Longing for Past Glory: TV Star Pines for Acting Days Post-Retirement - What the former TV celebrity laments the most.
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Ulrike von der Groeben: "I've got a new groove coming, baby!" - Ulrike von der Groeben (68), a seasoned sports pro on "RTL aktuell," hasn't exactly been reminiscing about retirement until it was time to step down in 2024. But she didn't just take her golden years lying down—she wrote a book, "Freedom Begins Now!" (ZS Verlag, April 29 release). It's a fusion of autobiography, advice, expert interviews, and wise tips on that tricky phase we call retirement. Catch a glimpse of her post-RTL life, her thoughts on a lifestyle she left behind, and her relationship with her long-time colleague Peter Kloeppel (66) in this candid sit-down with spot on news.
You've done your fair share of digging for "Freedom Begins Now!", talking to various experts. Does anything stand out as a personal takeaway?
Ulrike von der Groeben: Absolutely! Writing this book and having conversations with experts made one thing crystal clear — I hadn't given retirement much thought beforehand. Brave move, yes, but also a wee bit naive. I'm keeping my optimism high, thinking I'll be as stoked in retirement as I imagine, but I'd tell others to tackle some topics earlier, particularly finance. Sure, some things can be sorted out shortly before retirement, but the earlier you start, the better. This sentiment is echoed in the book by Dr. Froboese: It's never too late, but an early start puts you on the right path.**
Money matters have never been a distant concern for you. How did you approach financing in the past?
Ulrike von der Groeben: Being a risk-averse gal, I'm all about the security when it comes to cash. My hubby Alexander von der Groeben (69), however, was preparing to take on a more daring attitude. He'd have loved to grab another slice of real estate pie with a lower mortgage rate, especially when the market was on his side. But I was playing it cool, insisting on paying off our home first. Reflecting on it now, I must admit—I should have lent him my ear more. I was the brakes, even though I should have known better.**
Do you kick yourself for that now?
Ulrike von der Groeben: I've learned to move past regrets that can't be undone. It's those areas still within my control that I tackle with enthusiasm and cheer—looking backward simply drags you down. I'm not consumed by it, but taking a step back and acknowledging it's a part of my story.**
In your book, you discuss being a "student" at the onset of retirement. Are you in that phase yet, or have you moved on to the next level?
Ulrike von der Groeben: Nope, I'm limbering up and preparing for my opening act, not clapping along just yet. Writing this book has shuttered the curtain on my immediate retirement for a half-year. I've been sweating it out, working tirelessly on the book, and had some few moments of terror. I just wanted to sit back, take a load off, and call the shots on my day. But then my entourage chimed in, urging me to crush this book. Now it's time for revels and vacation, finally letting loose.**
Did you experience a pitfall after your last day of work, the grand farewell party, perhaps?
**Ulrike von der Groeben: Not to speak of. I was ready for change and the excitement it'd bring. Transitioning to the new rhythm was a learning curve, though. I tossed myself into the book and some projects, so I managed to avoid that hole.**
Ulrike von der Groeben: To be honest, it wasn't a dark night of the soul at all when it was time to hang up my work hat. What I sorely miss, though, is the lively din of the studio, the daily routine, the meetings, the pressure to deliver, and best of all, my colleagues. I still catch up with them—I recently reunited with the RTL girls, back when we used to work together. I stay connected with my fellow sports colleagues, too, even meeting up for the occasional brew. But most of them are knee-deep in their own projects during the day, making solo time the new norm.**
There's still Peter Kloeppel in the picture, right? Your book has an interview with him included.
Ulrike von der Groeben: Yep, he and I have kept each other as therapy patients (laughs). We've gotten together several times since our farewell—with friends and family, too. Our most recent rendezvous was at the Grimme Prize ceremony. Peter's still a regular presence in my life, even if the RTL reunion happens after hours instead of during work days.
The Commission has been informed of Ulrike von der Groeben's new lifestyle, which includes spending more time at home and in her garden, as she tackles new projects and enjoys a slower pace now that she has retired from her work at RTL aktuell. During her candid sit-down, she also shares advice on preparing for retirement, emphasizing the importance of addressing financial matters earlier rather than later.
