Petra Zieser
- Actress
Petra Zieser is a German actress active in theater, film, and television, originally from Munich, Bavaria. She gained recognition for her roles in notable productions such as The Edukators (2004), Kolle - Ein Leben für Liebe und Sex (2002), and the television series Doktor Martin (2007), establishing herself as a versatile performer in the German entertainment industry.
Zieser completed her Abitur in Munich before embarking on her career as an actress and puppeteer. Early in her career, she was discovered by NDR producers while performing at the Schwabinger Hinterhoftheater TamS and joined the ensemble of the puppetry series Hallo Spencer, contributing to 47 episodes from 1978 to 1983. She pursued theater studies at the University of Munich and honed her craft under the tutelage of Wolfgang Büttner. Her first stage engagement was at the Münchner Schauburg, which led to a significant period at Berlin's Grips-Theater from 1982 to 1988, where she achieved a breakthrough in the premiere of the musical Linie 1. Subsequently, she was a permanent member of Hamburg's Thalia Theater ensemble under director Jürgen Flimm. Since 1992, Zieser has been based in Berlin, working as a freelance actress.
Her filmography includes collaborations with prominent directors such as Reinhard Hauff (Linie 1), Hape Kerkeling (Kein Pardon), Doris Dörrie (Erleuchtung garantiert), and Peter Thorwarth (Blood & Gold). Her portrayal of Marlies Kolle in Kolle - Ein Leben für Liebe und Sex earned her the German Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2002. Zieser has also appeared in numerous German television series, including Forsthaus Falkenau, Siska, Der Alte, and SOKO Leipzig.
Petra Zieser is a member of the Deutsche Filmakademie and served on its board until 2021. She resides in Berlin with her husband, guitarist Jo Gehlmann, and their two children. Beyond acting, she engages in audiobook narration and maintains a presence in theater productions. Her contributions have enriched German stage and screen, reflecting a sustained commitment to her craft and the cultural landscape.
Zieser completed her Abitur in Munich before embarking on her career as an actress and puppeteer. Early in her career, she was discovered by NDR producers while performing at the Schwabinger Hinterhoftheater TamS and joined the ensemble of the puppetry series Hallo Spencer, contributing to 47 episodes from 1978 to 1983. She pursued theater studies at the University of Munich and honed her craft under the tutelage of Wolfgang Büttner. Her first stage engagement was at the Münchner Schauburg, which led to a significant period at Berlin's Grips-Theater from 1982 to 1988, where she achieved a breakthrough in the premiere of the musical Linie 1. Subsequently, she was a permanent member of Hamburg's Thalia Theater ensemble under director Jürgen Flimm. Since 1992, Zieser has been based in Berlin, working as a freelance actress.
Her filmography includes collaborations with prominent directors such as Reinhard Hauff (Linie 1), Hape Kerkeling (Kein Pardon), Doris Dörrie (Erleuchtung garantiert), and Peter Thorwarth (Blood & Gold). Her portrayal of Marlies Kolle in Kolle - Ein Leben für Liebe und Sex earned her the German Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2002. Zieser has also appeared in numerous German television series, including Forsthaus Falkenau, Siska, Der Alte, and SOKO Leipzig.
Petra Zieser is a member of the Deutsche Filmakademie and served on its board until 2021. She resides in Berlin with her husband, guitarist Jo Gehlmann, and their two children. Beyond acting, she engages in audiobook narration and maintains a presence in theater productions. Her contributions have enriched German stage and screen, reflecting a sustained commitment to her craft and the cultural landscape.
