Martin Feifel makes a statement. - With the ban on alcohol, there are less rolls being used.
Martin Feifel celebrates his 60th birthday on June 16th. In an interview with "Bunte" magazine, the Munich-based actor reflects on his life. While not all aspects are positive, he also discusses his forthcoming art exhibition in Munich, his father's death five years ago, and his past battle with alcohol addiction. Despite being sober for ten years, he believes he's less frequently cast in roles now.
Feifel is a versatile actor, appearing in various genres. He made his screen debut in 1991 in Helmut Dietl's film satire "Schtonk." In 1997, he rose to prominence through his leading role as poet Friedrich Hölderlin in "Der Feuerreiter." Feifel has since appeared in numerous crime series and "Der Wien-Krimi: Blind ermittelt," airing on ARD on May 9th. Throughout his career, Feifel's alcohol addiction remained unseen by the public. As he stated in the interview, "For almost ten years, I haven't drunk a drop of alcohol. But once word gets around in the industry, it sticks." The stigma of his past struggles seems to have reduced his job opportunities.
Less work after overcoming addiction
Feifel, a seasoned actor, expressed his angst about his dwindling career: "Since I stopped drinking alcohol, I feel like I get fewer offers than before." Despite this, he remains optimistic about putting his inner struggles to good use through his craft. He believes his emotive performances are only possible when he genuinely feels the character in a visceral way. "I can only play these intense roles if there's something about them that I love," Feifel explained. He's eager to continue showcasing his talents on camera, craving recognition even if it means sharing his vulnerabilities.
Embracing painting through his father's death
Feifel's strength lies in his willingness to be transparent and raw. This trait has helped him bring his most challenging roles to life. His father, a respected doctor and university professor, Gernot Feifel, had a complex relationship with his son. Feifel confessed that "his respect for my acting came very late." However, he noted that his father attended all his performances and screenings despite their tumultuous relationship. Feifel discovered painting during his father's final days. He showed his father his art on his phone, bringing about a sense of reconciliation: "When I said goodbye, he made a lip movement as if to say 'nice' or 'good.' And I found peace with that."
Encouragement from wife and agent
Today, Feifel's paintings are more vibrant and joyful than they were before. Part of this is due to his wife, Judith Sutter, who he married in 2016 and employed as his agent in 2019. He seems grateful for her support: "When I sell a painting, I'm really happy - but also sad. Then she says, 'Imagine it hanging on someone's wall. And people enjoy it.'" Whenever Feifel appears on television, his wife places his paintings near the television, showing preference for them over TV shows. "She says that her gaze wanders from the TV to the pictures," he recounted. As Feifel's career gains momentum, she may reconsider her viewing habits.
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Source: www.stern.de
