Petra Zieser is a renowned German actress with a multifaceted career spanning theater, film, and television. Born in Munich, Bavaria, she has made a lasting impact in the German entertainment industry through her versatility and range.
Prior to pursuing her acting career, Zieser completed her Abitur in Munich and then went on to study theater at the University of Munich. Her early start in the industry was marked by her discovery by NDR producers while performing at the Schwabinger Hinterhoftheater TamS, which led to her joining the ensemble of the puppetry series Hallo Spencer. She contributed to 47 episodes from 1978 to 1983.
Zieser's theater background was further honed under the tutelage of Wolfgang Büttner, and she went on to perform at the Münchner Schauburg, followed by a significant period at Berlin's Grips-Theater from 1982 to 1988. Her breakthrough role came with the premiere of the musical Linie 1, after which she became 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.
Zieser has collaborated with prominent directors such as Reinhard Hauff, Hape Kerkeling, Doris Dörrie, and Peter Thorwarth, and has appeared in numerous German television series, including Forsthaus Falkenau, Siska, Der Alte, and SOKO Leipzig. 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.
In addition to her acting career, Zieser is a member of the Deutsche Filmakademie and has served on its board until 2021. She resides in Berlin with her husband, guitarist Jo Gehlmann, and their two children. Zieser is also an audiobook narrator and maintains a presence in theater productions, having enriched German stage and screen with her sustained commitment to her craft and the cultural landscape.
