Stefan Raab is a versatile German entertainer, renowned for his roles as a comedian, television host, and musician, with an estimated net worth of $160 million.
From 1999 to 2015, Raab served as the host of the late-night comedy talk show “TV total.” Additionally, he has been the creative force behind various other television programs, including “Schlag den Raab” and the “Bundesvision Song Contest.”
Raab initiated his television career during the early 1990s, where he helmed numerous comedy shows on the VIVA music channel. In 1994, he ventured into the music industry with the release of his debut single, “Ma Baker.” Remarkably, this song achieved significant popularity in Germany. Notably, it was a humorous parody of the Milli Vanilli hit “Girl You Know It’s True” and featured Raab donning women’s attire for added comedic effect.
In 1999, Stefan Raab experienced a breakthrough moment in his career when he assumed the role of the host for the late-night comedy talk show, “TV total.” This show achieved tremendous success, catapulting Raab into the ranks of household names in Germany
“TV total” was a dynamic program that blended comedy sketches, musical performances, and celebrity interviews. Raab was celebrated for his audacious and irreverent sense of humor, as well as his fearlessness in playfully lampooning both himself and others.
In addition to his stint on “TV total,” Stefan Raab also crafted a range of highly successful television programs, diversifying his creative portfolio. These ventures included “Schlag den Raab,” a competitive game show, “Bundesvision Song Contest,” a music competition, and “Wok-WM,” an unconventional wok racing competition.
Furthermore, Raab made notable contributions to the Eurovision Song Contest, composing and producing songs like “Guildo hat euch lieb” by Guildo Horn, which secured a seventh-place finish in 1998, and “Can’t Stop Thinking of You” by Max Mutzke, which achieved a commendable fourth place in 2004.
In 2015, Raab bid farewell to his television career. Since then, he has successfully ventured into various business interests across different industries. Moreover, he enjoys a fulfilling personal life as a married man with two children.
Early Life
Born on October 20, 1966, in Cologne, Germany, Stefan Konrad Raab came from a modest working-class background. His formative years saw him attending a Jesuit boarding school. Early on, Raab displayed a keen interest in music, notably playing the drums in various bands during his teenage years.
Following his high school graduation, he embarked on an apprenticeship as a butcher, followed by five semesters of studying law. However, he ultimately made the pivotal decision to discontinue his legal studies in favor of pursuing a career in the world of entertainment.
Music Career
Stefan Raab launched his television career during the early 1990s by hosting several comedy programs on the VIVA music channel. In 1994, he marked his entry into the music scene with his inaugural single, “Ma Baker,” which achieved significant popularity in Germany. This track, a parody of Milli Vanilli’s “Girl You Know It’s True,” notably featured Raab dressed in women’s attire for added comedic effect.
Throughout the 1990s, Raab continued to release a series of singles and albums characterized by their humorous and irreverent themes, often poking fun at contemporary pop culture. Notably, he collaborated with various artists, including the German pop sensation Nena.
In the year 2000, Raab represented Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Wadde hadde dudde da?”. This entry secured a commendable fifth-place finish, marking Germany’s best result in the contest in a decade.
Eurovision
Stefan Raab established a lasting presence at the Eurovision Song Contest, actively contributing to the event for an extended period. His involvement extended to writing and producing multiple songs for the competition, among them “Guildo hat euch lieb” performed by Guildo Horn, which earned a respectable seventh place in 1998, and “Can’t Stop Thinking of You” sung by Max Mutzke, securing an impressive fourth place in 2004.
In addition to his songwriting and production roles, Raab also took on the responsibility of hosting the German national selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest on multiple occasions, further solidifying his association with the event.
TV Total
From 1999 to 2015, Stefan Raab hosted the immensely successful late-night comedy talk show “TV total,” which propelled him to household name status in Germany. The show’s format encompassed a blend of comedy sketches, musical acts, and celebrity interviews, characterized by Raab’s irreverent humor and penchant for playful ribbing.
“TV total” was further distinguished by its elaborate sketches and attention-grabbing stunts that frequently became viral sensations. As a cultural phenomenon in Germany, it stands among the most triumphant late-night talk shows ever produced.
Awards
Stefan Raab’s contributions to television and music have earned him a plethora of accolades. Among his achievements, he has secured the prestigious Deutscher Fernsehpreis (German Television Award) seven times, notably winning the Best Entertainment Show category consecutively from 2000 to 2006. Additionally, he has been honored with the Echo Award (German Music Award) on three occasions, including the esteemed title of Producer of the Year in 2000, 2001, and 2002.