Chef Johann Lafer gets backing from Günther Jauch and peers after lymphoma diagnosis

Johann Lafer, the 68‑year‑old Austrian‑German TV chef, revealed in late May that he is being treated for an indolent, low‑grade non‑Hodgkin lymphoma. He said chemotherapy is demanding and leaves him “a bit exhausted,” but he continues to work selectively.

In a Bild interview Lafer thanked several prominent friends for their support, naming TV presenter Günther Jauch, journalist Johannes B. Kerner, broadcaster Marcel Reif, entertainer Joko Winterscheidt, chefs Ralf Zacherl and Nelson Müller, actress Ruth Moschner and others. He noted that some contacts he had not spoken to for decades reached out, which he said reassured him that he is still present. The outpouring of messages illustrates the solidarity among German‑language media personalities toward Lafer during his treatment.