint appearance with his wife was regarded by colleagues and companions as a personal highlight of his long career.

Final stage appearances

Prior to that, he had played the leading role of the Alzheimer's-afflicted Amandus at the Schlosspark Theater in Berlin in the stage adaptation of Til Schweiger's film "Honig im Kopf." The demanding role asked a great deal of him, but also brought him considerable recognition from critics and audiences.

Wolff was also active on stages in Munich and Dresden, including at the Komödie Dresden. His repertoire ranged from boulevard comedies and classical roles to musical productions, making him a versatile character actor.

Reactions from the industry

His death following a serious illness triggered dismay in the German theater and television industry. Companions honored him as a passionate actor who, despite his advanced age, remained active on stage until the very end. The news reached colleagues and fans on Tuesday.

With Wolff, the Berlin cultural scene loses an artist who shaped several generations. He is survived by his wife Rita Feldmeier, with whom he most recently shared the stage, as well as relatives, in whose circle he died.