Christian Oliver German and American actor Date of Birth: 03.03.1972 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Modeling Career
2. Transition to Acting
3. "Cobra 11" Breakthrough
4. Later Career and Personal Life
5. Tragic Loss

Early Life and Modeling Career

Oliver Stritzel was born on March 3, 1972, in Celle, Germany. He later moved with his family to Frankfurt am Main, where he spent his formative years. After graduating high school, Stritzel pursued modeling in the United States, working for BBDO.

Transition to Acting

Inspired by his experiences in school theater, Stritzel switched gears and enrolled in acting classes. He relocated to Los Angeles and quickly landed a role in NBC's "Saved by the Bell" (1994-1995), portraying Brian Keller.

"Cobra 11" Breakthrough

From 2002 to 2004, Stritzel gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Detective Inspector Jan Richter in the German action series "Cobra 11." This role solidified his popularity in both Germany and the United States.

Later Career and Personal Life

After "Cobra 11," Stritzel continued to appear in numerous films and television shows in Germany and the US. He maintained close ties to both countries, visiting family in Germany each summer. From 2010 to 2021, he was married to Jessica Mazur and had two children from a previous relationship.

Tragic Loss

On January 4, 2024, Stritzel and his daughters, Madita and Annika, perished in a plane crash off the coast of Bequia in the Caribbean. All occupants of the private aircraft, including pilot Robert Sachs, were killed.