Michael Habeck

Michael Habeck (23 April 1944 – 4 February 2011) was a prolific German actor and voice‑over artist whose career spanned nearly five decades. Born in the small Bavarian town of Bad Grönenbach, he pursued formal training at the Ruth von Zerboni acting school in Munich before embarking on a series of stage engagements at prestigious venues such as the Munich Kammerspiele, the Ruhrfestspiele Recklinghausen, and the Munich Volkstheater. His theatrical versatility was evident when he appeared as Lennox in a 1974 televised production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth for the ARD, a performance that showcased his classical grounding. Transitioning to screen, Habeck became a familiar face on German television, notably as Oswin in the beloved children’s series Rappelkiste (1973‑1984), a role that earned him the Grimm Award in 1984. He also contributed to popular crime series like Tatort and appeared in international productions, including the Academy‑award‑winning film The Name of the Rose, where his portrayal of the corpulent monk Berengar added a memorable touch. Beyond on‑screen acting, Habeck’s most enduring legacy lies in his voice‑over work, where he became the German counterpart of iconic Hollywood figures. He succeeded Bruno W. Pantel as the voice of Oliver Hardy, delivering the classic slapstick timing that German audiences adored, and he regularly dubbed Danny De Vito in a wide array of films. His animated voice portfolio includes Ernie in the German version of Sesame Street, Barney Rubble in The Flintstones, Baby Fozzie in Muppet Babies (1984‑1991), and the gruff Groundskeeper Willie and Chief Wiggum in The Simpsons during its early seasons. He also lent his voice to characters in The Animals of Farthing Wood and Asterix Conquers America. Michael Habeck’s career concluded only with his passing in Munich on 4 February 2011 after a brief illness, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to resonate with both children and adults across Germany.