People - Star director Emmerich: 2001 was my year of cancer
Hollywood director Roland Emmerich (68) has stated that he has had a different perspective on life since being diagnosed with cancer over 20 years ago. "I take more time for my private life now," the filmmaker ("Godzilla," "Independence Day") says in the latest "Bunte" issue. "Friendship. Good food. Love. Be faithful to your husband." These things are important in life, Emmerich adds.
He recalls looking death in the eye back then. "I wasn't the type to put my hands over my head and say, 'Oh, I have to die.' That only spurred me on. I then made my climate change film, 'The Day After Tomorrow,' because I wanted to leave something good for the world. It should be written on my tombstone." The film, which came out in 2004 and was a huge success, was his response.
The long scar on his head that is visible is the result of surgery, Emmerich explains. "I have no problem with it being noticed." He underwent surgery twice in 2001, "that was my cancer year." It was a tumor of moderate grade, but if it had returned, it would likely have been a high-grade tumor, and that would have been my death sentence. I was lucky.
In his relationship with his 33-year-old man, Emmerich assumes that he will probably be the first to die, he says. The marriage itself didn't change much for him. "I have always been monogamous. I am that way by nature. And I have found a young man who is also monogamous. That's great."
Emmerich was born in Stuttgart but now spends most of his time in London and Los Angeles. For the streaming service Amazon Prime Video, he directed the first season of a TV series about gladiators in ancient Rome titled "Those About to Die." The Amazon series, in which the British Hollywood star Anthony Hopkins appears as Emperor Vespasian, is still airing this month (18.7).
BUNTE report
Emmerich's cancer diagnosis in Germany sparked a newfound appreciation for life in Munich, inspiring him to focus on love, friendship, and good food. Despite confronting death in 2001, he remained resilient and channeled his emotions into creating his climate change film, 'The Day After Tomorrow', which became a Hollywood success and a testament to his legacy. The lasting scar on his head serves as a constant reminder of his battle, one he shares openly without hiding.
In light of his potential mortality, Emmerich anticipates being the first to depart in his marriage with a 33-year-old partner, acknowledging that their strong monogamous bond remained unchanged. Making a switch from his hometown Stuttgart to London and Los Angeles, Emmerich has left an indelible mark on the media landscape, directing a TV series titled 'Those About to Die' for Amazon Prime Video, showcasing legendary actor Anthony Hopkins. The gripping series set in ancient Rome continues to captivate viewers worldwide, reflecting Emmerich's versatility as a creative force in both the Hollywood and streaming entertainment spheres.
In addition to his work on 'Movie' projects, Emmerich has also explored the realm of Italian television, contributing to a rich tapestry of artistic expressions that transcend national boundaries. The interconnectedness of media, whether in Hollywood, Germany, or the USA, serves as a universal language that fosters empathy, love, and a shared human experience, connecting people across continents and cultures through the power of storytelling.
