It’s hard to believe Rolf Buchholz was once just a quiet office worker. Originally from Dortmund, Germany, he had a degree in telecommunications and worked in IT for years — invisible, reserved, and routine.

But something inside him longed for more.

At 40, he got his first tattoo. Then came a piercing. And then another. Before long, his transformation was unstoppable.

Today, Rolf holds a Guinness World Record for having over 560 piercings — including 170 on his face and 278 in intimate areas. His body is almost entirely tattooed, his tongue is split, and horn-shaped implants rise from his forehead.

To some, his appearance is shocking. To others, it’s fascinating. But for Rolf, it’s art — and freedom.

“This is who I’ve always been,” he says. “I just let the world see it now.”

Despite his extreme look, Rolf is soft-spoken, witty, and approachable. Still, not everyone reacts kindly. In 2014, he was even denied entry to Dubai — officials feared he might be a black magician.

Love him or not, Rolf Buchholz is living proof that it’s never too late to break the mold — and be fully, unapologetically yourself.