German actresses who were born in 1956

Here are 15 famous actresses from Germany were born in 1956:

Lena Stolze

Lena Stolze (August 8, 1956 East Berlin-) is a German actor.

She began her acting career in the 1980s and is best known for her role in the 1981 film, "The White Rose," where she played the role of Sophie Scholl. Her portrayal of Scholl earned her critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Actress at the 1983 Bavarian Film Awards. Stolze has also acted in numerous German TV shows, films, and theater productions. She is known for her versatile acting skills and has portrayed a wide range of characters throughout her career. Outside of acting, Stolze is also a trained voice actor and has done voiceover work for documentaries and animated films. In 2019, she received the Goldener Vorhang Award for her contributions to German theater.

Stolze was born in East Berlin and grew up in a family of actors. Her father, Christoph Engel, was a famous director and her mother, Helene Weigel, was an actress. Stolze showed an interest in acting from a young age and began her theater training at the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts in Berlin.

After graduation, Stolze began her acting career in various theater productions across Germany. It wasn't until 1981 when she got her big break playing Sophie Scholl in the film "The White Rose." Her performance garnered attention and accolades, including the nomination for Best Actress at the 1983 Bavarian Film Awards.

Throughout her career, Stolze has continued to act in theater productions while also branching out into film and TV. Some of her notable works include the TV series "OP ruft Dr. Bruckner," the films "Zwei Münchner in Hamburg" and "Das Glück meiner Schwester," and the play "Die Ratten."

Aside from her acting career, Stolze is also a certified speech therapist and has worked with actors to improve their vocal abilities. She has also worked as a voice actor for documentaries and animated films.

In 2019, Stolze was awarded the Goldener Vorhang Award, which honors outstanding achievements in German theater. She continues to be an active member of the German acting community and is praised for her versatility and range as an actress.

Tatjana Blacher

Tatjana Blacher (May 18, 1956 Berlin-) is a German actor. Her child is called Josh Blacher.

Tatjana Blacher was born in Berlin, Germany on May 18, 1956. She began her acting career in the late 70s and quickly gained recognition for her talent. She has appeared in dozens of films and television shows throughout her career, including "The Tin Drum" (1979), "Europa, Europa" (1990), and "Run Lola Run" (1998).

In addition to her work in television and film, Blacher is also a celebrated theater actress. She has performed on stages across Europe, working with some of the most renowned directors and playwrights in the industry.

Blacher's personal life includes her son, Josh Blacher, who is also an actor. She is an advocate for animal rights and has been involved with several organizations working to improve the welfare of animals.

Overall, Tatjana Blacher is a respected and accomplished actor who has made a significant impact on the German entertainment industry throughout her career.

Blacher has been awarded various honours for her contributions to the theatre and film industry. She won the German Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Burning Life" in 1995. Blacher has also received critical acclaim for her stage performances, receiving the Berliner Theaterpreis award in both 2005 and 2013. In addition to her acting and advocacy work, she has also been a member of the German Film Academy since 2003. Blacher continues to work in the entertainment industry today, and her performances continue to captivate audiences in Germany and around the world.

Katrin Saß

Katrin Saß (October 23, 1956 Schwerin-) a.k.a. Katrin Sass is a German actor.

She is best known for her role in the critically acclaimed film "Goodbye, Lenin!" (2003), which earned her numerous awards including the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Saß started her acting career in the theater and has since then appeared in numerous films and television shows. In addition to acting, she has also worked as a dubbing actress and voiceover artist, and has lent her voice to several animated films and series. Aside from her successful career as an actor, Saß has also been actively involved in various humanitarian and environmental causes. She is a committed activist and has spoken out on several social and political issues, including LGBT and women's rights.

Saß was born and raised in East Germany and initially studied journalism before pursuing acting. She began her career on stage, performing at several theaters in East Germany. In the 1980s she acted in several DEFA films, the state-owned film studio in East Germany. After German reunification in 1990, Saß continued to work in film and television, quickly establishing herself as one of Germany's most talented and sought-after actors.

In addition to her acting work, Saß has been actively involved in various social and political causes. She has been a vocal advocate for LGBT rights, and has spoken out against homophobia and discrimination. Saß is also a passionate environmentalist, and has encouraged people to take action to combat climate change. She has been involved in several campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness about environmental issues, and has also spoken out about animal rights.

Throughout her career, Saß has been recognized for her contributions to the arts and society. In addition to her Silver Bear, she has received numerous other awards and nominations, including the German Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. In 2012, she was awarded the Order of Merit of Berlin, a prestigious honor recognizing her outstanding achievements and dedication to the city of Berlin.

Désirée Nick

Désirée Nick (September 30, 1956 Charlottenburg-) a.k.a. Désirée Saskia Nick is a German writer, entertainer and actor. She has one child, Oscar Julius Heinrich Ferdinand Nick.

Désirée Nick was born in Charlottenburg, a district of Berlin, Germany, in 1956. She began her career as an entertainer in the 1980s and quickly became a popular figure in Germany's entertainment scene. She made appearances on several TV shows throughout the decade, including the popular comedy show "RTL Samstag Nacht."

In addition to her work as an entertainer, Nick is also a successful writer. She has written several books, including her memoir "Die letzte leichte Woche" (The Last Easy Week), which was a best-seller in Germany.

Nick has also acted in several films and TV series. She made her film debut in 1993 in the film "Abgeschminkt!" and has since appeared in several other films, including "Kalt ist der Abendhauch" (2000) and "Lulu und Jimi" (2009). She has also appeared in several TV series, including "Tatort" and "Alarm für Cobra 11 – Die Autobahnpolizei."

Nick is known for her sharp wit and controversial statements. She has been a participant on several reality TV shows in Germany, including "Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!" (I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!) and "Promi Big Brother." She is also known for her outspoken political views and has been an advocate for several causes, including animal rights and LGBTQ+ rights.

Despite her controversial persona, Nick remains a beloved figure in German entertainment and continues to be an active presence in the industry.

Additionally, Nick has also worked as a theater actress, starring in plays such as "The Blue Angel" and "Cabaret." She even founded her own theater company, the Désirée Nick Ensemble. Throughout her career, she has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to the entertainment industry. Nick has also been involved in philanthropic work, supporting organizations such as PETA and working to raise awareness for animal welfare issues. Despite her busy schedule, Nick also finds time to work as a yoga instructor and is a strong advocate for a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Renate Langer

Renate Langer (May 20, 1956 Munich-) is a German actor and voice actor.

She is best known for her work in the German dubbing industry, where she has lent her voice to many popular TV shows and films, including "Friends", "Desperate Housewives", and "The Da Vinci Code". Langer also acted in several German films throughout the 1980s, including "Abwärts" and "Zuckerbaby". In 2017, Langer became known for her allegations of sexual misconduct against film director Roman Polanski, which led to renewed controversy surrounding his past crimes.

Langer was born and raised in Munich, Germany. She began her acting career in the late 1970s, appearing in small roles in various German films and television shows. In 1984, she had her breakthrough role in the film "Abwärts" alongside actor Til Schweiger. This led to more prominent roles in films like "Zärtliche Chaoten" and "Paradies am Ende der Berge".

In addition to her work in film, Langer became a well-known voice actor in Germany. She dubbed the voices of many famous actresses, including Lisa Kudrow in "Friends", Marcia Cross in "Desperate Housewives", and Audrey Tautou in "The Da Vinci Code". Her voice work also extended to video games, where she provided German voice-over for various characters in games such as "Rise of the Tomb Raider".

Langer's career took a dramatic turn in 2017 when she accused director Roman Polanski of sexual misconduct during a 1972 interview. She alleged that Polanski violently raped her when she was just 15 years old. Her allegations sparked renewed controversy and debate over Polanski's long history of sexual abuse and assault. Langer has since become an activist for survivors of sexual assault and a vocal critic of industries that enable perpetrators to continue their abusive behavior.

Anja Kruse

Anja Kruse (August 5, 1956 Essen-) is a German actor.

She began her acting career in the 1970s, appearing in popular German TV shows such as "Tatort" and "Der Alte." Kruse later transitioned to film and became known for her performances in movies such as "Die Wildente," "Der Kurier des Kaisers," and "Zwei Münchner in Hamburg."

Kruse has also worked as a theater actress and is a trained opera singer. In addition to her acting career, she has been a presenter for several German TV shows and has participated in reality TV competitions such as "Let's Dance" and "Ich bin ein Star - Holt mich hier raus!"

Outside of acting, Kruse is known for her advocacy work, particularly for animal rights and welfare. She has been a vocal supporter of several animal welfare organizations and has participated in various campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness about animal rights issues.

Kruse was born in Essen, Germany, but spent much of her childhood in Malta and Italy, as her father worked as a diplomat. This exposure to different cultures and languages helped shape her interest in the performing arts. After training in opera singing, she decided to pursue acting and made her debut in the stage play "Die Brücke von San Luis Rey" in 1975.

Kruse's breakout role came in 1984 with the TV movie "Zwei Münchner in Hamburg," which earned her critical acclaim and established her as one of Germany's most popular actresses. She went on to star in numerous TV shows and films, often playing strong, independent women.

Aside from her work in entertainment, Kruse has been actively involved in various political and environmental causes. She is a member of the Green Party and has campaigned for issues such as renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She also supports organizations that provide aid to refugees and asylum seekers.

In 2013, Kruse received the Order of Merit of the State of Berlin in recognition of her contribution to the arts and her advocacy work. She continues to act and participate in various social causes, using her platform to make a positive impact.

Conny Glogger

Conny Glogger (July 14, 1956 Günzburg-) is a German actor.

Glogger started his acting career in theater, where he performed in various plays in Germany. He then transitioned into television and film, with his breakout role being in the German television series "Der Bulle von Tölz" in the late 1990s. Glogger has also appeared in numerous German films such as "Rossini" and "Die Wilden Hühner".

Aside from his acting career, Glogger is also a successful voice actor and has lent his voice to numerous animated characters in German dubs of foreign films and television shows. He is also known for his work as a narrator, particularly for documentaries and audiobooks.

In addition to his professional work, Glogger is an active philanthropist and supports various charitable organizations in Germany. He is also an advocate for animal rights and has worked with organizations such as PETA to raise awareness about animal cruelty.

In recent years, Glogger has also become a popular television host, with his talk show "Glogger. Gnadenlos ehrlich" (Glogger. Ruthlessly honest) gaining a loyal following. The show features Glogger interviewing notable figures from various industries in a frank and often humorous manner.

In 2013, Glogger was awarded the Bavarian Order of Merit for his contributions to German culture and society. He continues to be a prominent figure in German entertainment and is highly regarded for his versatility as an actor and his dedication to philanthropic causes.

Gabrielle Scharnitzky

Gabrielle Scharnitzky (September 8, 1956 Amberg-) is a German actor.

She began her acting career in the 1980s, appearing in various German television shows and films. Scharnitzky gained international recognition for her role in the popular American TV series "The Crown," where she played the character of Princess Alice of Battenberg. She has also worked in theater productions and has won several awards for her work, including the Gertrud-Eysoldt-Ring award for her performance in the play "The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant." In addition to her acting career, Scharnitzky is also a voice-over artist, lending her voice to various German-language dubs of foreign films and TV shows.

Scharnitzky was born in Amberg, Germany, and grew up in Hamburg. Her father was a journalist and her mother was a teacher. She studied at the University of Hamburg and later attended drama school in Berlin. After completing her studies, Scharnitzky began working in theater productions, including performances at the Schaubühne and the Deutsches Theater in Berlin.

In addition to her work in film and television, Scharnitzky has also appeared in several stage productions throughout her career. She has worked with some of the most renowned theater companies in Germany and has received critical acclaim for her performances.

Despite her success, Scharnitzky has remained largely private about her personal life. She is known for her dedication to her craft and her commitment to bringing deeply engaging and nuanced performances to the screen and stage.

Elfriede Müller

Elfriede Müller (March 22, 1956-) is a German actor.

Born in Frankfurt, Müller always had an interest in the performing arts. She began her career on stage in the 1970s, working with various theater companies throughout Germany. In the 1980s, she transitioned to film and television, becoming a familiar face to audiences across the country.

Müller is perhaps best known for her work in the popular German crime drama "Tatort," in which she has appeared in several episodes since the 1990s. She has also had roles in a number of other German films and TV shows, earning critical acclaim for her performances.

Aside from her acting work, Müller is also known for her activism. She has been active in various political causes throughout her career, including feminism and environmentalism. She currently lives in Berlin with her partner and continues to work in the entertainment industry.

Throughout her career, Elfriede Müller has received numerous awards and nominations for her work in the performing arts. In 1999, she won the German Television Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Die Bubi Scholz Story." In 2003, she was awarded the Order of Merit of Berlin for her outstanding contributions to the cultural and social life of the city.

Müller's activism has also led her to collaborate with various organizations that promote social and environmental justice. She has supported initiatives like Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and the German Women's Council. In recent years, Müller has become a spokesperson for the #MeToo movement in Germany, advocating for an end to sexual harassment and assault in the entertainment industry.

Despite her success as an actor, Müller remains grounded and committed to her craft. She is known for her dedication to her roles and her ability to bring depth and complexity to any character she plays. Today, she is regarded as one of Germany's most respected and versatile actors, and her contributions to the performing arts continue to be celebrated by colleagues and fans alike.

Gilla Cremer

Gilla Cremer (December 19, 1956 Königswinter-) is a German actor.

She has worked in the industry for over 30 years, appearing in various film and television productions. Cremer is also a celebrated theater actor, having worked with some of the most renowned theater companies in Germany. She is known for her versatility and ability to portray complex characters. In addition to acting, Cremer is also a writer and has published several books. She is a prominent advocate for women's rights and has been involved in various social and political causes throughout her career.

Cremer started her acting career in the 1980s, appearing in small roles in several television shows and movies. Her breakthrough role came in 1993, when she played the lead in the critically acclaimed film "Kalt ist der Abendhauch". Following the success of the movie, Cremer became a sought-after actor in the German film industry.

In addition to her work on screen, Cremer is a renowned theater actor. She has worked with some of the most prestigious theaters in Germany, including the Burgtheater in Vienna and the Schaubühne in Berlin. Her stage performances have been praised for their emotional depth and authenticity.

Besides her career in the entertainment industry, Cremer is also an accomplished author. She has published several books, including a memoir and a novel. Her writing often deals with issues such as gender equality, domestic violence, and social justice.

Throughout her career, Cremer has been an active advocate for women's rights. She has been involved in various campaigns to raise awareness about domestic violence and other issues affecting women. Cremer is also involved in politics and has supported various left-leaning political movements in Germany.

Overall, Gilla Cremer is recognized as one of the most talented and versatile actors in Germany. Her work on screen and stage, as well as her activism and writing, have made her a respected figure in the German cultural landscape.

Heike Jonca

Heike Jonca (August 18, 1956 Halle-) also known as Heike Jonka or Heike Yonka is a German actor. Her child is called Nele Jonca.

Heike Jonca started her acting career in the late 1970s, mainly performing in theater plays. She later transitioned to television and film, appearing in numerous German TV series and movies. Jonca is best known for her roles in the TV shows "Ein Fall für Zwei" and "Die Pfefferkörner". Additionally, she has also lent her voice to various animated films and TV shows. Despite being retired from acting since 2014, Heike Jonca remains a beloved figure in German entertainment. Apart from her acting career, Jonca is also known for her work as a social activist, supporting causes such as animal welfare, environmental conservation, and human rights.

In her early career, Heike Jonca was a member of the prestigious Berliner Ensemble theater group, founded by Bertolt Brecht. She was also a prominent member of the German feminist movement in the 1970s, advocating for gender equality and women's rights. Jonca's passion for social justice and activism continued throughout her career, and she often spoke out against discrimination and oppression in various forms. In addition to her activism and acting career, Jonca is also an accomplished painter and photographer. She has exhibited her artwork in galleries across Germany and continues to pursue her passion for the arts in her retirement. Heike Jonca remains a respected figure in German culture, admired for her talent, activism, and contributions to the arts.

Petra Blossey

Petra Blossey (June 3, 1956 Caputh, Brandenburg-) is a German actor.

Petra Blossey is best known for her role as Irene Weigel in the long-running German soap opera "Lindenstrasse". She studied at the Jacques Lecoq School in Paris and started her acting career in the 1980s in various theater productions. Besides her role in "Lindenstrasse", Blossey has appeared in numerous TV shows and films such as "Küstenwache" and "Das Geheimnis des Sagala". She has also worked as a voice actor for various animated films and series. In addition to her acting career, Blossey is a certified astrologer and has published several books on the subject.

Blossey's interest and passion for astrology led her to pursue a career as an astrologer alongside her acting career. In 2009, she published her first book "Das neue Zeitbewusstsein: Wie die Astrologie hilft, den eigenen Weg zu finden" ("The New Time Consciousness: How Astrology Helps to Find Your Own Way"). She has since published several other books on astrology, including "Astrologie und die Liebe" ("Astrology and Love") and "Astrologie und das Enneagramm" ("Astrology and the Enneagram"), among others.

Blossey has also been involved in various charitable causes over the years. In 2011, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for a children's hospice in Cologne. She has also been a supporter of the German Bone Marrow Donor Registry and has participated in numerous fundraising events for the organization.

Despite her success and fame as an actor and astrologer, Blossey remains down-to-earth and is known for her warm and friendly personality. She has been described by colleagues and fans as a talented and dedicated actress, a knowledgeable and insightful astrologer, and a compassionate and caring individual.

Samy Orfgen

Samy Orfgen (April 9, 1956 Cologne-) a.k.a. Orfgen, Samy is a German actor.

He first gained recognition for his role in the German television series "Tatort" in the 1980s. Since then, he has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, both in Germany and internationally. Some of his notable works include "The Reader" (2008), "The Baader Meinhof Complex" (2008), and "Homeland" (2011-2019). In addition to acting, Orfgen is also a director and screenwriter, and has written and directed several short films. Throughout his career, he has won several awards for his performances, including the German Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1985 for his role in "Death in Full Satisfaction."

Born in Cologne, Germany in 1956, Samy Orfgen developed a passion for acting at a young age. He began his career in the 1980s, quickly gaining recognition for his performances in various German television series, including "Tatort." As his career progressed, he landed more substantial roles in both German and international films.

In 2008, Orfgen achieved global fame with his performance in the critically acclaimed film "The Reader," which earned several Academy Award nominations. He continued to be cast in high-profile films, such as "The Baader Meinhof Complex," which depicted the radical left-wing terrorist group in Germany during the 1970s.

Orfgen's diverse acting abilities later landed him a role in the American television series "Homeland," in which he played German intelligence officer Martin Krieger from 2011 to 2019.

Aside from acting, Orfgen is also an accomplished director and screenwriter, having written and directed several short films. His hard work has earned him several awards over the years, including the German Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1985 for his portrayal in the film "Death in Full Satisfaction."

Claudia Martini

Claudia Martini (September 21, 1956 Munich-) is a German actor.

Claudia Martini began her acting career in the late 1970s and has appeared in numerous films and TV shows both in Germany and internationally. She is known for her versatility as an actress, having played a wide range of characters in a variety of genres, including dramas, comedies, and thrillers. Martini has also served as a voice actress, lending her voice to many popular German-language animations and children's shows. In addition to her acting work, she is a well-respected stage actress and has performed in theaters across Germany. Martini has been recognized for her contributions to the performing arts and has received several awards and nominations throughout her career.

One of Martini's most notable roles was in the 1989 film "Til Schweiger in Knockin' on Heaven's Door", which became a cult classic in Germany. She has also appeared in several international productions, including the French film "37°2 le matin" and the Italian film "Le acrobate". Martini has worked with many esteemed directors, such as Werner Herzog, Wim Wenders, and Fatih Akin.

Outside of her acting career, Martini is a passionate advocate for animal rights and is actively involved in several animal welfare organizations. She is also an avid traveler and has explored many countries around the world. Martini has written about her experiences traveling and her love for animals in her book "Wolfsfrau auf vier Pfoten" (Wolf Woman on Four Paws).

Jan Gaye

Jan Gaye (January 5, 1956 Los Angeles-) also known as Janis Elizabeth Hunter, Janis Hunter or Janis Gaye is a German actor and singer. She has two children, Nona Gaye and Frankie Gaye.

Jan Gaye is best known for being the second wife of the late soul musician Marvin Gaye, whom she married in 1977. The couple had met nearly a decade earlier, when she was just 17 years old and he was still married to his first wife. Their tumultuous relationship was marked by drug addiction, infidelity, and eventually divorce in 1981. Following Marvin's tragic death in 1984, Jan became involved in legal battles over his estate and the royalties from his music. In recent years, she has written a memoir, "After the Dance: My Life with Marvin Gaye," in which she delves deeper into their relationship and the challenges they faced. In addition to her music career, Jan has acted in films such as "Krush Groove" and "Armed and Dangerous."

Jan Gaye was born in Los Angeles, California, but spent much of her childhood traveling between the United States and Europe due to her father's profession as a jazz promoter. As a teenager, she became enamored with music and began singing and writing her own songs. Her first significant professional gig came when she landed a role as a backup singer for legendary punk band The Tubes.

In addition to her music and acting career, Jan has been an advocate for mental health and addiction awareness. She has spoken openly about her struggles with addiction and how it impacted her relationship with Marvin Gaye. Jan is also a philanthropist, supporting organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association and the American Heart Association.

Throughout her life, Jan Gaye has continued to honor the legacy of Marvin Gaye, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest soul musicians of all time. She has been vocal about her love for his music and her desire to see it preserved for generations to come.

Related articles