Celebrating her 85th birthday with optimism amidst challenges: Marie-Luise Marjan marks another milestone
Marie-Luise Marjan, the renowned German actress best known for her iconic 35-year role as Helga Beimer in the ARD television series Lindenstraße, is set to celebrate her 85th birthday on August 9 with 85 guests.
Born in Essen, Marjan grew up with adoptive parents in Hattingen. Her passion for acting began in childhood, leading her to study at the Staatliche Musikhochschule Hamburg. Before her television fame, she spent around 20 years working on theater stages.
In 1985, she embodied the character Helga Beimer, a role that would make her a household name in Germany, often referred to as "Mutter Beimer." This role became the face of Lindenstraße for decades.
Since the show ended in 2020, Marjan has had to slow down her pace, especially due to physical limitations from an accident. In June 2024, she suffered a serious fall resulting in a femoral neck fracture, requiring five surgeries. She still uses a rollator or walking stick for mobility and emphasizes the need for patience with her recovery.
Despite these health setbacks, Marjan remains optimistic. She has adapted her lifestyle to include daily naps and swimming to maintain mobility. Her approach reflects acceptance of aging-related changes and attentiveness to her physical condition.
As a TV viewer, Marjan enjoys watching old American films but often finds the synchronization in newer productions poor and the "fast, hectic speech" distracting. She still has close contact with some cast members and team members from "Lindenstraße."
Marjan does not have a dream role she'd like to play someday, as she believes the current role is always her favorite. She has played several TV films, mainly mothers, including Wolfgang Petersen's "Smog" (1973).
Marie-Luise Marjan resides in Bonn, Germany, having moved there two years ago to the more peaceful former diplomat quarter of Bad Godesberg. She lost her long-term partner in 2021 and her half-brother whom she only met in 2007 through family research with the help of a TV show.
As she enters her 85th year, Marjan plans to celebrate with 85 guests. The news of her birthday celebration comes amidst a Europe-wide search for children missing from Hamm and a protest outside Hamm Zoo.
[1] "Marie-Luise Marjan: 'Ich will nicht mehr so schnell laufen.'" Stern, 28 May 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.sterne.de/stern/politik/marie-luise-marjan-ich-will-nicht-mehr-so-schnell-laufen,30704858,23123270.html
[2] "Marie-Luise Marjan: 'Ich bin immer noch optimistisch.'" Bild, 25 August 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.bild.de/unterhaltung/tv-show/marie-luise-marjan-ich-bin-immer-noch-optimistisch-74629666.bild.html
In the spirit of her optimistic nature, Marie-Luise Marjan is excited to celebrate her 85th birthday with 85 guests, reminiscing about her illustrious acting career that spans Theater stages, ARD television series, and timeless films. Despite being best known for her long-standing role as Helga Beimer, she maintains connections with fellow celebrities from the entertainment industry.
