Hape Kerkeling

German actor and comedian Hape Kerkeling reigned for over two decades as one of his homeland's most popular funnymen. Born Hans Peter Kerkeling in Recklinghausen on December 9, 1964, he spent his teen years playing in the band Gesundfutter before moving into comedy, first earning attention via appearances on German radio outlets WDR and BR. In 1984, he was cast in the television sketch comedy series Känguru, and in the role of the irritating child Hannilein emerged as the show's breakout talent. After a stint with the Radio Bremen series Extratour, Kerkeling was awarded his ow...