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Maria Furtwängler (German Actress)
Maria Furtwängler Burda is a well-known German physician and television actress. Maria Furtwängler-Berda was born on September 13, 1966. She comes from a famous family, being the great-granddaughter and step-granddaughter of the famous conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler. Maria is known for her impressive acting and social service.
Maria Furtwängler was born in Leeds, Germany, and raised in a middle-class environment. His father, Bernhard Furtwängler, was an architect, while his mother, Kathryn Ackermann, was an actress. Maria made her acting debut at eight in the film “Zum Farewell Chrysanthemums”, directed by her uncle, Florian Furtwängler.
After graduating from high school, Maria studied medicine at the University of Munich and completed her doctorate. She worked as a doctor for a while but soon returned to her passion for acting. Maria has devoted a significant part of her life to social work. They are active against cancer, child abuse, and disease, and poverty in the Third World. In 2003, he was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for his humanitarian services. Maria Furtwängler is not only a talented actress, but she is also known for bringing positive change in the world through her philanthropy and determination.
Munich, West Germany
| Maria Furtwängler | |
| Urdu Name | ماریا فرٹوانگلر |
| Born | 13 September 1966 (age 58) |
| Birth Place | Munich, West Germany |
| Occupation(s) | Physician, Actress |
| Spouse | Hubert Burda (m. 1991) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents | Kathrin Ackermann, Bernhard Furtwängler |
| Height | 1.72 m |
| Siblings | David Furtwängler, Felix Furtwängler |
Early Life and Education
Maria Furtwängler-Berda was born on September 13, 1966. She is the daughter of architect Bernhard Furtwängler and actress Kathryn Ackerman. She comes from a famous family, as she is the great-granddaughter of the conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler and the granddaughter of the politician Katharina von Kardorf-Ohimb. He has two older brothers, David and Felix.
Maria’s first film role was at the age of seven in the film “Goodbye with Moms”, directed by her uncle Florian Furtwängler. He was awarded a motorcycle for working in this film. His early acting training was given by his mother, Catherine Ackerman, and he later studied acting in various countries, including Germany.
Education and Career Origins
After completing secondary school, Maria studied medicine in Montpellier, France. Later he graduated from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany and started his practice as a medical doctor. However, due to his passion, he soon said goodbye to medicine and entered the world of acting.
Career
Maria Furtwängler began her acting career in the mid-1990s. He played important roles in German television series and films. One of her best-known roles is that of Hanover police detective Charlotte Lindholm in the Teturt series, which she has played since 2002.
Maria also showed her acting chops in several successful television films such as March of Millions and Die-Sixles Jahre. Her notable film in the world of cinema was The Weather Inside (German: Das Wetter in geschlossenen Räumen), in which her outstanding performance won her the Best Actress award at the 2morrow festival in Moscow.
Awards and Achievements
Maria was awarded Germany’s most important acting award for her performances in March of Millions and Tatort. Additionally, he was shortlisted for the Deutscher Filmpreis (German Film Prize) for The Weather Inside, and the film was screened at the 2016 New York German Film Festival.
In 2022, Maria Furtwängler chaired an independent jury, which selected Edward Berger’s All Quiet on the Western Front in the Best International Feature Film category for the 95th Academy Awards. Maria’s diverse roles, unique acting skills, and international contributions have made her a prominent figure in the German film and television industry.
Activities & Charity work
Maria Furtwängler has not only acted but also actively participated in social and welfare activities. He has been part of the Digital Life Design (DLD) conference series since 2005, which is organized to promote innovative technology and creative thinking. She also hosts the Burda/DLD Networking Reception at the World Economic Forum meeting each year. In 2010, Maria founded MALISAhome in the Philippines, which helps women and children in difficult situations. She served as a goodwill ambassador for the ONE campaign for women, girls, and children’s health. In 2015, she signed an open letter, urging German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to focus on women’s issues. In the same year, he also interviewed Chancellor Merkel on development policy issues.
Efforts for women's rights
In 2013, after meeting Eve Ansler, Maria became part of a campaign to end violence against women and girls in Germany. She particularly emphasizes the elimination of gender stereotypes in the media and is influenced by the Geena Davis Institute and the Women’s Media Center (USA).
Struggle for legal reform
On International Women’s Day in 2016, Maria supported the reform of sexual violence laws, which calls for the incorporation of the “No Means No” principle into German law. She worked with the German Minister for Family, Women, and Youth, Manuela Schweisig, on stronger laws on sexual violence and improving the role of women in the media.
Maria Furtwängler’s activities reflect her social awareness and her commitment to gender equality. She has been a pioneer in bringing positive change in social issues as well as media and legislation.
Other Activities
Maria Furtwängler has been involved not only in acting and social work but also with various corporate boards and non-profit organizations, where she has played an important role.
- Selesio (since 2010): Maria is a member of the Advisory Board on Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, where she advises on key decisions regarding the sustainable development of the company.
Non-profit organizations
- Dominik Brunner Foundation: Maria is a member of the board of trustees of this foundation, which participates in various social activities.
- Felix Burda Foundation: He is a member of the council of this foundation, which supports education and philanthropy.
- German Doctors for Developing Countries: Maria is chairwoman of the board of trustees of this foundation, which works on health issues in developing countries.
- Hubert Burda Foundation: She is also a member of the Board of Trustees of this foundation, which supports various social and philanthropic projects.
- Malisa Foundation: Maria is the co-founder and board member of this foundation, which works for the welfare of women and children.
- Stiftung Lesen: Maria has also served as an ambassador for the Stiftung Lesen (Foundation for German Studies), which promotes the importance of reading and books in Germany.
Maria Furtwangler’s activities show that she is active not only in the arts but also in social, health, and education fields. and works with various philanthropic organizations and corporate boards to bring about positive change around the world.
Personal life
Maria Furtwängler married billionaire publisher Hubert Burda on November 8, 1991. Hubert Berda, the youngest son of publishers Franz Berda and Annie Berda, is also the CEO of Hubert Berda Media. This international media group publishes more than 180 magazine titles, including fashion magazines.
Maria and Hubert have two children: Jacob (born 1990) , Elizabeth (born 1992). His personal life and family belong to a successful and well-known media group, and he has led a balanced life with his family.
Summary
Maria Furtwängler is a famous German actress and social activist, who has achieved success in many fields in her life. His acting journey began in the mid-1990s and he rose to fame with his roles in TV series and films. Her best-known series “Tatort” featured her role as “Charlotte Lindholm”, making her debut on German television.
Apart from her artistic life, Maria has also been actively involved in social work, especially for women and children’s rights. He has made his impact by joining various charities and social campaigns. Her work spans the fight against cancer, women’s rights, and the fight against disease and poverty in developing countries.
Maria Furtwangler’s personal life is as impressive as her professional life. In 1991, she married well-known publisher Hubert Burda and they have two children. The secret to balance and success in their lives lies in their hard work, dedication, and commitment to social responsibility. His work, acting, and social service have made him a prominent figure not only in Germany but also internationally.
Career Statistics
Filmography
| Film | 11+ |
| Television | 26+ |
| Total | 37+ |
Awards
| Won | 14 |
| Nominated | / |
| Total | 14 |
Filmography
| Year | Title | Director | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | The Weather Inside | Isabelle Stever | Cinema |
| 2015 | Tatort: Spielverderber | Hartmut Schoen | TV |
| 2014 | Tatort: Der sanfte Tod | Alexander Adolph | TV |
| 2012 | Tatort Doppelfolge – Wegwerfmädchen/ Das goldene Band | Franziska Meletzky | TV |
| 2010 | Schicksalsjahre | Miguel Alexandre | TV |
| 2008 | Tatort: Salzleiche | Christiane Balthasar | TV |
| 2007 | Tatort: Wem Ehre gebührt | Angelina Maccarone | TV |
| 2007 | Räuber Kneißl | Marcus H. Rosenmüller | Cinema |
| 2007 | Tatort: Das namenlose Mädchen | Michael Gutmann | TV |
| 2006 | March of Millions (Die Flucht) | Kai Wessel | Cinema |
| 2005 | Tatort: Pauline | Niki Stein | TV |
| 2005 | Tatort: Schwarzes Herz | Thomas Jauch | TV |
| 2005 | Tatort: Atemnot | Thomas Jauch | TV |
| 2004 | Tatort: Märchenwald | Christiane Balthasar | TV |
| 2004 | Tatort: Dunkle Wege | Christiane Balthasar | TV |
| 2003 | Tatort: Sonne und Sturm | Thomas Jauch | TV |
| 2003 | Tatort: Heimspiel | Thomas Jauch | TV |
| 2003 | Mr. und Mrs. Right | Torsten C. Fischer | TV |
| 2002 | Zu nah am Feuer | Dietmar Klein | TV |
| 2002 | So fühlt sich Liebe an | Peter Gersina | TV |
| 2002 | Tatort: Hexentanz | René Heisig | TV |
| 2001 | Donna Leon: In Sachen Signora Brunetti | Sigi Rothemund | TV |
| 2001 | Tatort: Lastrumer Mischung | Thomas Jauch | TV |
| 2000 | Das Glück ist eine Insel | Gloria Behrens | Cinema |
| 1999 | Die achte Todsünde: Gespensterjagd | Stephan Meyer | Cinema |
| 1999 | Dir zu Liebe | Hans Werner | Cinema |
| 1999 | Siska – Mord frei Haus | Hans-Jürgen Tögel | TV |
| 1998 | Kap der guten Hoffnung | Vera Loebner | Cinema |
| 1998 | Der Fahnder | Peter Adam | TV |
| 1997 | Kap der guten Hoffnung | Hans Werner | Cinema |
| 1997 | Herzflimmern | Dieter Kehler | TV |
| 1996 | Das Haus an der Küste | Dieter Kehler | Cinema |
| 1996 | Herz über Kopf | Hans-Jürgen Tögel | TV |
| 1994 | Drei Frauen und (k)ein Mann | Hans-Jürgen Tögel | TV |
| 1986/90 | Die glückliche Familie | Nikolai Müllerschön u.a. | TV |
| 1974 | Goodbye with Mums | Florian Furtwängler | Cinema |
Awards
| Year | Awards |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 12. Festival des deutschen Films for Dramatic Art for The weather inside |
| 2016 | 2morrow-Award |
| 2013 | Jupiter Award for Best TV Actress for Tatort: Wegwerfmädchen |
| 2010 | Karl Valentin Order |
| 2010 | Bavarian constitutional medal in silver |
| 2009 | Romy for Most Popular Cast in a Series |
| 2008 | DIVA-Award in the category “Best Leading Actress” for Die Flucht |
| 2008 | Jupiter Award for Best TV Actress in Die Flucht |
| 2008 | Goldene Kamera for Best Female TV Inspector (Readers Choice) |
| 2007 | Bavarian Order of Merit |
| 2007 | Goldene Henne in the category “Television – Drama” |
| 2007 | German Television Award for Best Actress in Tatort episodes Pauline and Das namenlose Mädchen |
| 2005 | Siegfried-Lowitz-Preis for Dramatic Art |
| 2003 | Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for her commitment in the aid organization “German Doctors” |
