Susanne Uhlen on the fight against cancer: “I knew I would win”

Susanne Uhlen (69) was a sought-after television star during her acting career. She played several times in the “Tatort” series, took on roles in Inga Lindström and Rosamunde Pilcher films and was seen on the ZDF “Dream Ship”. In 2017, after recovering from breast cancer, she ended her career in front of the camera and on stage. In an interview with the magazine “Frau im Spiegel” (issue from November 13th), she looks back on recovering from cancer and the end of her acting career.

“I’m doing well,” she explains in the conversation and looks back on the diagnosis, which “caught her off guard.” “You think it’s only other people who get sick. But then I saw it as a challenge to fate.” She fought against the disease. “I didn’t want to be paralyzed by fears, I wanted to resist and I knew I would win. You can’t give in to self-pity. That only drags you down.”

After canceling all engagements following the diagnosis, she underwent chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Of course it wasn’t easy, but her positive mental attitude helped her incredibly. “I can only repeat it again and again: be combative!” During the treatment, which lasted almost a year, she distracted herself by walking in the forest with her dogs or by trying out cooking recipes. Her partner Henry Dawidowicz (59) was also a great help. Uhlen dealt with the effects of the therapy bravely. She says: “When I noticed that there was lost hair on the pillow one morning, I immediately had it completely shaved off.” She bought a “nice wig,” “plus it was winter, so you often wear a hat anyway.”

After the whole procedure, “everything hurt.” A doctor helped her regenerate, which took almost three years. She now goes for a check-up once a year and doesn’t give it much thought. “I go there and say, ‘It’s all good.’ I’m not afraid that the cancer will come back.” She hasn’t regretted for a second that she gave up her career in front of the camera and the timing was just right to leave the professional rat race, says Uhlen, who has been active in animal protection for years.

The former actress has a special event coming up at the beginning of 2025, more precisely on January 17th: after her 60th birthday fell during her cancer treatment, she is now “very much looking forward to my seventieth!” For this occasion, Susanne Uhlen will fly to Rome with her two sons from previous relationships. “I want to celebrate with my sons first, then with Henry and the family.”