Petra Schmidt-Schaller

Petra Schmidt-Schaller has carved out a distinctive niche in German cinema and television with her compelling portrayals of complex, emotionally nuanced characters. Emerging from a family steeped in the performing arts, she first captured widespread attention with her award-winning role in Runaway Horse (2007), a performance that earned her the Bavarian Film Award for Best New Actress. Her versatility shone through in the dramedy Happiness Divided (2010), where she played a mother entangled in a heart-wrenching baby swap, a role that garnered her the German Actors' Award. Schmidt-Schaller's international presence was marked by her appearance in the thriller Unknown (2011), and she became a familiar face to German audiences as LKA investigator Katharina Lorenz in the Tatort series from 2013 to 2015. Her portrayal in Marnow Murders (2021) was particularly lauded, earning her the German Television Award for Best Actress. Beyond the screen, she has lent her voice to various audiobook productions, showcasing her dynamic range as a performer. With a career marked by depth and diversity, Petra Schmidt-Schaller continues to be a compelling presence in the entertainment industry.