Schlagerstars – Rex Gildo

Rex Gildo – The pop king in the shadow of the bright light

Statistics don't lie – and they paint a crystal-clear picture: Rex Gildo was a major player in German show business. Anyone who reduces him to his "Fiesta Mexicana" is seriously underestimating him. Between 1962 and 1980, he placed over two dozen songs in the BRAVO charts – more than Roy Black or Udo Jürgens. His "Speedy Gonzales" spent ten weeks at the top in 1962. He also performed cheerful, fresh duets with Gitte and Conny Froboess , and hit songs like "Marie, der letzte Tanz," "Love a little bit, Melinda," and "Borriquito."

He was also omnipresent on screen—often in simple, musically inspired slapstick films that did exactly what was expected of them: entertain . Four BRAVO-OTTO awards, a celebrity cutout, and numerous covers prove it: Rex Gildo was an idol , even during the Beat wave.

But behind the facade of glamour, fake tan, and perfect smile lay a man full of doubts and inner conflict. His homosexuality was an open secret , but Rex remained silent – out of fear of losing his career and pressure. Added to this were wigs, alcohol, medication , and a lonely descent from the world of illusion.

His death in October 1999—officially a suicide attempt—still raises questions today. Was it an escape? Resignation? Or simply a tragic accident? The only thing that is certain is that Rex Gildo was more than just "Hossa." He was a man torn between stage and reality—and yet gave us a smile that we haven't forgotten to this day.