Helmut Zenker


Helmut Zenker was an Austrian writer, songwriter and screenwriter.

Biography

Helmut was born on January 11, 1940 in the lower Austrian city of St. Valentin. Not much is known about his early life or his parents or siblings.
He studied at a teaching academy in Vienna and worked at primary and special schools in Vienna and Tyrol. He also worked as a truck driver and projectionist.
In 1969, he founded Wespennest, a literary magazine, with Peter Henisch.
Starting in 1973, Zenker became a freelance writer and participated in author readings, including at the left-wing festival, Volksstimmfest, located in the Prater.

Writing

Zenker began his writing career in 1974 with a series of books about the Viennese police major Adolf Kottan, but it was not published. He turned the book into a radio drama which was produced in 1975 by the SWF.
Helmut saw great success in 1976. His first play, "Insanely Happy" was directed by Gustav Manker and premiered at the Vienna Volkstheater starring Karlheinz Hackl and included Rudolf Jusits. Major Kottan saw his screen debut in a 90-minutes television film at ORF. It was directed by Peter Patzak who also staged all other Kottan episodes. The series produced from 1976 to 1983 Kottan gained particular popularity with Lukas Resetarits in the lead role.
In 1990, Zenker founded CABAL Buchmacher in which only books by Helmut Zenker were published.
From 1990 to 1998, the successful TV series Tohuwabohu, written by Zenker, was produced starring Jazz Gitti, Franz Suhrada and Ossy Kolmann.
In 2010, a new Kottan Investigates movie called "Rien ne va Plus" and was reminiscent of James Bond. The script was written by Helmut's son, Jan, and the film was directed by Peter Patzek. Lukas Resetarits reprises his role or the main character.
In November 2016, "Kottan - Der Puppenmusical" was performed in Vienna's Rabenhof Theatre. It starred Christian Dolezal and Nikolaus Habjan worked the puppets. Zenker's son, Tibor, has commented that he thought his dad would have enjoyed the show. Tibor was co-author of the musical.

Politics

Zenker was a member of the Communist Party of Austria.

Death

He died on January 7, 2003 in Vienna, Austria at the age of 53 years just 3 days before his birthday. The cause of death was renal failure due to a tumor. He is buried in an honorary grave in Vienna Central Cemetery.

Cover Art

The single by Hans Krankl used for the Lonely Boys had an album cover painted by Sammy Konkolits.

Works

Mystery Novels
Poems and Prose
Children's Novels
Anthology
Novels
Other writings
Radio Plays
TV Movies
Movies
Play