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Rex Gildo
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Rex Gildo (formerly Alexander Gildo, born Ludwig Franz Hirtreiter; 2 July 1936 – 26 October 1999) was a German singer of Schlager ballads who reached the height of his popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, selling over 25 million records and starring in film and television roles.
Early life
[edit]Gildo was born Ludwig Franz Hirtreiter in Straubing, Bavaria; in the mid-1950s, he adopted the stage name Alexander Gildo, later shortening it to Rex Gildo. He claimed for many years to have been a member of the Regensburger Domspatzen choir before attending acting school; however, a documentary on German television a decade after his death in 2009 revealed that in fact he had worked in a decorating apprenticeship before he met Fred Miekley, who would become his manager/longtime companion.[1]
Career
[edit]Gildo's first performance was with the Munich Kammerspiele theatre group in 1956, but he quickly moved into television and film, as well as performing as a singer, duetting with Danish singer Gitte Haenning as "Gitte & Rex". His most popular songs, such as Speedy Gonzales (1962), Goodbye Susanna (1965) and Fiesta Mexicana (1972), were sung during the 1960s and 1970s in Germany. His music and films sold well there but less so abroad. He also starred in his own television program, Gestatten – Rex Gildo.[2]
During the 1980s and 1990s, Gildo's popularity decreased.[3] His appearances were mainly at folk festivals, shopping centres and other similar venues; he was also reported to have problems with alcoholism.[4][5] His final performance, on the day of his suicide attempt, was in front of more than 3000 people at a furniture shop outside Frankfurt.
Personal life and death
[edit]In 1974, Gildo married his cousin Marion Ohlsen in a lavender marriage. The couple had no children and separated in 1990. After his death, it was reported that he was gay and had a relationship with Dave Klingeberg, his secretary, with whom he lived for 7 years.[citation needed]
Gildo died in 1999, aged 63, having spent three days in an artificially-induced coma after attempting suicide by jumping from the window of his apartment building. He was said to have been suffering from psychological problems.[6]
Discography
[edit]
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Selected filmography
[edit]- Immer wenn der Tag beginnt (1957), as Max Clement
- Schmutziger Engel (1958), as Peter Utesch
- Wenn die Conny mit dem Peter (1958), as Gerd Weidner
- Hula-Hopp, Conny (1959), as Billy Newman
- Ja, so ein Mädchen mit 16 (1959), as Rex
- My Niece Doesn't Do That (1960), as Robert
- Am Sonntag will mein Süßer mit mir segeln gehn (1961), as Tommy
- Dance with Me Into the Morning (1962), as Stefan Breuer
- Café Oriental (1962), as Himself
- Don't Fool with Me (1963), as Billie Bill
- Und wenn der ganze Schnee verbrennt (1963), as Rolf
- Apartmentzauber (1963), as Karl Fischer
- The World Revolves Around You (1964), as Martin Fischer
- Tausend Takte Übermut (1965), as Rick Tanner
- What Is the Matter with Willi? (1970), as Frankie Kuhländer
- Unsere Tante ist das Letzte (1973), as Martin Klamm
As himself
- Hit Parade 1960 (1960)
- Marina (1960)
- O sole mio (1960)
- Die Hazy Osterwald Story (1961)
- Café Oriental (1962)
- Our Crazy Nieces (1963)
- Maskenball bei Scotland Yard (1963)
- Otto ist auf Frauen scharf (1968)
References
[edit]- ^ Schlager.de. "Rex Gildo". Schlager.de.
- ^ "Rex Gildo: Der große Streit ums Erbe". Berliner Morgenpost (in German). 26 October 2000.
- ^ Blom, Phillip (29 October 1999). "Obituary: Rex Gildo". The Independent. LookSmart Ltd. Archived from the original on 6 May 2008. Retrieved 22 October 2007.
- ^ Koymasky, Matt & Andrei (25 June 2007). "Rex Gildo". Archived from the original on 7 August 2007. Retrieved 22 October 2007.
- ^ van der Meyden, Henk (28 October 1999). "Rex Gildo overleden". Di Telegraaf-i (in Dutch). Dagblad De Telegraaf, Amsterdam. Retrieved 22 October 2007.
- ^ "German pop singer Gildo dies". Associated Press Archive. Associated Press. 28 October 1999. Retrieved 22 October 2007.
External links
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Rex Gildo
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Early life
Birth and family background
Rex Gildo was born Ludwig Franz Hirtreiter on July 2, 1936, in Straubing, Bavaria, Germany, though he later claimed a birth year of 1939 to appear younger for his entertainment career.[5][6][7] He came from a working-class family; his mother was a housewife who suffered from multiple sclerosis, confining her to a wheelchair until her death around 1949 when Gildo was 13.[8][9] His father left the family after World War II, and his mother raised Ludwig and their four siblings amid postwar hardships; Gildo later moved to Munich to live with his father and stepmother.[8][10][11] Growing up in the economically strained environment of post-World War II Bavaria, Hirtreiter developed an early fascination with music and performance, influenced by the era's burgeoning entertainment scene and radio broadcasts of popular songs.[9] As a youth, he apprenticed in stage decoration (Bühnenbilddekor), which provided initial entry into the theater world and nurtured his artistic ambitions.[12] Although Gildo later fabricated stories of formal singing training with the prestigious Regensburger Domspatzen choir during his childhood, a 2009 ARD documentary revealed this claim, along with details about his birth and family, to be untrue, highlighting his tendency to embellish his origins for public appeal.[9][13]Initial career steps
In the mid-1950s, Ludwig Franz Hirtreiter, who had been working odd jobs while training as a decorator in a Munich department store, adopted the stage name Alexander Gildo to enter the entertainment industry.[6] This change allowed him to secure initial opportunities in acting and performance, reflecting his growing interest in the arts amid his Bavarian roots.[14] A pivotal moment came when he met music manager and producer Fred Miekley, who discovered his talent and arranged lessons in singing, dancing, and acting.[6] Under Miekley's guidance, Hirtreiter abandoned his decoration apprenticeship to focus on entertainment, marking the shift from manual trade to professional performance.[14] Gildo's acting debut occurred in 1956 at the Munich Kammerspiele, where he took on a minor role in a production directed by Fritz Kortner.[6] By 1959, he began recording music as Alexander Gildo, releasing his first single "Babett," composed by Kurt Feltz and Heinz Gietz.[15] Recognizing the need for a more concise and marketable persona in the Schlager genre, he adopted the name Rex Gildo around 1960, solidifying his entry into the music scene.[6]Career
Musical achievements
Rex Gildo's entry into the music industry came with his debut single "Denk an mich in der Ferne" in 1959, marking the start of his career as a Schlager performer under the Electrola label.[16] Although initial releases garnered modest attention, his persistence in the burgeoning German pop scene laid the foundation for future success. By the early 1960s, Gildo had established himself as a rising star in Schlager music, characterized by its light, melodic style appealing to post-war audiences. His breakthrough arrived in 1962 with the release of "Speedy Gonzales," a upbeat adaptation of the international hit that topped German charts and solidified his status as a teen idol.[17] This was followed by a string of major successes, including "Goodbye Susanna" in 1965, which captured widespread popularity with its sentimental wanderlust theme, and "Fiesta Mexicana" in 1972, a festive track that became one of his signature songs.[18] Over his four-decade career, these and other releases contributed to total record sales surpassing 25 million copies, primarily in German-speaking markets.[19] At the peak of his fame in the 1960s and 1970s, Gildo was a staple of the Schlager genre, frequently participating in high-profile festivals such as the annual Schlager Festival in Kerkrade, where he served as a main act, and making regular television appearances on popular programs that showcased live performances and medleys.[20] His energetic stage presence and dance routines enhanced these events, drawing large crowds and reinforcing his role as a driving force in Electrola's Schlager lineup alongside artists like Cliff Richard.[21] Gildo also contributed to musical films, including a featured role in the 1965 production Tausend Takte Übermut, blending song and narrative to broaden his appeal.[21] By the 1980s, the declining popularity of Schlager music led to a downturn in Gildo's career, with performances shifting to smaller venues and reduced media exposure.[20] His creative output was further hampered by struggles with alcoholism, resulting in fewer new recordings, though he continued releasing material sporadically until his final single "Andrea" in 1991.[22][23] Despite these challenges, Gildo's earlier hits maintained a loyal fanbase, underscoring his enduring impact on German popular music.Acting and television roles
Rex Gildo's acting career began with a stage debut in 1956 at the Münchner Kammerspiele, where he performed in a small role under his early stage name Alexander Gildo.[24] This initial foray into theater marked the start of his multimedia pursuits, though he soon shifted focus toward film and television amid rising musical opportunities. By the late 1950s, Gildo transitioned to cinema, securing his first screen credit in the 1959 musical comedy Ja, so ein Mädchen mit sechzehn, where he portrayed a character named Rex. He followed with supporting roles in films like Meine Nichte tut das nicht (1960) and romantic leads in 1960s Schlager musicals, including Apartment-Zauber (1963) and Zwei blaue Vergissmeinnicht (1963), in which he played the protagonist Rolf opposite Gitta Winter.[25] These lighthearted productions, centered on popular German hit songs, showcased Gildo's charismatic screen presence as a singer-actor, with over 30 film and television appearances overall due to his primary emphasis on music.[4][1] Later roles, such as an uncredited part in the Western Man, Pride & Vengeance (1967), further highlighted his occasional ventures into diverse genres.[26] On television, Gildo achieved a notable breakthrough through guest spots on variety programs in the early 1960s, including performances on Musik aus Studio B, a hit-song showcase that blended music with light sketches.[27] He later hosted his self-titled special Gestatten Rex Gildo in 1981, a ZDF production featuring musical numbers, dance routines, and celebrity guests like Lena Valaitis, which exemplified his ability to merge acting, hosting, and performance.[28] Throughout the 1970s and 1990s, he made recurring promotional appearances on German variety shows and specials, such as Fiesta Rexicana (1992), often portraying himself in song-driven segments that reinforced his multimedia persona.[29] Despite these efforts, his television work increasingly served as a platform for musical promotion rather than standalone dramatic roles.Personal life
Marriage and relationships
In 1974, Rex Gildo married his cousin Marion Ohlsen in a lavender marriage intended to bolster his image as a heterosexual entertainer amid the conservative social norms of West Germany. The union was publicly presented without disclosing their familial relation, with Ohlsen portrayed as a casual acquaintance to avoid scrutiny. The couple had no children together and formally separated in 1990, though the marriage had long served primarily as a facade for Gildo's career.[30][31] Gildo's homosexuality remained concealed throughout his life due to the era's widespread stigma against LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in the entertainment industry where his appeal relied on a fanbase of women drawn to his romantic ballads. Starting in the early 1990s, he entered a relationship with Dave Klingeberg, his private secretary, that lasted seven years, and the two lived together until Gildo's death in relative privacy. This partnership provided personal support but was kept hidden from the public to protect Gildo's professional standing.[32][1] Gildo's carefully curated public image as a dashing, straight "heartthrob" of Schlager music directly contrasted with his private existence as a closeted gay man, creating a profound double life marked by isolation and internal conflict. The burden of this secrecy exacerbated strains on his mental health, as later accounts described the emotional toll of constant compartmentalization. These aspects of his personal life came to light posthumously through interviews with Klingeberg and others close to him, as well as the 2009 ARD documentary Legenden: Rex Gildo (aired June 29, 2009), which explored the hidden dimensions of his biography. In 2024, on the 25th anniversary of his death, media coverage highlighted Gildo as a queer icon whose story resonated with ongoing LGBTQ+ discussions in German entertainment history.[33][34][35]Health issues
In the 1970s, as Rex Gildo's Schlager career began to wane amid shifting musical tastes, he developed a reliance on alcohol, which he used to cope with professional setbacks and the secrecy surrounding his personal life.[36] This habit intensified in the following decades, with reports of him drinking before performances to manage stage anxiety, though he publicly attributed any unsteadiness to medications like cortisone for chronic back pain from a slipped disc and nerve inflammation.[37][1] The pressure to maintain a heterosexual public image, including his 1974 lavender marriage to cousin Marion Ohlsen, added emotional strain that exacerbated his alcohol use.[30] By the 1990s, Gildo's health deteriorated further, marked by severe depression and possible chronic conditions requiring ongoing pain management. He described overwhelming "pains in the soul" that left him feeling isolated and abandoned, a sentiment echoed by close associates who noted his loneliness amid a grueling schedule of low-paying gigs.[37][38] Despite attempts to counter rumors of alcoholism—such as passing a police breathalyzer test at 0.0 promille—no formal rehabilitation programs were publicly documented, and he continued relying on alcohol and tablets to endure the emotional toll.[38] These issues increasingly impacted his performances, turning once-energetic shows into strained efforts; for instance, at his final appearance in October 1999 at a furniture store jubilee near Frankfurt, Gildo was hampered by a virus infection, back pain, and fatigue, leading to technical mishaps and audience heckling accusing him of being drunk.[38][1] This reflected broader industry pressures on aging Schlager stars, who faced declining popularity, financial instability from gigs paying as little as 5,000 Deutsche Marks, and a culture where alcoholism was prevalent among peers like Werner Böhm, forcing many into relentless touring at folk festivals and commercial events with minimal profit.[38]Death and legacy
Circumstances of death
On October 23, 1999, Rex Gildo, aged 63, locked himself in the bathroom of his second-floor apartment in Munich following an argument with his longtime partner, Dave Klingeberg, and threatened suicide before jumping from the window.[1] He was found alive but unconscious in the courtyard below and rushed to a Munich hospital, where he underwent two surgeries and was placed in an artificially induced coma due to severe injuries.[39] Gildo had appeared fatigued during a performance earlier that day at a furniture store in Bad Vilbel near Frankfurt, citing a viral illness that affected his voice, though witnesses noted no signs of intoxication.[40] Gildo died on October 26, 1999, from heart-circulatory failure resulting from a severe heart contusion and extensive internal injuries sustained in the fall, as confirmed by his treating physicians.[41][40] The official cause was ruled a suicide by defenestration, attributed to psychological distress stemming from years of professional pressures and personal isolation, including the strain of concealing his homosexuality in a conservative entertainment industry.[42] This distress was compounded by his history of alcoholism, which had led to prior health complications.[1] Although some associates, including his ex-wife Marion Ohlsen, expressed doubts about the intentional nature of the act—suggesting it might have been an accident amid emotional turmoil—the Munich state prosecutor's office investigated and upheld the suicide determination based on witness accounts and medical evidence; however, the possibility of an accident has never been fully ruled out, particularly in light of reports of alcohol and medication influence.[1][43][39] Gildo's funeral took place quietly on the evening of October 29, 1999, at the Ostfriedhof cemetery in Munich, attended only by close family and friends with no public access allowed.[44][45] Initial public reaction was one of shock and grief among fans, who flooded the hospital with letters, flowers, and stuffed animals, while online forums filled with tributes questioning the tragedy.[46] Media coverage intensified scrutiny of his private life, with tabloids like Bild revealing details of his long-term same-sex relationship with Klingeberg and the emotional toll of maintaining a heterosexual public image, sparking broader discussions on the pressures faced by closeted celebrities in German Schlager music.[1][47]Posthumous recognition
Following his death in 1999, Rex Gildo received significant posthumous attention through media portrayals that highlighted his closeted personal life and contributions to German Schlager music. In 2022, director Rosa von Praunheim released the hybrid documentary-feature film Rex Gildo – Der letzte Tanz, which explores Gildo's double life as a gay man in the conservative entertainment industry of the 1950s to 1970s, blending archival footage with dramatized scenes to depict his relationships and the societal pressures he faced.[48] The film premiered at the Munich International Film Festival and was praised for shedding light on the hidden struggles of LGBTQ+ figures in post-war German pop culture, reigniting public interest in his story.[49] Gildo's music saw renewed commercial interest after 1999, with several compilation albums and reissues capitalizing on nostalgia for 1960s and 1970s Schlager. Notable releases include the 2021 Electrola compilation Electrola… Das ist Musik! Rex Gildo, featuring remastered hits, and Bear Family Records' reissues of his early singles and LPs. These efforts positioned his work in broader Schlager retrospectives, including streaming playlists and anniversary collections that underscore his enduring appeal in German popular music anthologies. Gildo has been depicted in scholarly and journalistic works as a emblematic closeted LGBTQ+ icon in German entertainment history, illustrating the era's heteronormative demands on performers. Articles and analyses, such as those in queer cultural studies, reference his sham marriage and secret partnerships as examples of survival strategies amid homophobia, drawing parallels to other figures in the Schlager scene.[1] This recognition emphasizes how his public image as a heterosexual heartthrob masked private realities, contributing to discussions on queer invisibility in mid-20th-century media.[50] In the 2010s and 2020s, fan-driven revivals and archival projects have sustained Gildo's legacy, though he received no major lifetime awards like the Echo or Bundesverdienstkreuz. High streaming numbers on platforms like YouTube, where tracks such as "Fiesta Mexicana" have amassed millions of views, reflect ongoing popularity among younger audiences discovering retro Schlager.[51] Additionally, in 2024, Praunheim penned the stage musical Rex Gildo – Das Musical, directed by Heiner Bomhard, which further dramatizes his life and premiered to critical acclaim at Theater Münster, marking a theatrical tribute to his cultural impact.[48]Works
Discography
Rex Gildo's discography spans approximately 170 singles and 33 studio albums, predominantly in the Schlager style, with releases dating from the late 1950s through the 1990s. His output reflects the evolution of German popular music, emphasizing romantic ballads, upbeat dance tracks, and occasional Latin-influenced numbers, often featuring orchestral arrangements typical of the genre.[52][21]Studio Albums
Gildo's studio albums, primarily issued by labels such as Ariola and Electrola, showcase his Schlager roots with a focus on melodic, accessible songs. Below is a chronological selection of key releases from the 1960s to the 1990s:| Year | Title | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Rhythmus-Rendezvous mit Rex | EMI Electrola | Early Schlager collection with rhythmic themes.[53] |
| 1967 | Schlager-Rendezvous mit Rex Gildo | Ariola | Features dance-oriented Schlager tracks.[53] |
| 1969 | Rex | Ariola | Compilation-style album highlighting hits.[53] |
| 1970 | Ich geh mit Dir | Ariola | Romantic Schlager ballads.[53] |
| 1972 | Mein Autogramm | Ariola | Includes fan-favorite upbeat songs.[53] |
| 1973 | Meine Lieder zur Weihnachtszeit | Ariola | Christmas-themed Schlager collection.[53] |
| 1974 | Verliebt... | Ariola | Focuses on love-themed Schlager.[53] |
| 1975 | Der letzte Sirtaki - Schlager-Rendezvous mit Rex Gildo | Ariola | Incorporates Greek-influenced rhythms.[53] |
| 1976 | Nimm dir Zeit für die Liebe | Ariola | Sentimental ballads dominant.[53] |
| 1977 | Neue Lieder | Ariola | Fresh Schlager compositions.[53] |
| 1979 | Feuer im Wind | Ariola | Blends Schlager with light pop elements.[53] |
| 1980 | Hallo Jamaica | Ariola | Shifts toward tropical, upbeat vibes.[53] |
| 1988 | Rex Gildo '88 | Arcade | Modernized Schlager for the late 1980s.[53] |
| 1989 | Erinnerung an deine Zärtlichkeit | Bellaphon | Reflective, emotional tracks.[53] |
| 1994 | Im Namen der Sehnsucht | Megaherz | Later-career Schlager with nostalgic tones.[53] |
| 1996 | Gefühle des Lebens | Titan | Late-career release emphasizing emotional Schlager.[53] |
Major Singles
Gildo's singles, numbering over 170 in total, frequently charted on German bestseller lists, with many achieving significant commercial success in the Schlager category. Notable collaborations include duets with singers like Gitte Hænning, adding variety through harmonious pairings. Representative examples of major hits, with German chart peaks and total weeks charted where documented, illustrate his chart impact (data from official German charts as of 2025):- "Rosina" (1961): Peaked at #33 (total weeks charted: 8), a playful Schlager tune marking early success.[54]
- "Speedy Gonzales" (1962): Peaked at #4 (total weeks charted: 21), a million-selling cover with Western flair, showcasing Gildo's versatile vocal style.[55][56]
- "Sweet Hawaii" (with Gitte, 1965): Peaked at #33 (total weeks charted: 14), a tropical duet highlighting collaborative Schlager pop.[57]
- "Sommerblau" (1967): Peaked at #22 (total weeks charted: 3), an evocative summer ballad in classic Schlager form.[58]
- "Tschitti Tschitti Bäng Bäng" (1969): Peaked at #25 (total weeks charted: 6), a film-inspired upbeat track.[55]
- "Tausend und eine Nacht" (1972): Peaked at #43 (total weeks charted: 2), incorporating exotic, narrative-driven Schlager elements.[55]
- "Fiesta Mexicana" (1972): Peaked at #5 (total weeks charted: 18), a million-seller with Latin rhythms, representing a genre shift toward festive, international influences.[55][56][59]
- "Tu es noch einmal" (1976): Peaked at #49 (total weeks charted: 2), one of Gildo's notable Schlager releases.[55]
Filmography
Rex Gildo's filmography primarily consists of appearances in German and Austrian Schlager musical films during the 1960s, where he often performed as a singer-actor portraying himself or light romantic leads, alongside television music specials and series episodes up to the 1990s.[4] His on-screen roles were typically integrated with musical performances, reflecting his primary career as a Schlager artist. Below is a selected list of his verified credits, focusing on feature films and notable TV appearances.| Year | Title | Role | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Marina | Rex | Feature film | Singer in musical ensemble; performed original songs.[60] |
| 1960 | O sole mio | Rex Gildo / Rexy | Feature film | Supporting singer role in comedy musical.[61] |
| 1961 | Die Hazy Osterwald Story (aka Musik ist Trumpf) | Rex Gildo | Feature film | Appearance as himself in revue-style musical biography.[62] |
| 1961 | Schlagerparade 1961 | Rex Gildo | Feature film | Uncredited cameo as performer.[63] |
| 1962 | Café Oriental | Sänger (himself) | Feature film | Lead singer in oriental-themed musical comedy. |
| 1963 | Zwei blaue Vergissmeinnicht | Singer-actor (lead) | Feature film | Romantic lead opposite Gitta Winter; title song performer.[64] |
| 1963 | Unsere tollen Nichten | Himself | Feature film | Guest singer in family comedy sequel.[65] |
| 1963 | Maskenball bei Scotland Yard | Singer | Feature film | Performed "Maddalena" in sci-fi musical comedy.[66] |
| 1964 | Jetzt dreht die Welt sich nur um dich | Martin Fischer (student) | Feature film | Co-lead romantic role with Gitte Hænning; duet performer.[67] |
| 1966 | Hokus-Pokus mit Gitte und Rex | Himself | TV movie | Co-host and performer with Gitte Hænning in magic-themed music special.[68] |
| 1979 | Musikflipper (Episode: 27 August 1979) | Singer | TV series | Guest performance with Meier sisters.[69] |
| 1980 | Ein kleines Glück auf allen Wegen | Singer | TV movie | Ensemble performer in music revue. |
| 1981 | Musikladen extra | Singer | TV special | Live music performance episode.[4] |
| 1991–1993 | Ruby (various episodes) | Singer | TV series | Recurring guest as musical performer.[4] |