The fictitious character of Atze Schröder has appeared in German stage comedy and television since 1995. Its creator and performer protects his real identity, successfully guarding his private life from press and public.

Atze Schröder, a figure deeply rooted in the working-class culture of Germany"s industry region, made his debut in the television programme "TV Kaiser". He quickly gained popularity and soon got his own series "Alles Atze!", which garnered several awards. His screen debut came with the fairy-tale spoof 7 Zwerge – Männer allein im Wald" (2004), directed by Sven Unterwaldt. Unterwaldt also helmed "U-900", starring Atze Schröder as a black market dealer taking over the command of a German submarine during WWII.