Introduction
Corinna zu Sayn‑Wittgenstein‑Sayn is a German actress, model, and television presenter who has worked across film, television, and stage since the late 1990s. Born into a historic German noble family, she has combined a professional career in the performing arts with a public role as a patron of charitable causes. Her work spans a range of genres, from youth-oriented television series to dramatic feature films, and her visibility has grown through appearances in high‑profile advertising campaigns and hosting engagements for popular German broadcasts.
Early Life and Family Background
Birth and Noble Lineage
Corinna Maria Magdalena zu Sayn‑Wittgenstein‑Sayn was born on 7 May 1979 in Karlsruhe, a city in the state of Baden‑Württemberg in southwestern Germany. She is the eldest child of Countess Elisabeth zu Sayn‑Wittgenstein‑Sayn and Count Friedrich zu Sayn‑Wittgenstein‑Sayn, both of whom belong to the historical German princely house of Sayn‑Wittgenstein. The family’s lineage traces back to the 13th‑century German princes, and their principal residence is the Schloss Sayn, an estate in North Rhine‑Westphalia. Corinna’s upbringing in this aristocratic environment provided her with a unique perspective on German cultural heritage and traditions.
Childhood and Early Interests
During her formative years, Corinna was exposed to the arts through family events, music lessons, and visits to cultural institutions in the Karlsruhe region. Her early schooling was completed at the Gymnasium in Karlsruhe, where she showed a keen interest in drama and literature. She frequently participated in school productions, which sparked a desire to pursue a professional acting career. In addition to performing arts, she cultivated an appreciation for fashion and design, skills that would later support her modeling work.
Education and Training
Academic Studies
After completing her Abitur, Corinna enrolled at the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Hamburg, where she studied media and communication. Her coursework covered film theory, television production, and performance studies. The program provided her with a solid foundation in both the technical aspects of media creation and the creative processes of acting.
Acting Instruction
To refine her craft, Corinna studied under several prominent acting coaches in Berlin. She attended workshops at the Akademie der Künste and the Film Academy Baden‑Württemberg, receiving training in method acting, voice work, and stage presence. The intensive curriculum and mentorship she received during these years prepared her for the diverse roles she would later undertake in film, television, and theatre.
Acting Career
Early Roles
Corinna’s first professional appearance was a guest role in the German television series Schloss Einstein in 2000, where she portrayed a schoolgirl named Lisa. The series, aimed at a younger audience, aired on the German broadcaster ZDF. The role allowed her to gain on‑camera experience and introduced her to a broad viewership.
In 2002, she appeared in the television film Der verlorene Sohn, a drama about family reconciliation. Her performance received modest praise for its emotional depth, encouraging her to seek more substantive parts.
Television Success
From 2004 to 2006, Corinna secured a recurring role as Hannah Meier in the long‑running crime series Tatort. The show, renowned for its investigative storytelling, provided a platform for her to showcase a versatile acting range. In 2007, she took on the lead role in the youth series Die Zwillingsschwestern, portraying a dual personality character that challenged conventional storytelling.
In 2010, she joined the cast of the family‑friendly show Löwenzahn in a cameo as a village teacher. Although brief, the appearance reinforced her status as a household name among German viewers of all ages.
Filmography
Corinna’s film work includes the following major titles:
- Die letzte Spur (2008) – supporting role
- Schwarz-Weiß-Gold (2011) – cameo appearance
- Stadtgeschichte (2013) – lead role
- Der letzte Tag (2016) – supporting role
Her performances have earned her recognition within the German film community, including nominations for the Bambi Award for Best Actress in 2014 and the Deutscher Fernsehpreis for Best Supporting Actress in 2016.
Modeling and Commercial Work
Brand Collaborations
Corinna’s striking presence and aristocratic background attracted interest from luxury fashion houses. She has modeled for Dior in a spring‑summer campaign in 2012, appearing in editorial spreads that highlighted the brand’s new line of handbags. In 2014, she became the face of L’Oréal Paris’s “Radiant Skin” series, featuring in television commercials aired across Europe.
Her work extended to the automotive sector, where she served as the spokesperson for a German car manufacturer in a 2016 campaign promoting the latest SUV model. The campaign emphasized family safety and style, aligning with her public persona.
Magazine Features
Corinna has been featured in multiple prominent fashion and lifestyle magazines. In 2013, she graced the cover of German Vogue in a profile on contemporary aristocracy. She was also photographed for the July 2015 issue of Cosmopolitan in a photo‑shoot celebrating women’s empowerment. Additionally, she appeared in GQ in 2017, where the magazine highlighted her transition from noble lineage to modern media star.
Television Presenting and Other Media Activities
Hosting Roles
In addition to acting, Corinna expanded her career to television presenting. In 2012, she hosted the travel series Fremde Leute on Das Erste, a program that explored cultural customs around the world. Her engaging interviewing style and genuine curiosity endeared her to viewers.
From 2014 to 2015, she co‑hosted the comedy show Der große Witz on RTL, contributing humor and a refined sense of timing. The show attracted a wide audience and solidified her reputation as a versatile presenter.
Other Media Appearances
Corinna has been a recurring panelist on the German talk show Redakteur (2016), where she discussed topics ranging from media ethics to family dynamics. She also lent her voice to the German dubbing of the animated feature film Die Reise des Wunders in 2018, playing the role of the wise owl.
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Corinna married Prince Tomáš of Liechtenstein on 16 September 2016 at the Schloss Sayn. Prince Tomáš, a former banker, had previously served as a diplomat for the Principality of Liechtenstein. Upon marriage, Corinna was bestowed the title of Princess of Liechtenstein, though she continued to be known professionally as Corinna zu Sayn‑Wittgenstein‑Sayn.
The couple has one son, born on 3 March 2019, named Prince Alexander von Liechtenstein. The child’s birth was announced publicly by the family through a press release, emphasizing a private family life while maintaining a low profile.
Public Image and Lifestyle
Corinna’s upbringing in a noble household and her subsequent immersion in the German media industry have cultivated a public image that blends tradition and contemporary sensibility. She is often invited to high‑profile events, including the Berlin Fashion Week, where she participates as a guest of honor for charitable causes. Her personal style - often featuring minimalist yet elegant outfits - has been frequently discussed in fashion publications.
Honors and Awards
State and Royal Recognition
For her contributions to charitable initiatives in Germany and Liechtenstein, Corinna was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2017. The honor recognized her work with youth outreach programs and environmental campaigns.
In 2018, she received the Liechtenstein Royal Merit Award, presented by the Prince of Liechtenstein for her active role in supporting educational projects across the principality.
Industry Awards
Her acting work has earned her industry recognition, including the following nominations:
- Bambi Award for Best Actress – 2014 (nomination)
- Deutscher Fernsehpreis for Best Supporting Actress – 2016 (nomination)
- Golden Camera Award for Best TV Series – 2019 (nomination, shared with cast of Stadtgeschichte)
Public Engagements and Philanthropy
Youth and Education
Corinna is a patron of the foundation Children of the Heart, which provides educational support to underprivileged children in Germany. She has participated in fundraising events and visited schools to encourage students to pursue creative arts. Her efforts have been documented in annual reports of the organization, noting increased enrollment in arts programs after her visits.
Environmental Advocacy
In 2015, Corinna joined the German environmental NGO Green Future as an ambassador. She has taken part in campaigns aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting renewable energy. In a 2016 televised interview, she highlighted the importance of corporate responsibility in fashion, a sector where she also works as a model.
Health and Wellness Initiatives
Corinna collaborates with the Healthy Heart Foundation to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. She has featured in public service announcements and participated in charity runs, emphasizing a balanced lifestyle that includes physical activity and proper nutrition.
Legacy and Influence
Impact on German Media
Corinna zu Sayn‑Wittgenstein‑Sayn’s career exemplifies the intersection of aristocratic heritage and modern media. Her work across acting, modeling, and television presenting has expanded the representation of noble figures in contemporary German culture. She is frequently cited in academic discussions on the evolving role of social elites in mass media.
Role Model for Women in Entertainment
By balancing a demanding career with family life, Corinna serves as an example for women in the entertainment industry. Her public advocacy for education and environmental sustainability further solidifies her position as a socially responsible figure.
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