When ZDF canceled the crime series Soko Munich in 2020, it was a disappointment for many viewers; for the actor Christofer von Beau, who played the police officer Franz Ainfachnur, it was – as he said at the time – a “catastrophe”. It would be “like winning the lottery” if he got another role in a series, he said after the last episode. In October 2021 his unemployment benefit expires, from November 2021 he will have to apply for Hartz IV “if no miracle happens”.
SZ: Herr von Beau, how are you now?
Christofer von Beau: I answer like a politician: I prefer to be fine. That is a statement without a statement. But if I’m honest, I’m not doing well. I hardly have any work, and you can’t always watch TV, read, or go for walks. I recently cleaned my blinds – each slat individually. So I thought: boy, you have a problem!
Did you have to apply for Hartz IV?
Yes. And the woman I was dealing with had a flair! Then I had to fill out a lot of questionnaires – I spent 56 euros on copies alone. Ultimately, it was said that I would have to terminate my contracts, such as life insurance. Only when all my money is gone can they help me. Then I withdrew the application. I live on my savings as long as I can. Then the Christmas presents are more modest this time.
Are you still addressed as “Commissioner” on the street in Berlin where you live?
Yes, and then I am asked when the Soko Munich will continue. In the last episode it was said that I had been offered a new department … (laughs).
Fiction is not always understood.
Sometimes I hold my cell phone to my ear when I leave the house so that I don’t get spoken to. The other day the doorbell suddenly rang. So I said out loud that I would get someone on the second line. I don’t know if there is anything like that on the phone at all (laughs).
Didn’t you work as an actor at all this year?
I played in a few short films and application films by young directors I know from Soko Munich because they were interns there. Of course I did that for free. It’s contagious the vigor with which young people are at it – they are a little naive and don’t yet know what it really is like in our industry. I am in the role of a father and say – like my mother to me in the past – that you should learn something sensible, if nothing comes of directing it. My mother said I should become a hairdresser or a truck driver, they are always needed, in war and in peace.
You also have a role in Soko Potsdam …
… yes, as a prosecutor. But that was the last time I was there six months ago. I guess the prosecutor goes golfing a lot.
And otherwise?
Two days of shooting for ZDF Neo. A sitcom. I play the father of a young man who has a stir sticks start-up. I had to speak a few Hungarian words, once I said cement mixer instead of a mixer.
And theater?
Because of Corona, many houses are trying to get through with their ensemble. There is currently no room for guests. I’ve already had sleepless nights with my thoughts moving in an endless loop. But what should I do? Retrain at 58? I then applied to be a waiter.
And?
Once I introduced myself in a bar, and the landlady – an older woman with a Berlin ruffle nose, which I love – kept looking to the right and left. To the right. To the left. To the right. To the left.
Why?
(laughs): She said: This is the “hidden camera”, I saw you on TV yesterday. I then left and she was still looking left and right to find the camera.
Have you tried again as a waiter?
One more time. Then they said I was very personable, but they mostly have young staff. And once I applied when a campaign was looking for the new voice for Berlin’s S-Bahn and U-Bahn.
Sounds exciting.
Yeah, I went to the casting. But they had measuring devices and said my voice was too deep.
And now?
I am partly grateful that you have to wear a mask at the moment. When I’m in a bad mood and – as the Berliners say – pull my face, nobody sees it. Otherwise I try not to lose my sense of humor and say to myself: stay calm and carry on.