Richy Müller: From Werkzeugmacher to Tatort Icon
Mannheim, 16 January 2026 – Richy Müller, born Hans-Jürgen Müller, is a renowned German actor best known for his role as Hauptkommissar Thorsten Lannert in the Stuttgart Tatort series since 2008. With a career spanning over four decades, he has transitioned from early roles in films like Die große Flatter to international appearances in Hollywood productions.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on 26 September 1955 in Mannheim, Germany, Müller grew up in the Seckenheim district. He trained as a toolmaker before pursuing acting at the Schauspielschule Bochum for two years. His breakthrough came in 1979 with the TV miniseries Die große Flatter, where he played the character Richy, which became his stage name. Early roles included macho types in films such as Der Mann auf der Mauer and Das Arche Noah Prinzip.
Rise to Fame and Notable Roles
In the 1980s, Müller shifted to theatre to diversify his roles. He returned to film with Einer meiner ältesten Freunde and appeared in diverse genres, including Irren ist männlich, Die innere Sicherheit, and Vier Minuten. His Hollywood debut was in xXx alongside Vin Diesel. Since 2008, he has starred as Thorsten Lannert in Tatort, earning acclaim for his performances. Müller won the German Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in Poll (2010) and has hosted travel shows like Das ist mein … on n-tv.
Personal Life and Interests
Müller lives at Chiemsee with his wife, Christl, a baker he met while buying bread. He has two children from a previous relationship: daughter Paulina, a journalist, and son Lunez. Passionate about motorsport, he holds an international C licence and raced in Porsche events from 2011 to 2013. He also served as an expert commentator for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2011 and 2014. Müller is an ambassador for Arche IntensivKinder and received the Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg in 2017 for his social work. In 2021, he participated in the controversial #allesdichtmachen campaign but withdrew his video amid backlash.
Key Facts and Milestones
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Hans-Jürgen Müller |
| Birth Date and Place | 26 September 1955, Mannheim, Germany |
| Stage Name Origin | From role in Die große Flatter (1979) |
| Notable Awards | German Film Award (2011), Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg (2017) |
| Motorsport Achievements | Porsche Supercup participant (2011-2013), 17th place at Hockenheim (2003) |
| Family | Wife: Christl; Children: Paulina (journalist), Lunez |
| Recent Activities | Played Clayton in Disneys Tarzan musical (2025), travel shows in Florida and Iceland (2024) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Richy Müller?
Richy Müller is a German actor famous for his long-running role as Hauptkommissar Thorsten Lannert in the Tatort crime series. He has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and even a Hollywood blockbuster.
What is his real name?
His birth name is Hans-Jürgen Müller. He adopted “Richy” as his stage name after his debut role in Die große Flatter.
What are some of his notable films and TV shows?
Notable works include Die große Flatter (1979), Das Arche Noah Prinzip (1984), xXx (2002), and Tatort (since 2008). He also hosted travel documentaries on n-tv.
Does Richy Müller have any hobbies or interests outside acting?
Yes, he is an avid motorsport enthusiast, having raced Porsches and commented on races. He is also involved in charity work as an ambassador for Arche IntensivKinder.
Has Richy Müller been involved in any controversies?
In 2021, he participated in the #allesdichtmachen campaign criticising COVID-19 measures but later withdrew his video due to the ensuing debate.