Eva Mattes is a talented and versatile actress, renowned for her captivating performances on both stage and screen. Her most acclaimed role to date is arguably her portrayal of her mentor, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, in the film "A Man Called Eva".
Born to a family with a rich cultural background, Mattes' father was a renowned film composer, and her mother was a skilled actress. This artistic upbringing likely influenced her decision to pursue a career in the performing arts. Mattes began her acting career in her teenage years, working with Fassbinder on several projects, including "Jail Bait", "Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant", and "Effi Briest".
Her early roles showcased her impressive range, as she played a Vietnamese rape victim in Verhoven's "O.K.", based on the same tragedy as the film "Casualties of War". She also appeared in a series of exploitation films, including "Naked Massacre", which was inspired by the Richard Speck murders.
As her career progressed, Mattes landed leading roles in prestige films, including Werner Herzog's "Stroszek", where she played a German prostitute who flees to the United States. She also appeared in Fassbinder's "In A Year of 13 Moons", as the daughter of a transsexual, and Adlon's "Céleste", where she portrayed the title role of Proust's devoted aide.
In addition to her film work, Mattes has also appeared in numerous stage dramas and musicals. Her recent roles include the mother of the young go-between in "Enemy at the Gates", and opposite Isaach De Bankole in "Otomo".
In recent years, Mattes has explored her musical talents, releasing a CD of English-language standards in 2006. She has also appeared in children's films and continues to work in television, starring in the world's longest-running detective series, "Tatort".
Mattes is also a devoted mother to her two children, Hanna and Josef. Her daughter, Hanna, is a talented actress in her own right, having appeared in several films and television shows.
