Andreas Hoppe, 'Tatort' actor, dies at 66

German actor Andreas Hoppe has died at the age of 66. His agency and management confirmed the news, though no cause of death has been released.

Hoppe was widely recognized for his long-running role as Inspector Mario Kopper in the SWR “Tatort” series set in Ludwigshafen. He appeared in 57 episodes alongside Ulrike Folkerts, who played Lena Odenthal, from 1996 until 2018.

Following his departure from the series in 2018, there was public speculation regarding disagreements with producers. Hoppe later noted in interviews that watching the show was sometimes “too painful” due to the circumstances of his exit. SWR expressed deep sadness over his passing, describing him as a “great actor and artist.” His former co-star, Ulrike Folkerts, expressed being deeply shocked by the loss of her colleague and friend.