Iris Berben celebrates 75 years: unchanged in spirit, self-governing, triumphant
Iris Berben, a renowned German actress with a career spanning several decades, is celebrating her 75th birthday on August 12. Known for her extensive work in film and television, Berben has earned significant acclaim and awards, including recognition from prestigious institutions such as Zurich’s Golden Eye Award.
Born in 1947, Berben started her career in the 1970s and was initially known for her comedic roles in shows like "Heavenly Creatures" and "Sketchup". However, she has since impressed audiences with her versatile performances, particularly in roles that depict recent German history with a focus on injustice.
In addition to her acting career, Berben is actively engaged in social and political activism. She is known for her outspoken stance on human rights and social justice issues in Germany. Berben has been an advocate for tolerance and against right-wing extremism, frequently using her public platform to raise awareness on these topics. Her activism includes participation in campaigns and public dialogues aimed at promoting democratic values and protection of journalists, reflecting her commitment to civil society and free expression.
One of Berben's most recent roles can be seen in the 2022 film "And Then One Stands Up and Opens the Window", where she plays a terminally ill rock star photographer who wants to leave her stage self-determined. She also stars alongside Godehard Giese in this production.
Berben's work and commitment are a lifelong pursuit and a form of rebellion in art. She has never made a secret of her rejection of marriage as an institution and has been in a long-term relationship with stunt coordinator Heiko Kiesow.
Throughout her career, Berben has taken on multifaceted roles that require self-irony, such as in the TVNow miniseries "You Don't Die Among Friends". She has also been a patron of the musical "The Children of the Dead City" set in the ghetto of Theresienstadt.
Berben's activism extends beyond Germany, as she has been a consistent advocate against antisemitism, racism, exclusion, age discrimination, historical amnesia, and for tolerance and equality. She represented the interests of around 2000 creatives in the industry as President of the German Film Academy from 2010 to 2019.
In the 2019 film "Hanne", Berben plays a character who rediscovers her zest for life despite a potentially devastating diagnosis over a weekend. The film by Dominik Graf features Berben waiting for a potentially devastating diagnosis over a weekend and finding unexpected friendship and freedom.
Berben's impact on German cinema and society is undeniable. Her work, both on and off the screen, continues to inspire and challenge, making her a beloved figure in the industry and beyond. As she turns 75, Berben remains a strong voice for social justice and a beacon of rebellion in art.
