Iris Berben

Iris Berben Biography

Iris Berben is one of the most famous and successful German actresses, known for her extensive work in film and television. Born in 1950 in Detmold, Germany, she has appeared in around 150 productions throughout her career, spanning more than five decades. Berben is acclaimed for her versatility, portraying a wide range of characters from drama to comedy, and is especially noted for her leading role as police commissioner Rosa Roth in the long-running German crime series. Beyond acting, she has been a vocal advocate against anti-Semitism and right-wing extremism in Germany and served as President of the German Film Academy from 2010 to 2019.

Childhood

Iris Renate Dorothea Berben was born on August 12, 1950, in Detmold, North Rhine-Westphalia. After her parents divorced, she moved to Hamburg with her mother, where she attended elementary school and several boarding schools. Berben grew up witnessing her parents running a restaurant in Hamburg. From a young age, she was involved in acting, taking part in short films as a teenager at the Hamburg Art School.

Education

Berben stopped her formal school education before graduating from high school but gained extensive practical experience by pursuing acting from her late teens. She took dance and movement lessons in London and received speaking and singing training in Berlin. Her early involvement with stage and screen helped refine her craft.

Career

Berben’s professional acting career began in the late 1960s with roles in German films such as "The Man with the Glass Eye." She rose to popularity in the 1970s with TV series like “Zwei himmlische Töchter” and the comedy show “Sketchup.” Her breakthrough came in the 1980s and 1990s with roles in crime series including “Derrick,” “Der Alte,” and her signature role in “Rosa Roth” from 1994 to 2013. Iris has starred in notable films such as Sergio Corbucci’s “Compañeros,” “Die Buddenbrooks,” and “Eddie the Eagle.” She has also acted in TV miniseries like “Krupp – A German Family.” Her versatility and longevity have made her a staple in German entertainment across genres.

Family Life

Iris Berben keeps her personal life relatively private. She has a son named Oliver Berben, who also works in the film industry as a producer. Iris has balanced her family responsibilities with a demanding career, maintaining a stable home life behind her public persona.

Achievements

Berben has received numerous prestigious awards, including multiple Golden Cameras, Bambis, Adolf Grimme Awards, the Bavarian Order of Merit, and an honorary lifetime achievement award. She was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for her social engagement and received the Leo Baeck Prize for her opposition to anti-Semitism. As President of the German Film Academy, she represented and supported the interests of numerous film professionals.

Controversies

Berben has maintained a largely controversy-free career. She is outspoken on social issues, particularly advocating against anti-Semitism and right-wing extremism, which has at times sparked public discourse but not personal scandal. Her reputation is that of a respected and principled artist.

Iris Berben Summary

Iris Berben is a celebrated German actress and cultural advocate whose rich career spans over 50 years in film and television. Known for iconic roles and social activism, she remains a defining figure in German arts and a powerful voice against intolerance.