A talented German actress, she was born on November 15, 1960, in Hamburg. Renowned for her intense performances, she gained international acclaim through collaborations with director Michael Haneke, notably in "Funny Games" (1997) and "The Piano Teacher" (2001). She was a member of the prestigious Burgtheater in Vienna. Married to actor Ulrich Mühe, she balanced a successful stage and screen career until her untimely passing on July 21, 2012, leaving behind a legacy of powerful roles.