Alexander Rüdiger

The “Money Maker” is now a museum piece

Lotteries and ORF canceled the show in 2019. Nevertheless, Alexander Rüdiger, alias the "Money Maker", found his place in a show at the Technical Museum.(Bild: Starpix/ Alexander TUMA)

The "Krone" met former "Money Maker" Alexander Rüdiger at the launch of "Cash. The Value of Cash" at the Technical Museum and talked to him about the TV cult and the crazy "tricks" of his contestants ...

Until March 31, 2025, the exhibition entitled "Cash. The value of cash". At the opening, one person in particular made a point of being there: The nation's "money maker", presenter and entertainer Alexander Rüdiger. The reason: many of his original exhibits as a former TV "money distributor" can be seen in the show.

For Alexander Rüdiger, the "Money Maker" times were wonderful.(Bild: Starpix/ Alexander TUMA)

Misses the show: General Director Peter Aufreiter.(Bild: Starpix/ Alexander TUMA)

"I can only say that bathing in museums refreshes the spirit," said Rüdiger, while he talked to the museum's general director, Peter Aufreiter, about the legendary TV money shower (where it disappeared to remains unanswered). Seeing many of his props from the past in the museum "fills me with pride and I admit that I miss the show," says Rüdiger, who repeatedly guides us through "Land der Berge" for ORF III.

"It was a wonderful time and when I remember how contestants' décolletés 'grew' so that more money would stay in the air duct, or how others tried to coat their hair with honey so that bills would stick, I still have to laugh today."