“With her, our country has lost one of its most popular and versatile actresses,” said Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen: “The memorable way in which she created her roles will always be fondly remembered by theater and film enthusiasts.”
Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) also made it clear via Twitter: “She will be remembered as one of the most influential Austrian actresses. […] Christiane Hörbiger is one of the greatest artists in our country.”
Former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, whom Hörbiger supported in the last election campaign in 2019, also spoke up on Twitter: “With Christiane Hörbiger, Austria loses a crowd favorite and a great actress. For decades she was an exceptional phenomenon on stage and on television and was one of the most influential actors in post-war Austria. My condolences go out to her family and friends.”
National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka (ÖVP) paid tribute to the deceased in a statement: “Even as a child I admired her great talent for putting herself in different roles. Christiane Hörbiger not only knew how to inspire millions of people in the theater and on the screen, she was also a woman with attitude.”
Economics Minister Martin Kocher (ÖVP) was also moved. He recalled Hörbiger’s important contribution to Austria as a film location. She gave this concern “particular emphasis through her brilliant personality.”
Minister of Culture Werner Kogler (Greens) was just as concerned: “With Christiane Hörbiger, a wonderful, great actress has gone. She has inspired on stage as well as on screen and has been admired and loved by many people for it.”
Secretary of State for Culture Andrea Mayer (Greens) said: “She was such a constant, impressive phenomenon and so present that the news of her death seems almost unreal. The German-language TV film without Christiane Hörbiger is actually unimaginable. With her, we all lose a piece of Austrian identity.”
SPÖ boss Pamela Rendi-Wagner said via Twitter: “Your great acting achievements, which spanned almost seven decades, will not be forgotten.”
In memory of Christiane Hörbiger, the ORF is also changing its program and honoring the grande dame of acting with numerous television classics, film and series highlights as well as a TV portrait from Wednesday on ORF 2 and ORF III. “The visit of the old lady”, “The long wave behind the keel”, a “Stöckl”-Dacapo and “A guardian angel on the road” on ORF 2 make the prelude.
In ORF III, Heinz Sichrovsky talks to Patrick Zwerger about the life and work of the actress in “Culture Today Special”. Christiane Hörbiger is also the focus of the coming days on ORF 2 and ORF III. “The great respect for the extraordinary work continues to shine despite deep sadness,” said ORF Director General Roland Weißmann.
