Venerable Powerhouse of Television: Iris Berben Celebrates 75th Birthday - Venerable television personality, Iris Berben, turns 75.
Iris Berben, the renowned German actress, turned 75 on August 12, 2025, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career spanning over five decades. Beyond her artistic achievements, Berben is also celebrated for her political activism, particularly in combating anti-Semitism in Germany and Europe.
Berben has been a vocal advocate for fighting intolerance and prejudice, often emphasizing the importance of remembering the Holocaust and promoting a democratic culture based on respect and human rights. Her political stance is characterized by strong opposition to anti-Semitic acts and rhetoric.
One of the most influential experiences that shaped Berben's political views was her visit to Israel after the Six-Day War in 1967. This visit deepened her understanding of Jewish history, culture, and the ongoing challenges faced by the Jewish community. This connection has galvanized her activism against anti-Semitism and her advocacy for Germany’s historical responsibility towards Jews and Israel.
Berben's societal and political engagement extends beyond her public statements. She has supported educational initiatives and spoken at public events focused on tolerance, democracy, and Jewish-German relations. Her efforts have been recognized with various awards linked to civic values.
In addition to her political engagements, Berben has shared personal insights about her life in a podcast. She opened up about her suicidal thoughts as a young woman and her realization that life is the answer. Berben also expressed her frustration with comments about her appearance and the fact that women are often only seen as beautiful at a young age.
Throughout her career, Berben has demonstrated versatility in her acting roles, earning comparisons to Isabelle Huppert. She has acted in various films and television shows, including "Zwei himmlische Töchter" in the 1970s, "Sketchup" in the 1980s, and the "Rosa Roth" crime series later. In recent years, Berben has been seen in comedies like "Der Spitzname" and had an important role in the international film "Triangle of Sadness". In the latter, Berben plays a woman who, after a stroke, can only say "In the clouds" and sometimes "No".
Berben's self-assertion is not limited to her artistic and political pursuits. Alfred Holighaus, a producer, once wrote that Berben demonstrates self-assertion even when buying a newspaper. Berben has described herself as a woman who lives happily, enjoys cooking and laughing, loves Portugal, and has been engaged with the SPD.
In the end, Iris Berben is more than just an actress. She is a woman who has faced challenges, learned from her experiences, and used her platform to make a difference. Her commitment to fighting anti-Semitism, her advocacy for tolerance, and her dedication to her craft make her an inspiration to many.
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