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Marianne Sägebrecht

Marianne Sägebrecht

Actor · Born August 27, 1945 (81) · Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Marianne Sägebrecht (born 27 August 1945, Starnberg, Bavaria) is a German actress, most famous for her appearance in the movies Sugarbaby, Bagdad Café, and The War of the Roses. This Rubenesque character player with a heart-shaped face and child-like features began her career as a leading producer and performer of Germany's alternative theater/cabaret scene. The eclectic background of Marianne Sägebrecht included stints as a medical lab assistant and magazine assistant editor before she found her calling in show business. Claiming to be inspired by Bavaria's mad King Ludwig II, she became known as the "mother of Munich's sub-culture" as producer and performer of avant-garde theater and cabaret revues, particularly with her troupe Opera Curiosa. Spotted by director Percy Adlon in a 1977 production of Adele Spitzeder in which she essayed the role of a delicate prostitute, Sägebrecht was cast as Madame Sanchez/Mrs. Sancho Panza in Adlon's TV special Herr Kischott (1979), a spin on Don Quixote. The director put her in his 1983 feature The Swing in a small role and then created the leading role of Marianne, an overweight mortician in love with a subway conductor, in Sugarbaby (1985) especially for her. American films beckoned as well and Sägebrecht was often cast in roles tailored to her unique abilities. Paul Mazursky reworked the part of a teutonic masseuse for her in Moon over Parador (1988) while Danny DeVito tailored the part of the German housekeeper for a divorcing couple in The War of the Roses (1989). Returning to Germany, she shone as the timid maid in the 1930s who marries her Jewish employer for convenience then falls in love in Martha and I (1990; released in the USA in 1995). Sägebrecht headlined the black comedy as an unhappy wife whose straying husband plots her death in Mona Must Die (1994) and had small supporting parts in The Ogre (1996) and Left Luggage (1998). Description above from the Wikipedia article Marianne Sägebrecht, licensed under CC-BY-SA,full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
August 27, 1945 (81)
From
Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany
Works as
Actor
Titles
14 on MovieCove · 74 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 38 days to Oct 27Down 23% in 30 days

What are Marianne Sägebrecht's films like?

Across their 13 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Self and Power.

Genres

Comedy5 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 66th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Comedy movies
Drama4 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 57th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies
Animation3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 31st percentile
: browse their Animation movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Self
18%
Power
18%
Society
17%
Bonds
16%
Survival
16%
Morality
13%
Ideas
3%
Survival3 titles, browse their movies with this themeGreed2 titles, browse their movies with this themeIsolation3 titles, browse their movies with this themeFriendship2 titles, browse their movies with this themePurpose2 titles, browse their movies with this themeDeception2 titles, browse their movies with this themeCommunity2 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 13 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Serious: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their serious movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

A split, not a type: Light 6 · Serious 3 · Dark 4

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 3 · Stylized 7 · Heightened 3

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

A split, not a type: Gentle 6 · Charged 3 · Intense 4

Steady: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their steady movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 8 · Shifting 4 · Whiplash 1

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

A split, not a type: Straight-faced 5 · Some laughs 4 · Funny 4

Slow burn: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their slow burn movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 9 · Even-paced 3 · Relentless 1

Casual: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their casual movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 8 · Engaged 5 · Full focus 0

Affecting: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their affecting movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

A split, not a type: Easy watch 8 · Affecting 2 · Heavy 3

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 9 · Open-ended 4 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

7 analyzed roles

Usually the Hero: 3 of 7 analyzed roles.

Hero
3 of 7
Herald
2 of 7
Trickster
1 of 7
Ally
1 of 7
Show the 7 roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Warm
5
Melancholic
4
Absurd
4
Tense
3
Dread
3
Other
15

How their films linger

Feel-good5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 1 with a twist

  • Happy5
  • Bittersweet6
  • Tragic2

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Marianne Sägebrecht's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 6 of their 14 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (5).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Marianne Sägebrecht's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

74 credits, 14 with a MovieCove page; 31 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • Watzmann ermittelt · Die Tränen der Madonna (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2026)

    as Maria Hauser

  • A Whole Life(2023)

    as Ahnl

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films

  • Die Mucklas ... und wie sie zu Pettersson und Findus kamen(2022)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 6th percentile of all films

  • Silence (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

    as Lady at the lake

  • Schmucklos (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Oma Gerti Schmuck

  • Bier Royal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    Show 2 episodes · as Rosa Seidl

  • Pettson and Findus: Findus Moves House (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    as Beda Andersson

  • Erik & Erika (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    as Schwester Sigberta

  • Pettersson und Findus 2 - Das schönste Weihnachten überhaupt(2016)

    as Beda Andersson

    Midcredits score: 31st percentile of all films

  • Der Werdenfelser Lumpazivagabundus (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    as Fortuna

  • The Circle (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    as Erika Rapp

  • Pettson and Findus: A Little Nuisance, a Great Friendship(2014)

    as Beda Andersson

    Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films

  • Nichts als die Wahrheit - 30 Jahre Die Toten Hosen (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    Actor

  • Omamamia (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    as Marguerita

  • Die Verführerin Adele Spitzeder (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    as Edeltraud Staller

  • So ein Schlamassel (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    as Tante Sarah Silberschatz

  • Frau Holle (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Frau Holle

  • Immer Wirbel um Marie (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Marie Meyer

  • Das Geheimnis meiner Schwester (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    as Antonia Wiedemann

  • Bezaubernde Marie (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    as Marie Meyer

  • Charlotte und ihre Männer (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    as Charlotte

  • Marga Engel gibt nicht auf (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    as Marga Engel

  • Großglocknerliebe (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    as Anneliese

  • Marga Engel kocht vor Wut (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    as Marga Engel

  • Marga Engel schlägt zurück (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    as Marga Engel

  • Scheidung auf amerikanisch (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    as Betty

  • Thanksgivin’, die nachtblaue Stadt (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    Co-Writer · as Veronica

  • Sans famille (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Show 2 episodes · as Mère Barberin

  • Without Family (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    as Mère Barberin

  • Am Ende siegt die Liebe (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    as Anna Linke

  • Il ritorno del piccolo Lord (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    as Fräulein Klara

  • Santa's Secretary (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    as Marlène Veber

  • Ganz unten, ganz oben (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    as Elli Schulze

  • Ich wünsch Dir Liebe (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    as Uschi

  • Asterix and Obelix vs. Caesar(1999)

    as Bonemine

    Midcredits score: 43rd percentile of all films

  • Spanish Fly (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    as Rosa

  • Left Luggage (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    as Mrs. Silberschmidt

  • Eine Frau nach Maß (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    as Margret

  • And Suddenly Everything Was Different (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Marlies Schöne

  • Soleil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Tata Jeannette

  • Sophie – Schlauer als die Polizei erlaubt (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    Show 1 episode · as Eva

  • Lorenz im Land der Lügner (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Tante Martha

  • The Ogre(1996)

    as Frau Netta

    Midcredits score: 72nd percentile of all films

  • Katrin und Wladimir (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    as Hilda Weigand

  • All Men Are Mortal(1995)

    as Annie

    Midcredits score: 10th percentile of all films

  • Beauville (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Actor

  • Il piccolo lord (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    as Klara

  • Luise knackt den Jackpot (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    as Luise

  • Eine Mutter kämpft um ihren Sohn (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    as Marion Bruckmüller

  • Inspector Rex (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    Show 1 episode · as Tanja Kraus

  • Erotique (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    as Hilde (segment 'Taboo Parlor')

  • Mona Must Die (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    as Mona von Snead

  • Mr. Bluesman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    as Emma

  • The Milky Life (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    as Aloha

  • Dust Devil(1992)

    as Dr. Leidzinger

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films

  • Café Meineid (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Show 1 episode · as Anna Liebl

  • Martha and I (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    as Martha

  • Herz mit Löffel (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    as Klientin

  • Die Toten Hosen - 3 Akkorde für ein Halleluja (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Braut

  • The War of the Roses(1989)

    as Susan

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films

  • Rosalie Goes Shopping(1989)

    as Rosalie Greenspace

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all films

  • Moon Over Parador(1988)

    as Magda

    Midcredits score: 43rd percentile of all films

  • One Day (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Actor

  • Bagdad Cafe(1987)

    as Jasmin Münchgstettner

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all films

  • Crazy Boys - A Handful of Pleasure (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Frl. Hermann

  • Blam! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Sugar Baby(1985)

    as Marianne

    Midcredits score: 66th percentile of all films

  • Ein irres Feeling (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Alfa's mother

  • Im Himmel ist die Hölle los (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Journalist

  • The Swing(1983)

    as Tandlerin

    Midcredits score: 41st percentile of all films

  • Das Traumschiff (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Show 1 episode · as Sister Magdalena

  • C.O.D. (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Freda

  • Anderland (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Show 1 episode · as Verkäuferin

  • SOKO München (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Show 3 episodes · as Frieda

Career shape

Star power in the 94th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 74 titles from 1978 to 2026; peak year 1988.

Biggest box office

The War of the Roses (1989)

$160M worldwide

Highest rated

Bagdad Cafe (1987)

Midcredits 91st

Most popular right now

The War of the Roses (1989)

Film career

19782026

Peak 1988 · fewer prominent film roles lately. Top draw in 2 MovieCove titles. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting74 of 74: 73 only acting, 1 with another role · typical Midcredits score43rdWriting1 of 74: 0 only writing, 1 with another role

By decade

1970s1 · acting1980s15 · acting1990s27 · acting2000s15 · 15 acting · 1 crew2010s12 · acting2020s4 · acting

Billing

usually 4th · top billed in 20% of 10 roles

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30.

How do Marianne Sägebrecht's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 43rd percentile, the median of all 14; across their 13 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 44th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

44thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 13

Approval · how many liked their films

51stpercentile
Typical film, the median of 13

Reach · how many have seen their films

58thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 13

Midcredits score across 14 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up3
  • 50th to 74th3
  • 25th to 49th6
  • Below 25th2

Shape of the crowd

7 of their 14 titles are Mixed.

  • Universally Loved1
  • Crowd Pleaser4
  • Broadly Agreed2
  • Mixed7

Most divisive · actor

All Men Are Mortal (1995)

68th percentile spread · 39% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Bagdad Cafe (1987)

Midcredits 91st · 80% liked

Reviewers score the acting 66/100 in their films, across 10 reviewed titles; fans 79, detractors 43. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Marianne Sägebrecht's work okay for kids?

Across a limited sample of up to 3 MovieCove titles with content scores.

Their medianMedian of all films
Sex & Nudity3 titlesmedian 54 · moderateMedian of all films: 32

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted.

Who does Marianne Sägebrecht work with?

People who share at least 2 of Marianne Sägebrecht's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Percy Adlon shares the most, 4.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Cinematographers and editors

Producers