Iris Berben is a bundle of energy and she loves what she does. She doesn't like breaks, neither does sport – and rituals only in her cosmetic program. Her formula for happiness is: Rock’n’Roll and passion
Brigitte wir: Ms. Berben, when you hear "Everything is relaxed" – does that calm you down, or do you think: Oh God, please don't relax again?
Iris Berben: There are always trends and guides that want to impose a lifestyle on us, so I can't do much with that. Being cool also goes in this direction. So, I'm not always relaxed or always cool.
But what are you like?
I prefer to burn. I am passionate, impatient, curious, demanding. Should I continue?
Yes, please.
I look forward to new things. Just don't get stuck in routine.
Is it true that you call yourself "Iris Breathless"?
That's true. I have to force myself to be calm. Just one example: when I walk around town, I run. I run faster than any man by my side. I've had a few years of life behind me to know what rhythm suits me and what is good for me. I know the tune of my life, believe me.
And what would it be?
Rock'n'Roll, no question about it. After all, I was shaped at a time when there was a spirit of optimism. We wanted to do everything differently, question the past, demand responsibility and also take it on. We wanted to live life with lust, passion, dedication and fun.
Are there moments when you can let go?
I walk for hours – alone. I can focus on myself so that I don't notice noise or other people. I work a lot and I really enjoy working, but these spaces are important. I have to think about my resources.
You must have tried yoga and meditation …
Of course, and neither is mine. I just can't do it, I can't find peace. Maybe I don't have the patience.
Is the much-quoted work-life balance even something you strive for?
Probably not, no. Keeping balance is not my core competence. The burning and the fire, that's my essence. Finding balance remains a challenge for me. They say you have no rituals other than cosmetic. Which are they? Nothing about that has changed in years. Water accompanies me through the day, while on film someone gives you water all the time. Preferably ginger water with mint. I don't go in the sun, take protection factor 80. And: I always take off my make-up. I can't be so tired of alcohol, lovemaking or whatever that I forget. If I'm rarely relaxed myself, at least it's my skin. Do you think beauty has something to do with physical fitness too? Definitely, although I am setting a bad example of this. I don't exercise, but I can't sit still. In that sense, I'm on the move (laughs). Okay, I'm lying in my pocket a little bit.
When you walk in the door, you bring momentum into the booth, where do you get this energy from?
I love what i do I like to get up and work. I am already aware that it is still not a matter of course to play so many different roles at my age, to be so much in the film focus at all. That was different 20 years ago. But playing gives me strength and I like to go with everyone. I'm exhausting at it, too, I know.
Have you ever thought: This speed is getting too much for me now?
Sure, I've shot a lot, especially in the last few months, and it's really tough. I could do without these small, nasty alarm signals that the body then shows. But I don't always want to admit that, because in my head I stay young. So: fight against the body.
You once put down a crazy rap at the German Film Awards ceremony …
… and that was great fun, although I had also thought about whether I might be making a fool of myself. But it worked really well.
Helen Mirren, Jane Fonda, Andie MacDowell, to name a few actresses, and you are all brand ambassadors for L’Oréal cosmetics. What do you have in common, what would you say?
When I flew to Los Angeles for the first time years ago for a shoot, I had great respect for these women, these wonderful colleagues, for their work. Then we got to know each other and I was thrilled, everyone is political, alert, intelligent, and has fought for their place in society. I think that's remarkable about L’Oréal, giving these women a platform. (Helen Mirren is 75, Jane Fonda 82, Andie MacDowell 62 years old, editor's note)
How can you imagine such a meeting?
Very familiar, in the end we all sat on the floor and discussed. Like in old times. And one more thing: you all have a sense of humor, that helps a lot. We could just despair of this world.
Is there such a thing as the eroticism of the thinking person for you?
Cleverness is sexy per se, I think. Meeting people with whom you can have a good conversation gives energy, inspiration and also confirmation. And that carries over.
Jane Fonda showed up at the Academy Awards with gray hair – what is your attitude towards the color gray?
It's a question of type, I've been coloring my hair since I was 40. It just gives me the greater variety of roles. I often play women with gray hair, then I wear a wig.
Could you imagine staying gray one day?
As long as I do this job, I don't think so.
Do you live in the middle of Berlin, do you take to the streets without makeup?
No, but not particularly dressed up either. I try to live my everyday life as inconspicuously as possible, unnoticed.
You will be 70 years old this August …
… and that makes me the only woman in Germany (grins).
What would be the best thing that could happen?
That nothing changes
20 years ago you wrote a book with the title: "I will get older later". When is later?
At least not now.
About the person: woman with attitude
Iris Berben is one of the most successful German actresses with roles in more than 140 films (including as Rosa Roth in the series of the same name). She is also known for her clear stance against anti-Semitism and xenophobia. For her political commitment she was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit, 1st class, among other things. On August 10th at 8:15 pm she can be seen in “Not to get dead” on ZDF, on August 12th at 8:15 pm in “My Indian Summer” on ARD. Both films can also be found in the respective media library.
Get the BRIGITTE as a subscription – with many advantages. You can order them directly here.