- Bought a castle in Marienfels, Germany (2004).
- Started his professional career as teacher (German; Latin).
- He received three Bambi Awards in the 1980s, which he gave back in 1988 after a dispute with publisher Hubert Burda. Nevertheless, he accepted a "Honorary Bambi" in 2001.
- In the 1980s he suffered the particular indignity of being replaced (as the host of a video clip pop show on TV) by a chimpanzee.
- Host of Europe's most successful TV show Wetten, dass..? (1981) from 1987 to 1992 and since 1994. He prolonged his contract until 2010.
- In the 1970s, he was a host of BR 3 a Bavarian radio channel aimed for younger audiences. Even though his shows were revolutionary at the time, he faced criticism from the channel's executives for his funny and smart manner. Nevertheless, he was granted free reign over his shows, as they were received exceptionally well by the young audience.
- Appeared on Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993) after Whoopi Goldberg had lost a bet on his show.
- Lives in Malibu, California.
- Received the "Bayerischer Verdienstorden" (highest Bavarian state decoration) (20 June 2001).
- According to a survey, he is Germany's most popular celebrity in TV commercials (2006).
- He is good friends with Günther Jauch.
- Has two sons, Tristan (adopted, b. 1989) and Roman (b. 1982).
- Parents: Hans and Rutila Gottschalk; siblings: Christoph and Raphaela
- Released a single entitled "What Happened To Rock'n'Roll" in 2001.
- Ranked #1 in a survey by TV guide "Bildwoche" searching "Germany's biggest TV entertainer of all time" (March 2006).
- Boyfriend of Karina Mroß since 2019.
- Engaged to Karina Mroß since June 2024.
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