Simon Verhoeven: How Jan Josef Liefers Saved My Life

The actor and director talks about his friendship with the "Tatort" star - and how Liefers once saved his life

"He pulled me out of the lake"

Simon Verhoeven (52) and Jan Josef Liefers (58) have been friends for over 30 years. They met in 1989 at the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Art in Berlin. Since then, they have made several films together, including "Das Wunder von Bern" (2003) and "Männerherzen" (2009).

In an interview with "Bunte", Verhoeven now reveals how Liefers once saved his life. "It was in the summer of 1990," says Verhoeven. "We were on vacation in Italy and went swimming in a lake. Suddenly I got a cramp in my leg and couldn't move anymore. I panicked and started to sink."

"But then Jan Josef came to my aid," continues Verhoeven. "He pulled me out of the lake and gave me first aid. He saved my life."

Verhoeven is very grateful to his friend for his help. "I owe him my life," he says. "He is a true hero."

Liefers himself downplays his role in the incident. "It was nothing," he says. "I'm just glad that Simon is okay."

The friendship between Verhoeven and Liefers is very close. "We are like brothers," says Verhoeven. "We can always rely on each other."