Johanna Wokalek

Johanna Wokalek, born 3 March 1975, is a distinguished German stage and film actress. Beginning her career in 1998, she is renowned for her appearances in German cinema, including award-winning films such as Hierankl, Barfuss, and The Baader Meinhof Complex. Wokalek's recognition is broad, as she received the Bambi award for her portrayal of the Red Army Faction member Gudrun Ensslin in 2008, and also got to play the lead role in 2009's film Pope Joan. Her early acting experiences trace back to her school's drama group in 1991 at the Friedrich-Gymnasium, in Freiburg. Four years later, she moved to Vienna to begin studying under Klaus Maria Brandauer at the Max-Reinhardt-Seminar. She's had the opportunity to perform in distinguished theaters like the Burgtheater and has also featured in TV versions of renowned plays such as Alma and Rose Bernd. Her continuous work in film and theater has extended into the 2000s, with nominations for her performances in films like Silent Resident and Barfuss. Besides acting, 2014 saw Wokalek make her operatic debut in a production at the Salzburg Festival. While she continues to star in plays, Wokalek has also expanded her talents into performing in audiobooks.