Maria Popistau was born on January 21, 1980, in the vibrant city of Bucharest, Romania. She began her academic journey in 1998, graduating from an art high school with a focus on stage design. This foundation laid the groundwork for her future pursuits.
In 2002, Maria earned her degree from The National University of Theater and Film in Bucharest, with a specialization in the acting department. During her time as a student, she collaborated with the National Theatre for an impressive three years.
Maria's theatrical career took off as she took on the roles of Sacha in "The Living Dead" (L.N. Tolstoi) and Irina in "Three Sisters" (A.P. Cehov). Her performances were met with critical acclaim, solidifying her position as a rising star.
As her film career began to take shape, Maria landed the role of Lady Marie in the British production "Gunpowder, Treason & Plot" (2004). This project garnered significant recognition, including the prestigious FIPA D'OR Grand Prize. The success of this film led Maria to transition from the theater, as she took on the challenging role of a young Romanian sold into slavery in the harrowing British miniseries "Sex Traffic" (2004).
Maria's performance earned her a Gemini Award for Best Supporting Actress, further cementing her status as a talented and versatile actress. Her subsequent film credits include the Austrian production "Crash Test Dummies" (2005),in which she played the role of Ana, and the Romanian film "Love Sick" (2006),which premiered at the 2006 Berlinale.
