Celebrating in Spite of Challenges: Marie-Luise Marjan Reaches 85 Years
Marie-Luise Marjan: A Life Beyond "Lindenstraße"
Marie-Luise Marjan, the beloved actress known for her 35-year portrayal of Helga Beimer in the iconic ARD series "Lindenstraße," turned 85 on the 9th of August. After the series ended in 2020, Marjan has scaled back her public acting engagements, but her life remains active and fulfilling.
Born in Hattingen, Marjan grew up with adoptive parents. Her love for acting was evident from an early age, and her dreams were realised when she attended the State Music Academy in Hamburg. After a successful career on theater stages for about 20 years, Marjan made her mark on television, playing several TV films, mainly mothers, such as in Wolfgang Petersen's "Smog" (1973).
In "Lindenstraße," Marjan found her most iconic role. The series, which aired its final episode in 2020, made Marjan a household name, and she was often referred to as the "face" of the show. Her character, Helga Beimer, was a central figure in the lives of the residents of Lindenstraße, and Marjan's portrayal was deeply loved by the audience.
However, Marjan's life took a turn in June 2024 when she suffered a hip fracture. After undergoing five operations, she now uses a walker or cane for mobility. Despite this, she continues to maintain an active lifestyle, regularly going swimming to stay mobile.
Marie-Luise Marjan's 85th birthday will be a celebration of her life and career. She plans to invite 85 guests to mark the occasion. She also enjoys giving readings and having contact with the audience, and these activities continue to be a part of her life.
In her quieter moments, Marjan loves watching old American films and expresses concern about the state of the world, watching the news daily. She does not have a dream role she would have liked to play someday, content with the roles she has played and the impact she has made.
Two years ago, Marjan moved to Bonn, to the more peaceful former diplomat quarter of Bad Godesberg. She still has close contact with some actors and team members from "Lindenstraße," keeping the memories of her time on the series alive.
Marie-Luise Marjan's life beyond "Lindenstraße" may not be as public as her career during the series, but her impact on German television remains undeniable. Her 85th birthday serves as a reminder of her long and successful career, and her continued love for life and her art.
[1] https://www.spiegel.de/tv/serien/lindenstaesse-marie-luise-marjan-verabschiedet-sich-aus-der-serie-a-1229867.html
[2] https://www.welt.de/kultur/theater/article215308592/Marie-Luise-Marjan-hat-ein-Femurhalsbruch-erlitten.html
[3] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/kultur/marie-luise-marjan-hat-ein-femurhalsbruch-erlitten/27225990.html
Marie-Luise Marjan, despite scaling back her public acting engagements, continues to enjoy entertainment in her quieter moments, with a particular fondness for old American films. In her celebrity status as the iconic face of "Lindenstraße," Marjan maintains close contact with fellow celebrities from the series.
