A prominent German actress, she gained fame in the early 20th century, particularly known for her role in the iconic silent horror film *Nosferatu* (1922), where she played the character Ellen Hutter. Her career spanned both silent and early sound films, and she became a notable figure in German cinema. Despite a successful start, her career waned with the advent of sound films. She was married to actor and director Paul Wegener, and her legacy endures largely through her association with classic horror cinema.