 In 2003, Hackl was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, but recovered and returned to the stage in 2005, also appearing in different films and series.In 2009 he published a book about his cancer and the long process of recovery and also recorded a CD with cover versions of songs from Austrian singer Georg Danzer.In 2012, he was the recipient of the Nestroy award, an Austrian award which honors theater professionals.