Departures of note

Hanni Vanhaiden was a German television announcer (Fernsehansagerin) for NDR, becoming a familiar face across the country in a role that has since disappeared from television. She began her career as a ballet dancer at the Hamburg State Opera before moving into broadcasting, where from the 1970s she introduced films and programs with short, witty commentary.

Her trademark oversized glasses made her instantly recognizable, and her style was so influential that customers asking for a 'Hanni-Vanhaiden-Brille' at opticians in the 1970s were readily understood. Over the course of her career she also recorded records and worked as a voice actress for radio plays, including episodes of the popular 'Die drei ???' series.

Vanhaiden died on 11 October 2026 at the age of 88.