Rosa von Praunheim's Real Name: Holger Radtke / Mischwitzky
Rosa von Praunheim → Holger Radtke
Quick answer: Rosa von Praunheim was born Holger Radtke on November 25, 1942, in Riga (then under German occupation). After adoption he grew up as Holger Bernhard Bruno Mischwitzky; Rosa von Praunheim was his chosen artistic name.
[IMAGE: credited portrait of Rosa von Praunheim, e.g. press or festival photo with credit]
Birth name, adoption name, and artist name
Reliable German film and museum sources distinguish three layers of naming. He was born Holger Radtke; after his biological mother died in the war's aftermath he was adopted and raised as Holger Mischwitzky; as an adult artist he took the name Rosa von Praunheim (filmportal.de; Schwules Museum memorial; DW profile). "Rosa" referenced pink-triangle persecution history; "Praunheim" referred to a Frankfurt district where he lived.
He is widely documented as a pioneering German gay-rights filmmaker and activist whose work mixed documentary, satire, and provocation from the late 1960s onward.
Career and activism
Breakthrough recognition came with films that put West Germany's gay life and politics on screen when few others would. He directed dozens of features and documentaries over five decades, taught, wrote, and remained a public advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Germany (official English bio; filmportal).
[IMAGE: credited still or festival appearance photo, with credit]
He died in 2025; memorial notices from queer cultural institutions reiterated the Radtke / Mischwitzky / von Praunheim name history (Schwules Museum).
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FAQ
What was Rosa von Praunheim's real name?
Born Holger Radtke; raised Holger Mischwitzky after adoption; worked as Rosa von Praunheim.
When and where was he born?
November 25, 1942, in Riga.
Why the name Rosa von Praunheim?
"Rosa" nods to pink-triangle history; "Praunheim" to a Frankfurt neighborhood associated with his life.
What was he known for?
German film directing and decades of queer-rights activism.
Is Mischwitzky a stage name?
No—that was his adoptive family name. The stage/artist name is Rosa von Praunheim.
When did he die?
2025 (per Schwules Museum memorial coverage).