- What's with the "GCS" part?
Hardy Krüger Jr. (56) will celebrate a special series premiere on August 6th (from 7:40 PM on RTL, also via RTL+). The actor will make his first appearance in his new role in the popular RTL daily soap "Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten" (Episode 8.077). "We're having a public viewing with the family," the actor reveals in an RTL interview about his "GZSZ" premiere this Tuesday. But who does Hardy Krüger Jr. play, and what brings him to the "GZSZ" neighborhood?
A Plastic Surgeon with an Uncertain Future
He plays the plastic surgeon Lars Brunner, who comes from Miami and makes a splash in Berlin. On the "GZSZ" neighborhood, he not only meets his ex-partner Maren Seefeld (Eva Mona Rodekirchen, 48). "The two had Lilly and Jonas and were a good, happy couple," the actor explains about his role. Initially, Lars also made a good impression in his father role, "but when he went to America, the contact with his children deteriorated because he focused on his career."
The character has always wanted to be a doctor, according to the actor. Lars went to the US after his studies to specialize in plastic surgery. "He took the long absence from his family in Berlin for that, which turned out to be a big mistake," the 56-year-old explains. "He loves life and always has a joke, but he takes his job very seriously and is responsible."
Lars has a lot to make up for and must make amends with his children Jonas (Felix van Deventer, 28) and Lilly (Iris Mareike Steen, 32), and with Maren and Michi (Lars Pape, 53), the actor reveals further. "I would wish that he stays in Germany and continues working with his daughter at Jeremias. Maybe he falls in love again and finds happiness in Berlin."
In addition to the mentioned actors, Hardy Krüger Jr. can also be seen on screen with Gisa Zach (50, who plays Yvonne Bode). The two are celebrating a reunion. "We were already a couple in 'Forsthaus Falkenau'," Hardy Krüger Jr. explains about their previous series appearance. Will the two also be seen as a couple in "GZSZ"? "It's not planned for now, but it's open-ended. Anything is possible with 'GZSZ'," says the 56-year-old with a laugh. How does Lars and Yvonne meet in the first place?
Spoiler Alert! This is what's coming up for Lars on "GZSZ"
In episode 8.077, it is announced that Maren is still waiting for her ex to contact her. Meanwhile, "an attractive man appears on the neighborhood. And leaves a lasting impression, not only on Yvonne and Moritz," the first appearance of Hardy Krüger Jr. is hinted at.
In the previous episodes, it was already known that Maren's aunt Jutta wants to leave her a dream house in Spain, on the condition that she marries Lars. The marriage-averse Maren doesn't want to be blackmailed, but she and her current partner Michi consider marrying Lars for form's sake. In episode 8.078, Maren and Michi present their proposal to Lars. "And to their surprise, Lars doesn't take long to think about it and accepts the 'marriage proposal'," it is announced. Whether the plan works out and Michi can handle the new situation remains to be seen.
What Hardy Krüger Jr. Likes About "GZSZ"
Hardy Krüger Jr. particularly likes the "GZSZ" team and the working atmosphere on set. "Everyone is very friendly and welcoming, and it's a lot of fun to work together," he says. He also appreciates the show's long history and its ability to stay relevant and popular with audiences. "It's impressive how 'GZSZ' has evolved over the years and continues to attract new viewers," he adds.
Hardy Krüger Jr. was drawn to accept the role and participate in "GZSZ" due to the character, he says. "Of course, it's fantastic to be part of such a successful format. But as an actor, the character is always crucial." He appreciates that this character possesses "many layers" and has to deal with "unpleasant things," which makes it believable and allows it to develop. Additionally, his work on "GZSZ" is unique compared to other projects: "I had to learn a lot about the work of a doctor, including medical terms and their meanings." And: "It's fast-paced here, and I enjoy that."
Hardy Krüger Jr.'s character, Lars Brunner, shares a complicated past with Eva Mona Rodekirchen's character, Maren Seefeld, as they were formerly a happy couple with children together. In addition to his professional and personal struggles, Lars will also reconnect with Gisa Zach's character, Yvonne Bode, whom he previously worked with in 'Forsthaus Falkenau'.
