Jürgen von der Lippe

Jürgen von der Lippe, born Hans-Jürgen Hubert Dohrenkamp on June 8, 1948, in Bad Salzuflen, is a German comedian and entertainer. His parents were Johannes (Hans) Dohrenkamp, a bartender who later worked in an Aachen striptease bar, and Elfriede, a dietician. The family relocated to Aachen in 1950 due to his father's employment. He attended Kaiser-Karls-Gymnasium and, influenced by artists like Cat Stevens, Donovan, and Bob Dylan, learned to play guitar during his Bundeswehr service from 1967 to 1970, leaving as a lieutenant. His stage name, “von der Lippe,” reflects his family’s historical connection to the former Principality of Lippe.

Von der Lippe's career began with studies in German language and literature, philosophy, and linguistics at RWTH Aachen and later in Berlin, though he did not complete a degree. He started performing at the GO-IN folk club in Berlin in 1973. In 1976, he co-founded the music group Gebrüder Blattschuss, but left in 1978 to focus on a solo career. His early television success came with the show 'Donnerlippchen.' He is known for incorporating literal translations from comedians like Bill Cosby and George Carlin into his performances, as well as parodies of German stars such as Udo Lindenberg and Peter Maffay. Recurring characters, including a naive Catholic priest and a postal worker from the Sauerland, are also hallmarks of his stage shows.

Throughout his career, Jürgen von der Lippe has hosted numerous television programs, including 'Geld oder Liebe' (1986-2001) and WWF Club (1980–1990). He played Father Erdmann in the comedy series 'Der Heiland auf dem Eiland' from 2004 to 2005, and presented 'Extreme Activity' starting in 2006. His song 'Guten Morgen, liebe Sorgen' reached number one in the ZDF hit parade in 1987. Beyond television, his stage shows frequently explore themes of marriage, relationships, and everyday life. In 1998, he opened 'Lippes Magic Store,' reflecting his interest in magic, and is a member of the German Circle of Magicians. He has been married multiple times; notably to Margarethe Schreinemakers (1986-1988) and Anne Dohrenkamp (1983-1986, then again after their divorce).