Career
After World World War II he became an interpreter with the United States. military government. In 1948 he went into broadcasting. He pioneered quiz programs on West German radio and television, becoming the country"s best-known programme host and entertainer.
He is remembered for some classic sketches such as "Der Überzieher" (about a man getting in trouble in a restaurant because he has to constantly guard his overcoat), "Die Bürgschaft" (his bumbling attempt to recite Schiller"s poem The Hostage), or "Die Wetterkarte" (The Weather Chart, where he speaks in a wide variety of German dialects).
In 1962, he and director Heinz Dunkhase discovered the comedy sketch Dinner for One in Blackpool which was staged in Frankenfeld"s live show shortly thereafter, and recorded on July 8, 1963. The show was re-run occasionally in German television until it got its fixed spot on New Year"s Eve in 1972.