In 1993, Maren Kroymann was one of the first German actresses to come out as a lesbian. In addition to receiving support, she also experienced professional problems.
She is one of the most famous faces in German TV and cinema: actress Maren Kroymann (74). More than 30 years ago, the actress came out as gay in a “Stern” cover story and was considered one of the pioneers in public at the time. In a recent interview with the magazine, she recalls the events of 1993 and also talks about the professional consequences that befell her afterwards.
For her, an important factor in her decision was the murder of Walter Sedlmayr (1926-1990), which made the popular Bavarian actor’s homosexuality public. “There was a lot of excitement: Was this native Bavarian gay?” Kroymann remembers. In a commentary on the reactions after Sedlmayr’s death, a journalist in the Munich “Abendzeitung” came out as a lesbian – and at the same time demanded that everyone do the same. “I thought that was so clever and so true. That was the last step for me – and it was quite easy for me,” says Kroymann.
Maren Kroymann: “The ARD was not amused”
Years later, women thanked her and told her that they had also come out because of her “Stern” story. But she also had to endure negative reactions, even professionally: “ARD was not amused.” This was particularly the case after an appearance on cult presenter Alfred Biolek (1934-2021) six months after the report was published. “And in general, in articles and also from colleagues, the reactions were sometimes very malicious and degrading,” the actress continues. After her satirical show “Nachtschwester Kroymann” (1993-1997), with a few exceptions, she did not receive any major offers for roles or formats on ARD for 20 years.
She is now classified in the “humor department” and can live with that: “I’m old anyway, I’m beyond good and evil, I don’t have to be a role model anymore.” That brings her great relief. “I can do what I want and don’t have to conform to any sexual image anymore,” Kroymann continues. Incidentally, she feels much more erotic than before because she no longer has to pretend: “I feel comfortable in my own skin.”
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
