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Klaus J. Behrendt to leave ‘Tatort’ after 30 years
Actor Klaus J. Behrendt has announced his departure from the long-running German crime series ‘Tatort’ after 30 years. He will conclude his role as Chief Inspector Max Ballauf in 2027, marking his 100th episode with the Cologne-based team.
Behrendt stated that reaching the 100-episode milestone was a personal goal and that the decision to retire from the role at his 30-year service anniversary had been maturing for some time. He expressed a desire to spend more time with his family, though he noted he may not disappear from the camera entirely.
His longtime screen partner, Dietmar Bär, who plays Inspector Freddy Schenk, intends to continue with the Cologne team. While Bär expressed sadness over the departure of his colleague and friend, he confirmed that the production plans to move forward with the series.
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ARD · Bavaria Fiction · Cologne · Dietmar Bär · Klaus J. Behrendt · Köln · Tatort · WDR