Ingo Appelt (born April 20, 1967, in Essen, Germany) is a German comedian, cabaret performer, television host, actor, writer, and spoken-word recording artist. He grew up mainly in Würzburg and began performing in the late 1980s. Before establishing himself in entertainment, he trained as a machinist at Siemens and worked as a trade union educator for IG Metall. His first notable comedy appearance came in 1989 at a youth conference of the union. From 1993 onward, he worked as a professional comedian.
Appelt's early career developed during the expansion of German television comedy in the 1990s. He appeared on programs including "RTL Samstag Nacht," "Die RTL Nachtshow," "Quatsch Comedy Club," and "7 Tage, 7 Köpfe." His style combined political satire, celebrity parody, deliberately abrasive observations, and black humor. He became particularly recognizable for impersonations of public figures such as Rudolf Scharping, Helmut Kohl, Gerhard Schröder, and Herbert Grönemeyer. Rather than relying on a restrained cabaret persona, Appelt built his public image around provocation, fast delivery, and a willingness to test the limits of conventional television comedy.
In 1997, Appelt released his first spoken-word album, "Der Abräumer," followed by "Feuchte Seite" in 1998. His recording work remained closely connected to his stage persona rather than representing a separate music career. In 2000, he collaborated with the dance act Aquagen on the single "Tanz für mich." Further releases included "Schlicht Böse," "Superstar," "Männer muss man schlagen," and "Frauen sind Göttinnen - Wir können nur noch beten." He also published the book "Männer muss man schlagen" in 2008.
Appelt reached a major television milestone in 2000 with "Die Ingo Appelt Show" on ProSieben. The weekly program was canceled after eleven of its planned thirteen episodes. ProSieben cited the direction and content of the final broadcast, including a controversial sketch involving child-like dolls, as the reason for ending the series. The incident became one of the defining turning points of Appelt's career. After a period in which his television presence declined, he returned increasingly to live performance and other comedy formats.
In 2006, Appelt became the presenter of RTL's "Freitag Nacht News." He later hosted "Fun Club - Comedystars live" on RTL II in 2010, a format that combined established stand-up performers with short appearances by newcomers. During this period, he also continued to appear on comedy and satire programs, including "Neues aus der Anstalt," "Spätschicht," and "Mario Barth deckt auf!"
From October 2014 through January 2024, Appelt presented the Bavarian television satire program "Kabarett aus Franken." The role highlighted his experience with political and topical comedy and gave him a regular platform for introducing guests and commenting on current affairs. He has also continued to tour with solo programs, including "Göttinnen," "Besser ... ist besser," and "Der Staats-Trainer."
Appelt's career is defined by the tension between mainstream television visibility and confrontational stage comedy. His work has moved between sketch shows, political satire, live cabaret, television presenting, and spoken-word releases, while retaining an emphasis on parody, provocation, and direct audience interaction.