Marianne Sägebrecht's journey in the entertainment industry began when she was discovered by renowned director Percy Adlon in a 1977 production of "Adele Spitzeder". This pivotal moment led to her being cast in the title role of Madame Sanchez/Mrs. Sancho in Adlon's TV special "Herr Kischott" (1980),a unique adaptation of the classic tale "Don Quixote". As she continued to work with Adlon, Sägebrecht became a muse of sorts, starring in leading roles in several of his films.
One of her most notable performances was in the 1987 film "Bagdad Café", where she played the enigmatic character of Jasmin Münchgstettner. This role, which saw her portray a woman who mysteriously appears to bring light and positivity to the downtrodden and spiritually drained Bagdad Café, earned Sägebrecht a German Film Award. This commercial success marked a significant milestone in her career, cementing her status as a talented and versatile actress.