Biografia
After his parents divorced, Felix was raised by foster parents starting at age eleven. His passion for radio plays began in childhood. Early on, he authored several articles, some of which were broadcast. After earning his high school diploma, he pursued teacher training. From 1960 to 1965, he taught at the primary and commercial school in Frauenfeld while working part-time as a radio and television reporter. He also wrote plays and children's musicals. In 1965, he left teaching to become a program designer at Swiss television's "Culture and Science" department. As an author and presenter, he created original broadcast formats and trained as a television director.
In 1973, he transitioned to the "Entertainment" department, where he developed the series "Teleboy," a lively game show featuring hidden cameras, which won the "Prix Walo" in 1977. This Saturday evening show achieved record ratings in Swiss television history. In 1978, he received both the "Chaplin Prize" and the "Rose of Montreux." In 1980, Felix created and hosted the series "Do you understand fun?" The same year, he married singer Paola, who joined him in presenting "Do you understand fun?" from 1983, turning it into a Saturday evening staple and one of ARD's most successful programs. He earned the "Rose of Montreux" again in 1985.
Felix also hosted and produced the major Swiss lottery show "Supertreffer." Until 1990, he co-hosted "Do you understand fun?" with his wife, solidifying its place as a popular show of the decade. In 1990, Felix received the German media award "Bambi." He retired from presenting on his 50th birthday and from 1991 served as a consultant for various television companies. He acquired Italian citizenship in 1995. Between 1995 and 2005, he wrote a weekly television column for "Schweizer Illustrierte." For his 60th birthday, SWR aired a 15-part series titled "Klassiker mit Kurt Felix," revisiting 20 years of "Do you understand fun?"
In 2002, Felix created "Quiz Today," which aired on Swiss television during prime time starting that autumn. In 2003, he co-authored "50 Years of Swiss Television" and received an honorary Bambi for lifetime achievement. That year, he was diagnosed with cancer. After successful treatment and recovery, he became an ambassador for the Swiss Cancer League in 2004. By 2006, Felix largely withdrew from public life, splitting his time between Switzerland and Italy. In 2011, he was honored with the Swiss Television Prize for his lifetime achievements.
Kurt Felix passed away on May 16, 2012, at age 71 in St. Gallen, after battling cancer. A public funeral service was held on May 31, 2012, at St. Laurenzenkirche in St. Gallen.
