Surprising death
Debt guru Zwegat was the last resort for many
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The RTL format “Get Out of Debt” is a surprise hit with top ratings for the TV station. As is now known: The face of the show, Peter Zwegat, died in August. In his show, the 74-year-old often descended into financial limbo.
A large sheet of paper, a thick red marker and the simple question: “What can I do for you?” Peter Zwegat didn't need much to show his clients their financial difficulties. Expenses too high, income too little – it was often that simple. But when Zwegat meticulously wrote it down, it had a different weight. At times, the Berliner was considered something like the TV Republic's ultimate debt guru.
Now Zwegat, known for the show “Get Out of Debt,” has died at the age of 74. This was announced by his former broadcaster RTL. “Get Out of Debt,” which first aired in 2007, was considered a surprise hit. Nobody really had the format on their radar, but suddenly it got top ratings.
It was quickly analyzed that this was also and above all due to Zwegat. The trained administrative officer and social worker already had several years as a debt counselor under his belt in his TV career. And you could tell. Zwegat was no stranger to any problem, nothing exuded conceit. Not even when he descended into the financial limbo that some clients presented him with boxes full of unopened bills and absurdly unnecessary purchases.
The show had a pretty solid, legendary routine: individuals or families who had massive financial problems were presented. Then you heard driving music and saw Peter Zwegat. “A debt counselor with over 20 years of experience,” announced a voice. “It's not about his profit when he helps. Because he gives free advice.” The intro was so iconic that it was regularly joked about. For example, from the TV parody “Switch Reloaded”, which accompanied similar, meaningful images with the text: “Peter Zwegat is not interested in profit. Peter Zwegat just wants to be on television.”
Accusations rolled off Zwegat
Whether that hit the core – well. In some ways, Zwegat was quite strange about his sudden fame. “I enjoy my popularity,” he said in 2011. “But when you feel a mover's paw between your shoulders for the sixth time, the notoriety becomes a burden.” For this reason, he sometimes felt that visits to his favorite club, Hertha BSC Berlin, were no longer pure joy. The advantage of popularity, however: As a passionate smoker, he was one of the few celebrities, along with former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, who were allowed to smoke on television without having to fear an avalanche of indignation.
Accusations that his show was too sensational rolled off Zwegat. In an interview with “Spiegel” in 2007, he said that he had many clients who couldn't spell the word overdraft – but still had one. Don't overdo anything. “The reality is twice as bad.” He was also known among his clients for being able to find harsh words if necessary – and still radiate a certain understanding. A bureaucrat with a heart. Everyone who had problems with the office wanted something like that. The show also fit the time. In 2008, Angela Merkel painted the image of the thrifty Swabian housewife to explain that you can't throw billions of euros around. Zwegat was basically this housewife – only as a man and from Berlin.
Until 2019 there were editions of “Get Out of Debt”. RTL has almost 140 episodes and several specials. Even celebrities were brought to Zwegat for help, such as Nadja “Naddel” Abd el Farrag. Next to the presenter and singer, the financial expert with the sober glasses and the administrative officer tie looked like a calculator next to a disco ball.
Already died in August
It has only now become known that Zwegat died on August 9th – suddenly and unexpectedly, as RTL announced. The funeral took place in the closest circle. “Our thoughts are with Peter Zwegat’s wife and his friends,” said entertainment director Küttner. According to the broadcaster, the debt advisor married his long-time partner Liane Scholze in 2011.
RTL praised Zwegat for his “extensive knowledge and incomparable expertise,” which he brought into the living rooms of numerous viewers. “With his extraordinary commitment and warmth of heart, Peter Zwegat has helped numerous people get their lives back under control,” said Küttner. “His ability to clearly explain complex financial problems and offer solutions was impressive.” RTL announced that it would also change the program in memory of the debt counselor and show selected episodes of “Get Out of Debt”.
