The casual casualness and memorable bass voice that William Cohn used on the talk show “Roche
On Thursday he died “suddenly and unexpectedly” in Basel at the age of 65, as his management confirmed to the Internet service T-Online. No further details on the circumstances are available. “You impressive stage person. Bon voyage, William,” Böhmermann paid tribute to his former sidekick on Twitter. “Too early, much too early,” tweeted ProSieben, “William, take care,” ZDF.
“I tend to say what I think,” is how manager Darlene Fischer described Cohn’s motto in life, thereby confirming the impression that viewers had of him.
What also belonged to his trademark were ambiguities. “Cohn’s good manners: Elegant through all situations” was the title of his 2017 book, in which he shared his unbeatable sense of style and Cohn’s etiquette with his fans. “Biting, weirdly insane,” was how his satirical etiquette was appreciated.
On the other hand, Cohn’s role as the scheming arms dealer Kaspar in the hit musical “Ludwig²” was less well known than his television appearances. In more than 600 shows, he gave voice and volume to this character in his signature role. “Now he has left the stage that meant so much to him,” said his manager Gerd Fischer.
William Cohn grew up in a family of musicians in Colombia. From there he went to Vienna, where he decided to pursue a career as an actor and singer. He studied singing and acting in Munich, Vienna, Los Angeles and St. Petersburg.
William Cohn leaves “a great void. With his family, his closest friends. In the local media landscape,” said manager Fischer – one can only agree with that.
