Enlarge image
Mourning for Willi Herren
Photo: Andreas Rentz / Getty Images
Farewell to Willi Herren: About two weeks after his unexpected death, the former "Lindenstrasse" actor was buried in Cologne.
The black coffin with Herren's body was taken to his grave in Cologne's Melatenfriedhof on Wednesday in a carriage - the words "See you Willis" could be read on it.
Although only 30 people were allowed to attend the actual memorial service due to the corona restrictions, many fans and friends said goodbye on the way to the final resting place.
The entire ceremony was intended to underscore Herren's attachment to his hometown.
Every now and then red and white balloons rose - the colors that can also be found in the Cologne city coat of arms.
Herrens grave is now only a few steps away from the Cologne local icon par excellence, the popular actor Willy Millowitsch.
“Guys like Willi, they're dying out.
Unfortunately, ”said one of the guests, Anton Claaßen, a Cologne“ doorman legend ”.
"It belongs to Cologne like Cologne Cathedral."
Herren was found dead in his apartment in Cologne on April 20.
An autopsy did not reveal any evidence of external violence.
The actor was known from the ARD series "Lindenstrasse" and from various reality formats, in which he gave deep insights into his life, which was not always scandal-free.
He also sang party hits.
bbr / dpa