Veteran actress Iris Berben has ignited a critical discussion regarding ingrained prejudices against women in the German entertainment industry and the relentless pressure of contemporary beauty standards. In a recent interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) magazine, Berben recounted experiences of early career exclusion rooted solely in her appearance.
Berben detailed how her intelligence, wit and even humor were routinely dismissed due to preconceived notions about her suitability for certain roles. “From the outset, intelligence was denied to you and so were wit and humor” she stated, highlighting a systemic devaluation of talent based on superficial characteristics. The actress revealed she was even advised by her agent in the 1970s to adopt a more “careless” style of dress, a suggestion she found jarring given the focus should be on the substance and narrative of a film. “It marked a clear indication of how strongly stereotypes were being served” she explained.
Berben’s reflections extend beyond her personal experiences, expressing deep concern about the pervasive beauty expectations placed on young women today. She lamented the insidious messaging that equates worth with specific physical attributes – eyelashes, teeth, hair and jawline – creating a sense of exclusion for those who don’t conform. “You are subtly told that you don’t belong if you lack those characteristics” Berben said. She voiced a powerful desire to offer encouragement to young women, urging them to embrace their individuality and recognize their inherent beauty, emphasizing that such authenticity endures far longer than fleeting trends.
The actress’s candid remarks have resonated widely, prompting a renewed examination of the performative pressures facing women in both the arts and broader society and further fueling the debate surrounding body image and the normalization of unrealistic ideals. It has also drawn attention to the persistent need for greater diversity and inclusivity within the German entertainment landscape.
