Distinguished character actress and acting teacher, on stage from the age of sixteen. First made a name for herself at the turn of the century as a dramatic actress in plays by Gerhart Hauptmann. Had lengthy spells in Berlin with Max Reinhardt at the Deutschen Theater (honorary member from 1946) and also at the Preußischen Staatstheater (1903-32). In silent films from 1913. Her second husband was star actor Emil Jannings, with whom she appeared on screen several times. From 1933-36, director (with Ilka Grüning) of the Staatlichen Schauspielschule in Berlin, subsequently ran her own acting academy. Director and professor at the acting school in Schwerin, 1946-50.
