He's taken on America's Got Talent, is a master accordion player, makes a mockery of German and Australian passport systems, has survived a terrifying fall and is adored for his irrepressible showmanship and sass.
International Superstar, Berlin Boy Wonder, and beloved South Australian entertainer Hans has been named an Adelaide Festival Centre Walk of Fame star recipient.
His name is emblazoned on the walk, featuring the likes of Olivia Newton-John, Hugo Weaving, Paul Kelly, Archie Roach, Bert & Patti Newton, and Tina Arena.
Specifically, he received the Public Choice award for his performance in Disco Spektakular Tour 2023.
Hans said there were many people on the walk who he admired and looked up to, so it was a "special moment" to join them.
"I feel very lucky to have such a loyal audience here in Adelaide and I'm thrilled that they'll now be able to walk all over me for years to come," he said.
Hans has been entertaining crowds with his thrilling and cheeky comedy cabaret for more than a decade. He's performed for everyone ranging from prime ministers to princesses, and today is also regularly on Australian TV, including ABC's News Breakfast, Channel 7's Sunrise and Channel 10's Studio 10.
He shot to superstardom on America's Got Talent, appearing in two different seasons.
His original show Hans: Like a German sold out at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2019, and quickly followed it up with Haus of Hans: Disco Spektakulr, the year later.
He was badly injured in August 2022 when he fell four metres from the stage into an orchestra pit on a cruise ship during a performance, resulting in a shattered foot and spine damage. After surgery and healing, he was back on stage the following year with a big tour - accordion, sequins, trademark blue eye shadow and pink lippy, sass and big set of pipes on hand.
Hans is the alter ego of Matt Gilbertson, who is a gossip columnist at NewsCorp masthead The Advertiser, based in South Australia.
The Walk of Fame announcement wasn't just about Hans; other star recipients for 2023 include accomplished singer-songwriter and Barkindji woman Nancy Bates and legendary Australian entertainer Patti Newton AM.
Centre chief executive officer Douglas Gautier AM said the walk "showcases the names of some of the best and brightest artists and creators who have been part of performances at Adelaide Festival Centre."
