Mother of Nele Winkler .After being trained to be a medical technical assistant, she attended acting lessons under Ernst Fritz Fürbringer in Munich.Ensemble member at the Berlin Schaubühne for six years.Has four children with her longtime companion Wigand Witting , a sculptor.Although being one of the most respected stage and movie actresses in Germany, her career was often interrupted for long periods because she wanted to care of her children intensively.Chosen "Actress of The Year" in 1999 by "Theater heute" magazine for her performance in "Hamlet".Has renovated six decayed houses in Germany, Italy and France with Wigand Witting . They currently rebuild an old farm house in Britanny, France.Lives in Berlin.