Andrea Kiewel, often affectionately known as “Kiwi,” stands out as one of Germany’s most beloved television presenters. With her infectious energy and warm smile, she has captured the hearts of audiences for decades. Born in the vibrant yet divided city of East Berlin, Andrea Kiewel transitioned from a promising athletic career to becoming a household name on screen. Her journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for connecting with people. Whether hosting lively outdoor shows or sharing personal stories, Andrea Kiewel continues to inspire viewers with her optimistic outlook on life. In this article, we’ll explore her multifaceted life, highlighting how she embodies success in both sports and entertainment.
Andrea Kiewel in 2005, showcasing her charismatic presence.
As we delve deeper, it’s clear that Andrea Kiewel story is one of triumph over challenges, blending her East German roots with a global perspective. She’s not just a presenter; she’s a symbol of positivity in German media.
Early Life and Education of Andrea Kiewel
Growing up in East Berlin during the Cold War era, Andrea Kiewel—born Andrea Mathyssek on June 10, 1965—experienced a childhood shaped by discipline and determination. The city, divided by the Berlin Wall, offered limited freedoms, but young Andrea found solace and strength in sports. She attended the Werner Seelenbinder Children’s and Youth Sports School in Berlin-Alt-Hohenschönhausen, where her talents in swimming began to shine. This institution was renowned for nurturing young athletes in the German Democratic Republic (GDR), and Andrea thrived in its rigorous environment.
Her early years weren’t all about competition, though. Andrea balanced her athletic pursuits with academics, showing an early knack for leadership and learning. After finishing her secondary education, she pursued higher studies at the Clara Zetkin Institute for Teacher Education in Berlin from 1983 onward. Majoring in primary school teaching with emphases on sports and German language, she completed theses on topics like personal hygiene and infection prevention for young children, as well as concepts for safe swimming with kids. These works highlighted her practical approach to education, blending her love for sports with pedagogical skills.
By 1988, Andrea had graduated and stepped into the classroom as a primary school teacher in Berlin-Hellersdorf, a role she held until 1991. During summers, she worked as a lifeguard on the island of Usedom, keeping beaches safe and honing her water safety expertise. These experiences, while modest, laid the groundwork for her future charisma on television—after all, teaching energetic kids isn’t too far from entertaining live audiences. Andrea Kiewel’s early life teaches us that foundations built on hard work often lead to unexpected, rewarding paths.
Andrea Kiewel’s Swimming Career
Before the spotlight of television found her, Andrea Kiewel made waves—quite literally—in the world of competitive swimming. As a member of the GDR’s youth national team in the 1980s, she represented SC Dynamo Berlin with pride. Her achievements started early; in 1979, at just 14 years old, she helped her team clinch victory in the 4 × 100 m medley relay at the Spartakiade, a major youth sports event in East Germany.
The following years brought more successes. In 1980, Andrea earned a third-place finish in the freestyle relay at the GDR Championships. By 1981, she had stepped up, securing second places in both the freestyle and medley relays. Her peak came in 1982, when she won the freestyle relay title and took silver in the medley relay. Individually, her best result was a sixth place in the 50 m freestyle that same year. These accomplishments, while not propelling her to the Olympics, showcased her dedication and team spirit in a highly competitive era dominated by state-sponsored athletics.
Swimming in the GDR wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way of life, demanding intense training and discipline. Andrea often reflects on how these years built her resilience—qualities that later helped her navigate the ups and downs of show business. Though her competitive days ended as she pursued education, the sport left an indelible mark, teaching her to stay afloat even in turbulent waters. Today, Andrea Kiewel occasionally draws on these experiences in her shows, sharing stories that motivate viewers to pursue their passions with vigor.
Transition to Television for Andrea Kiewel
Life has a funny way of opening new doors just as others close, and for Andrea Kiewel, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked a pivotal shift. Leaving behind her teaching career, she dove into media in July 1990, joining the Deutscher Fernsehfunk (DFF), East Germany’s state television broadcaster in its final months. This entry point, though brief, ignited her broadcasting spark.
As Germany unified, Andrea adapted quickly. After DFF’s dissolution, she moved to Fernsehen aus Berlin (FAB), hosting the daily pre-evening program Fenster aus Berlin starting in 1991. Her natural charm and ability to engage viewers led to freelance work with Sender Freies Berlin (SFB) and its successor, B1. By 1993, she had landed a major role on Sat.1’s morning show, Sat.1-Frühstücksfernsehen, which she hosted until 2000. This period honed her skills in live television, dealing with everything from celebrity interviews to light-hearted segments.
In 1997, she briefly moderated the esoteric talk show Talk X on ProSieben, expanding her repertoire. Her transition wasn’t without challenges—adjusting to the fast-paced, reunified media landscape required grit—but Andrea’s optimistic nature turned potential setbacks into stepping stones. This phase set the stage for her long-term success at ZDF, proving that sometimes, a change in direction leads to the most fulfilling destinations.
Major Television Shows Hosted by Andrea Kiewel
Andrea Kiewel’s television portfolio is as diverse as it is impressive, spanning morning shows, seasonal specials, and high-profile events. Since 2000, she’s been the face of ZDF-Fernsehgarten, a popular outdoor variety show broadcast from Mainz, where she brings sunshine to Sundays with music, games, and guest appearances. Earning around €400,000 annually for this gig, it’s her signature program, often themed around seasons or holidays, drawing millions of viewers who appreciate her lively hosting style.
Her ZDF tenure includes hits like Jede Sekunde zählt (2000–2001), a quiz show with high stakes, and Die Adventsshow (2004–2005, 2011–2012), perfect for the festive season. She’s also behind Die Herbstshow since 2005 and Die Frühlingsshow from 2006 to 2014, celebrating autumn and spring with thematic entertainment. Venturing beyond ZDF, Andrea co-hosted Riverboat on MDR in 2007 alongside Jan Hofer and Jörg Kachelmann, and Einspruch – Die Show der Rechtsirrtümer on RTL from 2009 to 2011.
More recently, she presented Kiwis große Partynacht on Sat.1 from December 2023 to March 2024, a party-themed series that highlighted her fun-loving persona. New Year’s Eve specials like Willkommen 20xx at the Brandenburg Gate since 2013 have become traditions, welcoming the year with optimism. Here’s a quick overview of some key shows:
| Show Name | Network | Years Active | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZDF-Fernsehgarten | ZDF | Since 2000 | Outdoor variety show with music and guests |
| Sat.1-Frühstücksfernsehen | Sat.1 | 1993–2000 | Morning talk and entertainment program |
| Die Herbstshow | ZDF | Since 2005 | Autumn-themed special with performances |
| Willkommen 20xx | ZDF | Since 2013 | New Year’s Eve celebration at Brandenburg Gate |
| Kiwis große Partynacht | Sat.1 | 2023–2024 | Party night series with celebrity fun |
These programs showcase Andrea Kiewel’s versatility, always infusing them with positive energy that keeps audiences coming back.
Andrea Kiewel during a lively episode of ZDF-Fernsehgarten.
Andrea Kiewel’s Personal Life and Family
Behind the cameras, Andrea Kiewel’s personal life is a tapestry of love, family, and international adventures. She married young, at 19, and welcomed her first son, Maximilian Kiewel, in 1986. Maximilian has followed in her footsteps somewhat, working as a journalist and presenter before transitioning to a role in defense and military at Lufthansa in 2022.
Her second marriage to editor Gerrit Brinkhaus in 1999 was short-lived, lasting just a year. In 2004, she tied the knot with director Theo Naumann, with whom she had her second son in 2001. Sadly, they separated in 2007, and Naumann passed away in 2012. These experiences, though challenging, have shaped her empathetic worldview.
Since 2017, Andrea has called Tel Aviv home, living with her Israeli partner, a former elite soldier. She commutes between Israel and Germany for work, embracing a bicultural life. Identifying as Jewish, she finds joy in this blend, often sharing how it enriches her perspective. Andrea Kiewel’s family life reminds us that happiness often comes from embracing change with an open heart.
Awards and Achievements of Andrea Kiewel
Andrea Kiewel’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed; she’s collected several prestigious awards that underscore her impact on German television. In 2006, she received the Goldene Henne in the television category, celebrating her engaging hosting style. This was followed by another Goldene Henne in 2009 for the readers’ choice in moderation, proving her popularity among fans.
Her crowning achievement came in 2021 with the Deutscher Fernsehpreis for best individual entertainment moderation, a testament to her enduring appeal. Beyond awards, her achievements include sustaining long-running shows like ZDF-Fernsehgarten for over two decades, a feat that speaks volumes about her expertise.
- Goldene Henne (2006): Television category
- Goldene Henne (2009): Readers’ choice for moderation
- Deutscher Fernsehpreis (2021): Best individual entertainment moderation
These honors highlight Andrea Kiewel’s authority in the field, built on years of trustworthy, uplifting content.
Notable Events and Controversies Involving Andrea Kiewel
Every public figure faces moments in the spotlight that aren’t always flattering, but Andrea Kiewel handles them with grace. In 2007, she was embroiled in a scandal over undisclosed advertising for Weight Watchers during a talk show appearance. She denied a contract, but details emerged of payments and perks, leading to temporary contract terminations by ZDF and MDR. By 2009, she was back, stronger than ever, turning the experience into a lesson in transparency.
Another incident in 2015 involved allegations of insulting a disabled guest on ZDF-Fernsehgarten during a Mallorca episode, which stirred public debate. More recently, in 2024, ZDF asked her to remove a necklace pendant showing a map of Israel including occupied territories after complaints. She complied, opting for subtle expressions of her identity instead.
These events, while controversial, show Andrea Kiewel’s resilience—she bounces back, focusing on positivity and growth.
Andrea Kiewel’s Publications and Other Ventures
Andrea Kiewel isn’t confined to the screen; she’s also an author, sharing her wisdom through books. In 2006, she published Mama, du bist nicht der Bestimmer: Sternstunden für Eltern, a humorous take on parenting that’s gone through multiple editions. It’s filled with relatable anecdotes, helping parents navigate family life with a smile.
Her 2020 book, Meist sonnig – Eine Liebeserklärung an das Leben, is an optimistic declaration of love for life, drawing from her experiences. Since 2005, she’s been a columnist for Super-Illu magazine, offering insights on everyday topics.
Other ventures include guest appearances and endorsements, always aligned with her upbeat persona. Andrea Kiewel’s diverse pursuits demonstrate her expertise beyond hosting, trusting in her ability to inspire through words as well.
FAQs
Here are some common questions readers have about Andrea Kiewel, answered with accurate details:
- What is Andrea Kiewel’s nickname and why?
- She’s called “Kiwi,” a fun moniker that stuck from her early TV days, perhaps nodding to her vibrant, exotic energy like the fruit.
- How did Andrea Kiewel start her TV career?
- She began in 1990 at East Germany’s DFF, transitioning to unified German networks post-reunification, building from local shows to national fame.
- Where does Andrea Kiewel live now?
- Since 2017, she resides in Tel Aviv, Israel, with her partner, commuting to Germany for work.
- What awards has Andrea Kiewel won?
- Notable ones include the Goldene Henne in 2006 and 2009, and the Deutscher Fernsehpreis in 2021.
- Has Andrea Kiewel written any books?
- Yes, two: Mama, du bist nicht der Bestimmer (2006) on parenting and Meist sonnig (2020) as a love letter to life.
Fazit
In wrapping up, Andrea Kiewel remains a beacon of optimism in German entertainment, her journey from swimmer to star presenter inspiring countless fans. With a career spanning sports, education, and media, she exemplifies how embracing change can lead to extraordinary achievements. As she continues to grace our screens, Andrea Kiewel proves that with passion and perseverance, life’s possibilities are endless.
