Willy Schäfer (actor)

Willy Schäfer (born January 27, 1933, in Saarbrücken, Germany, died July 20, 2011, in Munich, Germany) was a German actor best known for his portrayal of Willi Berger, the assistant of Detective Stephan Derrick, in the long-running German television series Derrick.

Schäfer appeared in almost every episode of Derrick from its premiere in 1974 until its conclusion in 1998, a total of 281 episodes. His character, Willi Berger, was known for his quiet competence and unwavering loyalty to Derrick, often handling the routine investigative tasks and driving Derrick to crime scenes. While Willi Berger rarely spoke at length, his presence was a constant throughout the series.

Beyond Derrick, Schäfer had a long career in German television and film, appearing in various roles. However, his association with Derrick significantly overshadowed his other work, making him a recognizable face to television viewers across Europe. His career spanned several decades, though details of his pre-Derrick and post-Derrick roles are less widely known.

Schäfer's performance as Willi Berger contributed significantly to the success of Derrick, making him a beloved figure in German television history.