Ralf Richter (†69): How Moving the Farewell in Bochum Was

TVS News AI, editorially supervised, presents Ralf Richter (†69): How Moving the Farewell in Bochum Was.

TVS News AI editorially supervised presents Ralf Richter (†69): How Moving the Farewell in Bochum Was.

Around 200 mourners and hundreds of fans said goodbye to actor Ralf Richter at the Bochum Jahrhunderthalle last Saturday. The «Ruhrpottstar», as the media called him, had died in September at the age of 69. If you're from the Ruhr area yourself, you know: This isn't a quiet farewell – it's a final hurrah for someone who made the Pott big on the movie screen.

His son Maxwell Richter had invited people to the service, as the Bild-Zeitung reports. The farewell took place in the Dampfgebläsehaus of the Bochum Jahrhunderthalle – a place that stands for the Ruhr area like few others. While companions and family gathered inside, hundreds of fans waited outside the hall, watching film clips from Richter's career on a large screen.

An Industry Says Goodbye

Among the guests was also actor Henning Baum, according to Bild. Maxwell Richter delivered an emotional speech in which he honored his father as a «role model and companion» and addressed the «moments that will be missed». Childhood photos were shown on the screen and during the speeches, offering a private look at the actor – away from the role, toward the person behind it.

«Bye Ralle» – The Fans Say Goodbye

In front of the Jahrhunderthalle, fans chanted «Tschüss Ralle» according to the WDR – a nickname the Ruhr area associated with the actor. Der Westen writes that Bochum had held a special meaning for him. Born in the Ruhr area, Richter embodied the Ruhrpottstar who, with his appearance and his accent, transported a piece of home – even beyond the region.

Sea Burial as Final Wish

As MSN reports, Ralf Richter had wished for a sea burial. The memorial service in Bochum was thus not the end, but a transition – the actual burial is to take place at sea in accordance with the deceased's wishes.

Conflicting Reports on Date of Death and Number of Guests

Not all sources agree on the details: The Promiflash report names September 14 as the date of death, while Bunte and Joyn report September 15, 2026. The number of invited guests varies between around 150 (according to Stern) and around 200 (Promiflash/Bild). The age of 69, the location of the memorial service, and Bochum as the stage are, however, the same in all reports.