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Sebastian Koch is one of the most internationally sought-after German actors of his generation. After stage engagements in Berlin, Bochum and Darmstadt, the Karlsruhe native was twice awarded the "Grimme Prize" in 2002 for the title role in Peter Keglevic's "Der Tanz mit dem Teufel - Die Entführung des Richard Oetker" (Dance with the devil - The kidnapping of Richard Oetker) and for his acting performance as Klaus Mann in the family story "The Manns" by Heinrich Breloer. He also received the "Bavarian Television Award" for his portrayal of Klaus Mann. His international breakthrough came in 2006 with director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's Oscar-winning theatrical success "The Lives Of Others". For his outstanding portrayal of the GDR writer Georg Dreyman, Koch received numerous nominations and awards, including the 2007 Italian Foreign Press Award, the "Globo d'Oro" for Best European Actor.

He has since appeared in numerous international film productions. His performances in the historical drama "Napoleon" alongside Isabella Rossellini, Gérard Depardieu and John Malkovich, and alongside Catherine Deneuve in Benoît Jaquot's "Princesse Marie" (Marie Bonaparte, 2004) brought him great attention. He starred in Constantin Costa-Gavra's Hochhuth adaptation "Amen" (2002) and played the title role in Jo Baier's documentary "Stauffenberg". He received the "German Television Award" for his portrayal of Nazi criminal Albert Speer in Heinrich Breloer's multi-part series "Speer and Hitler".

Together with Paul Verhoeven, Sebastian Koch filmed the World War II drama "Black Book" (Zwartboek, 2006) and was nominated for an "Emmy Award" in 2008 for his portrayal of the title role in the international co-production "The Sea Wolf", based on Jack London's classic. He also appeared in Jaume Collet-Serra's "Unknown" (2011) with Liam Neeson, as well as Mike Figgis' "Suspension Of Disbelief" (2012). He assumed the lead role in the most successful Greek film of 2012, "God Loves Caviar" (O Theös Agapäei To Chaviäri), alongside John Cleese and Catherine Deneuve. Koch starred alongside Bruce Willis in John Moore's "A Good Day To Die Hard" (2013) and in the pilot of Ridley Scott's US series "The Vatican" (2014). He then co-starred with Daniel Auteuil in the German-French feature film "Kalinka" (Au Nom De Ma Fille, 2015) and with Oscar winners Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hooper in Hooper's Oscar-nominated bestselling adaptation "The Danish Girl" (2016). That same year, Sebastian Koch joined Tom Hanks in front of the camera for Steven Spielberg's "Bridge Of Spies", a story about brokering the first agent exchange in the Cold War - the film was nominated for an "Academy Award". Koch was lauded for his leading role in Kai Wessel's "Fog In August" (2016). In "Bel Canto" (2017), a film by Paul Weitz, he stars alongside Julianne Moore and Ken Watanabe. In the 5th and 6th seasons of the US series "Homeland", he played the German entrepreneur Otto Düring. The film "Never Look Away", yet another collaboration with director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, gained international attention after it premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in fall 2018 and was nominated for several Oscars and Golden Globes. Sebastian Koch received the "Bambi" in the category "Best Actor National" for the role of Prof. Seeband in 2018. In 2021, he was awarded the European film prize "Die Europa" at the Braunschweig International Film Festival. Most recently, Sebastian Koch starred in the German-Austrian thriller series "Euer Ehren" (Your Honor), which is set to air in spring 2022 on the German public broadcaster Das Erste. He was also involved in the creation of the scripts.

Sebastian Koch has been a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) since July 2019.

In addition to his acting work, he regularly delights audiences with symphonic-scenic readings, including "Paradise" with violinist Daniel Hope, "Dream Story" with the Hubert Nuss Jazz Quartet and recently "The Kreutzer Sonata" after L. Tolstoy, which Sebastian Koch dramaturgically adapted and conceived as a stage play with piano and violin.

Maren Ade was born in Karlsruhe on 12 December 1976 to a couple of teachers. She studied cinema at Munich's Hochschule für Fernsehen und Film. As of 2001 she co-founded, together with Janine Jackowski, a fellow graduate from HFF, the "Komplizen" film company. It is through Komplizen that Maren would later co-produce, amongst others, The Whistlers (2019), Spencer (2021), About Dry Grasses (2023) and Maria (2024). After two shorts in 2000 and 2001 made under the auspices of her film school, she co-produced, wrote and and directed Der Wald vor lauter Bäumen (2003), her first feature. A grueling drama about the difficult beginnings of a new teacher, the movie impressed both audiences and critics. Incidentally, it is of interest to specify that its school scenes were entirely shot within the walls of the educational institution where her mother was teaching at the time. This promising effort was followed six years later by Everyone Else (2009), which although taking place in a totally different setting (the Sardinian seaside in the glory of Summer) also concerns characters unsure of themselves. A taut drama as well, it revolves around two holiday making newly married couples and describes in a Roman Polanski-like manner the wicked relationships they share. But her greatest success came in 2015 and 2016 with Toni Erdmann (2016), an offbeat comedy with a philosophical approach, which enthused the festival-goers at Cannes, allegedly making them "roar with laughter", and later making an unexpected profit in art houses throughout the world. And it is true that a father playing dirty tricks on his daughter (meant to make her realize she is wasting her life) is no ordinary entertainment. As a matter of fact, after only three full-length movies to her credit, Maren Ade has become a name that counts in today's German cinema.

Sebastian Ströbel was born on 2 February 1977 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany. He is an actor, known for Appassionata (2008), Die Bergretter (2009) and Powder Park (2001).

This consummate actress enjoys an illustrious career of over three decades. You've seen her in many favorite prime time television shows during the course of those years. From the beginning of her career she has always been quite at ease onstage or on set and continues to move between the two with grace. Her profession began on stage in musical theatre, which has contributed to every aspect of her performance skills. A woman of many talents, producing and directing along with writing original music compositions for underscoring of book trailers can be added to her extensive list of accomplishments.

Born in Karlsruhe, Germany.

Tanja Jess was born on 6 January 1967 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany [now in Germany]. She is an actress, known for Goede tijden, slechte tijden (1990), Bloedverwanten (2010) and HotNews.nl (2005). She has been married to Charly Luske since 9 August 2008. They have two children.

Stephan Trojansky was born in 1974 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. He is a producer, known for The Flash (2023), Super 8 (2011) and Hereafter (2010).

At the age of 16, Ralf Bauer was already earning his living as an extra at the theater in Baden-Baden. After finishing school, he went to drama school, which he left after two and a half years. In 1987, he kissed 4,499 women in eight hours, after which he was included in the Guinness Book of Records. Bauer became popular as the presenter of the ARD program "Disney Club" and was seen there a total of 165 times from 1990 to 1993. The mime remained loyal to ARD and got a leading role in the successful evening series "Against the Wind". As a beautiful surfer, he made many female fans.

In 1995, Bauer had his first role in a TV film when he appeared in the "Tatort" episode "Bombs for Ehrlicher". He played another film role in the TV film "The Red Sea Adventure". Ralf Bauer celebrated his feature film debut a year later with the comedy hit "Workaholic". This was followed by further roles in TV productions such as "Never Kiss Your Boss", "Rose et Marguerite", "Lifeline" and "Die Wüstenrose". Ralf Bauer went to Los Angeles, where he did part of his acting training with Eric Morris. He then graduated from the Hamburg "Stage School Of Dance And Drama" and got the leading role in "Heroes and Other Cowards".

He then appeared in the film "Caipiranha". Bauer had a role alongside Maximilian Schell and Verona Feldbusch in the 1999 romantic love film "Whoever loves grows wings". Meanwhile, he was in a relationship with his colleague Esther Schweins. Until their separation, both were considered the dream couple of the German entertainment industry. He first gained a lot of attention as an actor in 1999 in the TV production "Tristan and Isolde" alongside Joachim Fuchsberger. Since then the two have had a close friendship.

In 2002 he starred in the comedy of mistakes "666 - Don't Trust Anyone You Sleep With". The successful theater production "The Priest Maker" followed with Fuchsberger and Bauer. In 2004 he appeared in front of the camera for "On the Traces of the Past". The productions "Mama and the Millionaire" and the TV series "5 Stars" followed in 2005. His first major film role was "Jud Süß - Film Without Conscience" in 2010.

Vivien Wulf was born on 14 January 1994 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. She is an actress, known for The Salzburg Story (2018), Forward. Side. Close! (2015) and Das Traumschiff (1981).

Rene Heger is a German Emmy-Nominated actor whose flawless flexibility between American / German accents provides the versatility to work between American and European markets.

In 2019 Heger starred in 3 projects. Among them, "LINKS OF LIFE", which was acquired by International Sales Agency PICTURE TREE INTERNATIONAL and is now available on iTunes and GooglePlay. Rene plays mysterious American Rob opposite French Cesar Award Nominee Marie Bunel.

That year Rene could also be seen opposite Rupert Friend in an episode of CBS ALL ACCESS show "Strange Angel". Currently, Heger has a recurring role on the Amazon Prime mini-series "DARK/WEB", opposite Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Robert Davi, Julie Benz and Gabriel Luna. The series was directed by Mario Miscione, Michael Nardelli, Boman Modine, Zelda Williams, Roxy Shih among others and conceived by the makers behind the hugely successful Netflix release "CIRCLE" and cult hit "THE VAULT".

On May 21st, 2020 Rene Heger received a Daytime Emmy Nomination for his portrayal of Zach Sullivan on Amazon's "Dark/Web" in the category of OUTSTANDING GUEST PERFORMER IN A DIGITAL DRAMA SERIES.

In 2013, Rene was awarded 'Breakthrough Performance' at the 2013 Monaco Film Festival for his portrayal of a young father suffering from schizophrenia in the indie-drama THE HUMDRUMMER.

Rene has been married since 2006 to theatre actress Emily Rosman. The couple have two daughters, Vivian Rose (stillborn August 11th 2011), Ana Sophia Heger (born October 28th 2013), and one son, Luke Rene Heger (born 12/31/2018).

Frédéric Hambalek was born on 17 February 1986 in Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany. Frédéric is a writer and director, known for Was Marielle weiß (2025), Model Olimpia (2020) and Mountain Fever (2016).

Rüdiger Klink was born on 10 August 1971 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany. He is an actor, known for The People Vs. Fritz Bauer (2015), Kommissar Dupin (2014) and Die Manns - Ein Jahrhundertroman (2001).

Tatjana Kästel was born on 20 March 1982 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. She is an actress, known for Verbotene Liebe (1995), Cologne P.D. (2003) and Der letzte Bulle (2010).

Merlin Leonhardt was born on 25 August 1988 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany. He is an actor, known for 1917 (2019), Involution (2018) and Egghead Republic.

Rainer Nigrelli was born in 1982 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany. He is an editor, known for Edge of Night (2024), How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) (2019) and Goebbels and the Führer (2024).

Oliver Kahn is a German former footballer and one of the most celebrated goalkeepers in the history of the game. He started his career at hometown club Karlsruher SC, but was soon bought by Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, where he made his name. He is one of the most successful goalkeepers of all time, winning 8 Bundesliga trophies, the 1996 UEFA Cup and the 2001 Champions League. Kahn made 86 appearances for the German national side, where he won the Golden Ball at the World Cup 2002 as well as a runner's up medal.

Magnus Vattrodt was born in 1972 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany. He is a writer and producer, known for Das Ende einer Nacht (2012), Years of Love (2011) and The Conference (2022).

Philipp Hartmann was born in 1972 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. He is a director and editor, known for Der Anner im Himmel (2009), Time Goes by Like a Roaring Lion (2013) and 66 Kinos (2016).

Rudolf Krause was born in 1964 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany. He is an actor, known for Under Suspicion (2002), Magic in the Moonlight (2014) and Körner und Köter (2002).

Vanessa Blumhagen was born on 14 November 1977 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. She was previously married to Holger Fischbuch.

Walter Friedel was born on 29 July 1925 in Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany. He was an actor, known for Mission: Impossible (1966), 36 Hours (1964) and The Rat Patrol (1966). He died on 16 June 1980 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Patrick Orth was born in 1968 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. He is a cinematographer and assistant director, known for Toni Erdmann (2016), Love (1999) and In the Blind Spot (2023).

Matthias Pacht was born in 1968 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. He is a writer and actor, known for Mein Bruder, der Vampir (2001), Bummm! (2006) and Godless Youth (2017).

He initially grew up in Bretten near Karlsruhe. In 1972, after his parents divorced, he moved to Cologne with his mother. In 1979 he became West German youth champion in all-style karate. In 1980 he accepted German citizenship. He found music as a student. He was discovered as a singer in a piano bar, whereupon he received his first record contract with Polydor in 1981. His first two singles entitled "Seventeen" and "The Ring You Wear" were initially not very successful and were released under the name "Nino". He celebrated his breakthrough in 1983 with the hit "I don't die again" composed by Drafi Deutscher.

From then on he was a frequent guest on Dieter-Thomas Heck's ZDF hit parade and became a heartthrob. The single "Beyond Eden" followed in the same year. The hit stayed at the top of the German charts for 10 weeks and was certified gold just 14 weeks after its release. At the same time, his first album, "Junges Blut," was released and de Angelo became one of the most popular German-speaking artists of the 1980s. In 1986 he was drafted into military service in the Bundeswehr. On December 15, 1986, he married his long-time girlfriend Judith Coersmeier in Cologne. Their daughter was born on March 9, 1988.

In the same year he took part in the Opel Lotus Challenge car races. Then the singer, composer and lyricist started an image change - with jeans, cowboy boots, guitar and his own band. In 1989, Dieter Bohlen produced the title "Flieger" with him, with which he won the preliminary round of the Grand Prix de la Chanson in Munich. At the same time, Dieter Bohlen also wrote the title "Nur ein Lied" for the Austrian Thomas Forstner. Nino de Angelo finished 14th while Forstner was fifth. His son Luca Léon was born on August 1, 1991. The singer then became quiet, even though he worked with many other artists. A joint single with Claudia Jung was released.

Nino de Angelo also went on tour with Peter Maffay in the mid-1990s with the musical "Tabaluga and Lilli". In 1996, Nino de Angelo suffered from cancer of the lymph nodes. He then got involved with the German Cancer Aid and appeared on television again in December 1996 with "Little Big Man". In December 1998 he separated from his wife Judith. His first album in seven years, "Schwindelfrei", was released in 2000. Having matured musically and vocally, he has since presented a variety of songs ranging from pop, rock, soul and hits. In 2002 he took part in the preliminary round of the Eurovision Song Contest again with the title "And when you laugh", but had to admit defeat to the winner Corinna May, among others.

In 2005, de Angelo had to file for personal bankruptcy. In 2006 he dealt with his financial situation in the song "Wunder". He was also seen as an actor in the TV soap "Unter Uns".

Tristan Bumm was born in 1990 in Karlsruhe, Germany. In addition to the first acting experience at first, he concentrated on his studies in philosophy. Especially Nietzsche's texts animated him to fulfill his dream and becoming a professional actor. Henceforth, Tristan took part in a variety of acting seminars at Berlin and abroad. He lived a year in Norway and half the year in Iceland. In 2016, he participated in various short films. 2017 he appeared in several commercials and music videos. For example he is seen in the production of "OK" by the young filmmaker Liza Morberg and James Blunt. Tristan worked two times in Russia already where he played his first lead role in "321st Siberian" by Solbon Lygdenov. Since then he appeared in several German Comedy formats like "Late Night Alter" and "Browser Ballet" and shot in recently the feature film "Chew the Soup" by Australian director Jack Rath.

Samuel Jakob was born in 2000 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. He is an actor, known for V8 - Du willst der Beste sein (2013), V82 - Revenge of the Nitros! (2015) and Haze (2023).