Since 2013, Sebastian Bezzel has been the star of the Heimatkrimi film adaptations of Rita Falk’s popular book series. In those films he is known as the rock’n’roll-loving and somewhat aloof Bavarian policeman Franz Eberhofer.
And while Bezzel has starred in nine Eberhofer films, he is an accomplished actor with formal training and experience as a cabaret performer. He has performed on the stages of Bavaria, on television, and the big screen.
This month, get to know Sebastian Bezzel and learn German with films!
Get to Know Sebastian Bezzel
Sebastian Bezzel was born on May 18, 1971, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. His father was Einhard Bezzel, a noted German ornithologist, author, and animal photographer.
After completing his Abitur, Bezzel pursued acting training at the Bayerische Theaterakademie August Everding in Munich. He then performed at the city’s Residenztheater, the Prinzregententheater, and as a cabaret artist.
During that time, he made his television debut in the 1992 crime drama Der Struppi ist weg.
Schwere Jungs
Based on a true story, the 2006 film Schwere Jungs tells the story of a German bobsled team’s dream to compete at the 1952 Winter Olympics. Those Olympics were the first after World War II in which Germany participated.
Bezzel stars as Gamser, a carpenter with deep roots in bobsledding. During the 1936 Winter Olympics in nearby Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Gamser builds his sled for a youth sledding competition. But a screw comes loose and Gamser loses to his rival, Dorfler.
Through the years, he never forgets the loss. It makes Gamser even more sore to see Dorfler become a wealthy brewery owner while he and his wife lead a more modest lifestyle.
Fast-forward to 1952 when both men decide to compete again in the bobsled competition. Gamser gets his old friends back together but it is a rag-tag team. Eventually, the two teams are forced to consider putting their differences aside for a shared goal: winning.
Vatertage – Opa über Nacht
One day, Basti (portrayed by Bezzel) is a normal single man in his late 30s living in Munich and driving a pedicab. The next, 17-year-old Dina arrives and announces she is his daughter. And as if that is not enough, Dina has a newborn baby named Paul. That is the basis of the 2012 film Vatertage – Opa über Nacht.
Because Basti was never involved in Dina’s life, she wants retribution. She demands money as well as his time and attention. But Basti, who lives with his sister Thea (portrayed by actress and comedian Monika Gruber) and her children, is not exactly wealthy.
The film also stars Heiner Lauterbach as Lambert, Basti and Thea’s father, and Adam Bousdoukos as Lambert’s new Greek lover.
Dampfnudelblues
2013’s Dampnudelblues is the first film adaptation of Rita Falk’s novel of the same name in the humorous, entertaining, and very Bavarian Eberhoferkrimi series.
The series, set in a fictional sleepy small village in Bavaria, follows policeman Franz Eberhofer. Surrounded by entertaining friends and family, Franz likes drinking with his buddies. But when he has to investigate a murder, it leads him on a wild adventure.
Practice practice practice! Discover other great German language actors and actresses previously featured.
Top photo by Markus Abele courtesy of Agentur Notabene. This post contains affiliate links.
