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Lilo Wanders turns 70: a life full of challenges and resilience
Lilo Wanders, known as Ernie Reinhardt, celebrates his 70th birthday and talks about challenges and growth. Read more about his biography and reading trips in Hamburg.
Lilo Wanders turns 70: a life full of challenges and resilience
What's going on in Hamburg? There is great cause for joy! Ernie Reinhardt, better known as Lilo Wanders, recently celebrated his 70th birthday. The charismatic entertainer has not only captured the limelight of the cultural world, but also attracted attention with his new autobiography, which was published on September 22, 2025. The biography is entitled “Weren’t they once Lilo Wanders?: Light and shadow on the stage of my life” and sheds light on the eventful life of the artist, who is considered a pioneer of the LGBTQ community. The book is available for 20 euros and includes 273 pages full of personal experiences and insights into the character he embodied over many years. In this mixture of human and fictional character, Reinhardt shows that he not only wants to entertain, but also wants to touch and be empathetic, as he himself says.
Reinhardt became a true pop icon thanks to the successful show “Wa(h)re Liebe”, which aired on Vox from 1994 to 2004. This show was so popular that it was even watched via satellite in Iraq. In his autobiography he describes a childhood in Lower Saxony that was marked by loss and challenges. When he was only four years old, he lost his father and experienced the grief of his brother, who was born a thalidomide child. At the age of 16, he came out as homosexual and struggled with loneliness in the provinces. But moving to Hamburg in the early 1980s brought him new freedom and community.
The way to the stage
How did Lilo Wanders find her way into the cultural scene? Through encounters with creative minds like Corny Littmann and Gunther Schmidt, who introduced him to the world of theater. As early as 1988 he appeared in the “Schmidt Midnight Show” and quickly became the centerpiece of the Hamburg theater scene. After “Wa(h)re Liebe” ended, he continued to devote himself to colorful stage programs and theater projects.
In a recent interview, Reinhardt comments on his philosophy of life. “Everyone has to go through something to mature,” he says. He sees difficulties as part of life and emphasizes that giving up, like his suicide attempt at 18, is not an option for him. “There are always solutions,” he appeals, particularly to the younger generation. He also describes getting older as a process that makes it easier to recognize and overcome challenges. He wants to encourage not only himself, but also others.
Reading tours and appearances
The native of Lower Saxony is currently on a reading tour and will read in Vechta on October 25, 2025. A week later he will appear again as Lilo Wanders in Lüneburg. During his readings, it is important to him to build a connection with his audience and also address the topics that are close to his heart. “It is important to me that we take good care of each other,” Reinhardt continued.
Overall, Lilo Wanders remains a fascinating figure who can offer inspiration to many people with her life story. We can't wait to see what the next appearances and the continuation of his reading tour will bring. With his tireless drive and unique talent, he will continue to conquer the hearts of his fans.