Joseph Hannesschläger (born 2 June 1962 in Munich — died 20 January 2020) was a German actor and musician whose work spanned theatre, television and screen. He became a recognizable figure in German popular culture through a long-running leading role in a national television crime series, and was also active as a musician and stage performer.
Career overview
Hannesschläger trained and worked as an actor and built a career that included appearances on stage and in a variety of screen productions. He achieved widespread recognition beginning in the early 2000s for his portrayal of a senior police officer in a regional crime drama. His performance combined authoritative presence with a degree of warmth and humour, making him a central and enduring character for viewers of the series.
Notable role and television work
From 2002 until 2019 he played the role of Chief of Police Korbinian Hofer in Die Rosenheim-Cops, a long-running German crime series set in and around Rosenheim. The show mixes investigative plots with local colour and character-driven scenes; Hannesschläger's character often served as the calm, principled leader who coordinated investigations and anchored the ensemble cast. His tenure on the programme made him widely identifiable to television audiences across Germany.
Artistic range
Beyond his television fame, Hannesschläger continued to be involved in theatre and music. Colleagues and audiences noted his versatility: he moved between stage roles and screen work, and he took part in musical projects. This combination of disciplines is common among German actors who maintain ties to regional theatres and television productions.
Illness and death
In October 2019 Hannesschläger was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour, a form of cancer that affects hormone-producing cells. He died from the disease on 20 January 2020 in Munich at the age of 57. His passing was reported in national media and prompted tributes from fans and fellow artists who remembered his work and the humane qualities he brought to his roles.
Legacy
Joseph Hannesschläger is remembered primarily for his steady, sympathetic screen presence and for helping to shape a beloved character on a mainstream television series. For many viewers his name remains associated with the regional crime drama that introduced him to a wide audience; for colleagues he is recalled as a committed performer who worked across acting and music during his career.
- Born: 2 June 1962, Munich.
- Main television role: Chief of Police Korbinian Hofer (Die Rosenheim-Cops), 2002–2019.
- Diagnosed: October 2019 (neuroendocrine cancer).
- Died: 20 January 2020, Munich.