Michaela May: More Fear of a Premiere Than of Death - Michaela May shines at 73 in Hamburg's The Farewell Letter with timeless wit
At 73, actress Michaela May is still captivating audiences on stage. She currently stars in the comedy The Farewell Letter at Hamburg's Winterhuder Fähhaus theatre until Sunday. The production reunites her with actor Sigmar Solbach and is directed by her husband, Bernd Schadewald.
May first rose to fame as Jo Obermeier in Polizeiruf 110 between 2001 and 2009. Since then, her career advice has spanned film, television, and theatre. She appeared in the series Monaco Franze, the TV movie Ich will mein Glück zurück, and now takes the lead in The Farewell Letter, a role blending humour with depth.
Despite her long success, May admits to one enduring fear: opening night nerves. She jokes they outweigh even her fear of death. Yet her outlook on life remains radiant. She describes herself as someone born under the sun, finding beauty in every moment and joy in simply living.
Reflecting on legacy, she hopes her children and grandchildren will carry something of her forward. Though she doesn't believe in a divine plan, she trusts that people leave traces through their actions and experiences. Love, too, has been a constant source of gratitude in her life.
Beyond the stage, May has also shared her personal story in an autobiography. The book explores the tragic deaths of her siblings, adding another layer to her public and private career advice.
May's latest role marks another milestone in a career defined by resilience and passion. The Hamburg production runs until Sunday, offering audiences a chance to see her vibrant energy firsthand. Her work—both onstage and in print—continues to resonate with honesty and warmth.
