interview
What actually does…
She once rejected Eric Clapton – today Sabine Sauer prefers to be on stage herself
In the 1980s, Sabine Sauer moderated the programs “Kino-Hitparade” and “Showfenster” on ZDF
© imago stock
In the 1980s, Sabine Sauer traveled behind the big stars, flying to LA, London or Singapore. Today, what she enjoys most is that she can finally do what she wants.
Interview: Sabine Hoffmann
Nowadays, many young people hope to get through To become famous on Tiktok and Instagram. Did you also find yourself in the spotlight early on?
No, I dreamed of becoming a restorer and studied art history in Munich. By chance I discovered a notice from the Bavarian Radio in the cafeteria: They were looking for young speakers for radio. The job paid 300 marks a month. I really wanted to have it so I could move out of home and afford my own room.
Did it work straight away?
When I arrived at the radio station and saw hundreds of applicants in the foyer, I wanted to go straight back out through the revolving door. But my sister Gabi grabbed me by the collar and said: “Bine, we’ll wait until it’s your turn!” I had to audition three times. Then I had the job.
From the mid-80s onwards you interviewed stars for the “Kino-Hitparade” and “Showfenster”. Were they golden times?
I got to know great personalities, sometimes flew to New York, then again to London or Singapore. There was always a packed suitcase in my bedroom because I never knew when it would start again. Once Rod Stewart’s management spontaneously suggested that we visit him at home in Los Angeles for a day.
© sigi mueller
Sauer, born in Freiburg in 1955, started her career as a radio and TV presenter at BR. From 1984 she was seen on ZDF with the “Kino-Hitparade” and in 1986 “Showfenster” was added. She interviewed world stars such as Paul Newman, Jack Lemmon and Madonna. She later moderated, among other things, the “NDR Talkshow”. From 1997 she could only be seen on BR again, for example in the daily format “We in Bavaria” and the talk show “Unter Vier Augen”. She also moderated large events such as the “Stern Hours Gala”.
Sounds exciting.
Unfortunately, Rod Stewart kept us waiting for hours and then greeted me by saying that he had promised his son that he would accompany him to a football game and that he had neither the time nor the desire for our interview. Ultimately we only spoke for 15 minutes in his recording studio. Luckily we were able to save the post by turning it into a story about a broken dream of spending a day with Rod Stewart.
Who did things go like clockwork with?
Audrey Hepburn. I was allowed to accompany her to her appointments as a Unicef ambassador in Turkey for three days. Although she was already ill at the time, she completed her rigorous daily routine with incredible kindness and was extremely polite and attentive.
Have you ever been hit on by a star?
After the interview, Eric Clapton asked me bluntly if I would accompany him on his tour. I refused, but he still didn’t let up. For years he came to every concert in Germany and invited me.
After 43 years as a presenter, you retired in 2020. Did you fall into a hole?
No. I have had wonderful encounters and a lot of happiness in my life. The many shoots and the long broadcast days were also very tiring. So I didn’t complain when it was over.
What is the best thing about the new phase of your life?
I’m perfectly healthy and can do whatever I want. That is the greatest gift. I love classical music and still present concerts by large orchestras. I primarily develop my own stage programs, a mixture of literature and music. I will soon be performing with my Tucholsky program at the Munich Künstlerhaus. I read selected texts and a pianist plays short concert pieces. I am looking forward to that.