“Dream Ship” Star Daniel Morgenroth criticizes Low Actor Salaries: “A Really Hard, Long Road”
Berlin – Daniel Morgenroth, best known as staff captain Martin Grimm on ZDF’s long-running series “Traumschiff” (“Dream ship”), used a recent appearance on the morning show “Volle Kanne” with his wife, actress Johanna Klante, to discuss the challenges facing aspiring actors in Germany, particularly concerning low starting salaries.
Morgenroth, 61, has sailed alongside Florian Silbereisen, 44, on the ”Traumschiff” for six years, and noted the team still marks milestones despite their experience. “we’re already counting,” he smiled to presenter Nadine Krüger.
While celebrating the series’ enduring appeal – its premiere was in 1981 – Morgenroth highlighted a stark contrast between the show’s longevity and the financial realities for newcomers to the profession. He stated that despite completing four years of study, starting actor salaries remain below €3,000 gross. “If you want to become an actor today, you have to dress warmly. The competition is huge,” he reflected.”They are still under 3,000 euros gross…it is really a hard, long road to success and higher salaries.”
Despite a dip in overall viewership for the April broadcast of “traumschiff,” the series is attracting a growing younger audience. The 2024 Thailand episode saw more viewers aged 14-49 than in almost two decades,a phenomenon Morgenroth attributes to the show’s “cult factor.” “I actually here from a lot of people who I wouldn’t even think would watch it,” he said.
Currently, Morgenroth and Klante, 49, are preparing for a comedy performance at the Schlosspark Theater in Berlin, beginning at the end of November. Klante recently accompanied the “Traumschiff” crew to Iceland for filming, appearing as a guest on the episode, having previously held roles within the series. While the “dream Ship” typically cruises warmer waters, the Iceland trip marks a departure for the show’s destinations.
