Nico Santos is not the only member of his family to have found fame in entertainment. The musician and The Voice of Germany coach is part of the Wellenbrink family, whose members have worked in television, advertising, music and journalism.
His father, Egon Wellenbrink, became widely known in Germany during the 1990s as the “Melitta Man,” a nickname linked to his advertising work for filter coffee. His final commercial for the brand aired in 1999. Before that, he had also worked for years as a radio and television presenter.
Egon Wellenbrink moved with his wife and their son Nico from Bremen to Mallorca in 1994 after gaining national attention. The family settled on a finca in the mountains, hoping for a quieter lifestyle. According to an earlier interview with abc Mallorca, however, Nico was already singing and dancing constantly as a child, often performing songs by his idol Michael Jackson. His father also described himself as a passionate musician and saxophonist, while Nico’s mother, Lisa Wellenbrink, played guitar in several bands and worked as an actress.
The family’s television history also includes Nico’s older half-sister, Susanna Wellenbrink, who was born during her father’s first marriage. Nearly 20 years older than Santos, she became known to German audiences through television series including Die glückliche Familie and Frauenarzt Dr. Markus Merthin, starring Sascha Hehn. Her career made her a familiar face during the 1980s and 1990s.
Susanna’s daughter, Mia-Sophie Wellenbrink, also entered the public eye as a child. She became known through the “Fruchtalarm” campaign before appearing in the “Froop” yoghurt commercial in 2005. After a limited number of film roles, Mia-Sophie chose to leave the spotlight and pursue a more private life.
Susanna Wellenbrink has likewise lived a quieter life in the countryside with her two younger sons, according to her own statements. She is currently planning a podcast with a trauma therapist friend, focusing on difficult experiences and ways of dealing with them in the hope of supporting people in similar situations.
Santos’ younger sister, Clarissa Wellenbrink, has also shown an interest in the media world. Three years younger than the singer, she completed her Spanish school-leaving qualification and studied journalism in Mallorca. She was born in Palma and describes herself as a passionate Mallorcan. Clarissa has also performed on stage with her brother, leaving open the possibility of a future career in music.
