Actress Mariella Ahrens is passionate about charitable causes. “Celebrities should lead by example.”
Actress Mariella Ahrens (54) has been involved in charitable causes for many years. In 2005, she founded her own association, “Lebensherbst eV”, to make seniors’ dreams come true. “Celebrities have a role model function and should set a good example by drawing attention to social concerns and providing help,” explains the mother of two daughters on the sidelines of the “Laughing Hearts” charity gala on Sunday evening in Berlin.
The Laughing Hearts eV association specifically supports socially disadvantaged children and young people – a topic that is particularly close to your heart?
Mariella Ahrens: Children are actually particularly close to my heart, and I share this belief with many others, including organizations like Laughing Hearts. This charity organization is actively committed to helping disadvantaged children and young people from Berlin and offering them the chance for a better life. After all, children are the ones who cannot get themselves out of difficult situations, and we should do everything in our power to support them. This is how we can work together to make these children’s hearts smile again.
You are also the founder and first chairwoman of the “Lebensherbst eV” association in Berlin, with which you have been fulfilling the dreams of seniors for over 15 years. What motivated you to found this club?
Ahrens: I founded the association in 2005 because I learned about the conditions in retirement homes through the media. I was deeply touched and really wanted to help. However, it seemed like there was no existing organization that I could get involved with. Since I grew up with my grandparents, this motivation was very personal for me.
Do you see it as an obligation for you to get involved in a good cause as a celebrity?
Ahrens: Absolutely. Celebrities serve as role models and should set a good example by drawing attention to social issues and providing help. Many people are often so busy with their own lives that they lose sight of the need to help others. We need to keep an eye on the world around us and actively support it. This is precisely why it is so important to support organizations like Laughing Hearts, which specifically support socially disadvantaged children and young people. As a society, we share responsibility and should actively contribute to improving the world around us.
How much do your children support your charitable work?
Ahrens: My children are naturally very interested in my involvement. As a sponsor for an organization that supports aid projects in the Third World, I repeatedly showed my children photos and videos to make it clear to them what was happening in other parts of the world. In Berlin they often went to the retirement home with me to take part in the social commitment themselves and they think it’s great that I’m a guest at the 12th “Laughing Hearts” charity gala this evening, even if we don’t spend Saturday evening together can spend – it’s for a good cause.
Your daughters have often accompanied you on the red carpet, how much do you enjoy being able to attend such appointments with them?
Ahrens: We attach great importance to our privacy because it is sacred to us. But at the same time, I feel a special joy when my two daughters have the opportunity to take part in exclusive events and experience an evening full of glitz and glamour. It is a precious moment in which you enter the world of elegance and perhaps even feel a little of the magic that surrounds such occasions.
Do your children enjoy being in public?
Ahrens: Not necessarily. Their public presence is usually limited to events where they accompany me. Otherwise, the two prefer to stay away from the spotlight and enjoy the private moments that offer them space for personal development and reflection.
Do they both have ambitions to follow in your footsteps? Actress, model, …?
Ahrens: Both have ambitions in the areas of acting and modeling, but they attach great importance to a stable professional basis. My daughter studied business administration. Both value the opportunity to not only shine in the entertainment industry, but also to lay the foundation of a solid educational path upon which they can build their dreams.
What values do you particularly value in your upbringing?
Ahrens: In my upbringing, I place particular emphasis on two central values: down-to-earthness and willingness to help. Being down to earth is the basis for a solid foundation in life. It is important to me that my children are able to stay grounded and always be aware of their roots. In addition, I emphasize the importance of helpfulness. I want my children to learn to stand up for and help others. These values are designed not only to help them lead successful and fulfilling lives, but also to help them make a positive impact on the world around them and provide hope and support to those who are disadvantaged.
You can currently be seen in the RTL show “Die Verräter”, what attracted you to take part in this show?
Ahrens: It was the tension of the game that appealed to me. This show has a lot to do with psychology and understanding people, which I find extremely fascinating. Especially since it’s a welcome change for me because it’s not about personal matters.
Which TV show would you like to be on? For example, would “Let’s Dance” be something for you?
Ahrens: The idea of taking part in a TV show like “Let’s Dance” undoubtedly appeals to me. Dancing is a passion of mine and I appreciate the artistic challenge that comes with it. However, I have to admit that although I can dance, I have difficulty sticking to certain dance steps and choreographies. I am always open to new adventures and challenges and would love to participate if the opportunity arises.