Iris Berben's life began with a significant change after her parents' divorce, when she moved to Hamburg with her mother. She attended elementary school and later various boarding schools, but did not complete her high school education.
Berben became involved in Hamburg's protest scene and began her career in film in the late 1960s. She took dance and movement lessons in London and received speaking and singing training in Berlin. Her first roles were in short films at the Hamburg Art School, and she made her film debut in "The Man with the Glass Eye" in 1968. She also appeared in television shows, including "Arsonist" and "Two Heavenly Daughters" alongside Ingrid Steeger, which brought her her first popularity.
In the 1970s, Berben continued to take on TV and film roles, but it wasn't until the 1980s that she gained widespread recognition. Her breakthrough came in 1985 alongside Diether Krebs in the comedy series "Sketchup", which she starred in until 1986. She also appeared in crime series such as "Der Alte", "Derrick", and "Soko", as well as the family saga "Die Guldenburgs". Berben earned a high level of popularity with the public and became one of the most popular actresses in Germany, winning numerous awards, including the "Golden Camera" in 1987 and the "Bambi" in 1989.
Berben has continued to work in film and television, appearing in productions such as "Rochade", "Rennschwein Rudi Rüssel", and "Rosa Roth". She has also been involved in various social causes, including being a member of the board of trustees of the German AIDS Foundation and receiving the Federal Cross of Merit in 1997 for her social commitment.
In recent years, Berben has appeared in productions such as "666 - Don't Trust Anyone You Sleep With", "Andrea and Marie", and "Frau Rettich, die Czerni and I". She has also been recognized for her work in the fight against anti-Semitism, winning the "Leo Baeck Prize" in 2002 and being awarded the "World Tolerance Award" in 2004.
Berben has continued to receive awards and accolades for her work, including the "Romy" in 2004 and 2005, the "Bavarian Order of Merit" in 2005, and the "Karl Valentin Order" in 2007. She has also been elected President of the German Film Academy, a position she has held since 2010.
