Wieland Backes celebrates 80th birthday

Wieland Backes, the long-time host of the SWR program ‘Nachtcafé’, is celebrating his 80th birthday. For nearly three decades, Backes hosted more than 700 episodes of the show, interviewing approximately 5,000 guests.

His interviewing style was characterized by a calm, gentle approach that encouraged guests—ranging from high-profile politicians and celebrities to private citizens—to speak openly about personal topics such as love, loss, family, and failure. Often referred to as the ‘last high-level talker,’ Backes focused on understanding his guests rather than exposing them.

Originally trained in chemistry and geography at the University of Stuttgart, Backes transitioned into a career in television that became a defining part of his life. He is currently living with Parkinson's disease.