'Love Actually' Star, Heike Makatsch, Looks Unrecognisable After 20 Years, History With Daniel Craig

Love Actually is a 2003 Christmas romantic comedy. The film was written and directed by Richard Curtis and features an impeccable cast. It has been over 20 years since the film was released, and it still remains a holiday staple. And the film's cast is immensely loved by fans for their marvelous portrayals. 

As the festive season knocks on the door once again, let us take a look at the journey and life of one of the much-loved actors from the film. It's none other than the gorgeous Heike Makatsch, who essayed the role of 'much-hated other woman', 'Mia' in the 2003 classic. While the film remains a wholesome experience even today, a lot has changed behind the cameras for Heike. So, let's take a look at her relationships, her life, and her stunning transformation since she appeared in Love Actually.

Who is Heike Makatsch?

Heike Makatsch was born in Düsseldorf, West Germany, on August 13, 1971. She is the daughter of former German national ice hockey team goaltender, Rainer Makatsch. The actress spent several months in New Mexico back in 1988 to improve her English and later studied politics and sociology at the University of Düsseldorf for four semesters.

Heike Makatsch started her career as a dressmaker apprentice

Heike Makatsch didn't just wake up on a random Tuesday and join the film industry; in fact, she started her journey as an apprentice dressmaker in 1994. However, she soon found her passion for acting and entered the entertainment industry as the host of the television shows, Interaktiv and Heikes Hausbesuche for the channel VIVA. She slowly worked her way up the entertainment ladder, getting her first film role in the 1996 film, Mannerpension (Jailbirds). Eventually, she branched into English cinema, starring in the Christmas classic, Love Actually, followed by roles in films such as Resident Evil, Tarzan, Where's Wanda, and The Book Thief.

Heike Makatsch looks unrecognisable 20 years after her appearance in Love Actually

Heike Makatsch essayed the role of 'Mia' in the 2003 classic, Love Actually. While fans loved her in the film, they hated the role of the seductive "other woman" who broke off the married boss, 'Harry's' perfect marriage with devoted wife, 'Karen'. However, 20 years later, she is once again in the headlines, this time for her appearance in Apple TV+'s first German-language series, Where's Wanda?, marking a dramatic departure from her romantic comedy roots. The show that aired in October 2024 follows the story of a married couple, 'Dedo' and 'Carlotta Klatt', played by Axel Stein and Heike.

Where's Wanda? revolves around the lead couple's lost daughter, 'Wanda', played by Lea Drinda. When the police fail to make progress, the family takes matters into their own hands to find their missing 17-year-old. They launch their own investigation, scrutinising their neighbourhood and using surveillance technology to spy on possible suspects throughout the ten-episode series. As the series has finally been renewed for Season 2, the actress, Heike Makatsch, is now embracing grittier television drama.

While the show's premiere date remains under wraps, some reports have emerged showing her look in the upcoming series. And it's safe to say, Heike Makatsch's look is completely unrecognisable from her Love Actually persona. The actress looked older than in her previous roles. According to The Mirror, in the series, she is seen sporting long blonde hair, which contrasts sharply with her classic black bob, making it hard for many to recognise her as the Love Actually star. 

Heike Makatsch's seven-year relationship with British actor, Daniel Craig

The German actress has kept her personal life away from the silver screen for a long time. However, she has been candid about her relationships over the years. And one of Heike Makatsch's most serious relationships was with the British actor Daniel Craig. The duo was in a serious relationship from 1996 to 2004. They met on the set of the film, Obsession, and were even pictured together at the premiere of Love Actually. However, after seven years together, Heike Makatsch and Daniel Craig called off their relationship.

According to The Mirror, Daniel later said that work schedules kept them apart for long periods, which eventually led to their breakup. He once said, "Film sets have caused a lot of break-ups; marriages go down the tubes. It's bloody lonely." Nonetheless, soon after, Daniel found love again in his now-wife, Rachel Weisz. The pair worked together on the 2011 film, The Dream House. They'd previously met at university, but this time a friendship turned into a romance. While Rachel was not interested in marriage, Daniel convinced her. 

Heike Makatsch went on to date drummer, Max Martin Schroder

While Daniel Craig found his forever with Rachel Weisz, Heike Makatsch went on to date musician and drummer, Max Martin Schroder. He became a well-known name in the musical world as a member of Tomte; he also plays drums in the Hansen Band and is currently a part of Die Hochste Eisenbahn and Leslie Clio.

While little is known about his relationship with Heike, it's said they met while filming Keine Lieder uber Liebe (No Songs About Love) in 2004. The couple was in a long-term relationship and even welcomed two daughters together in 2007 and 2009, respectively. However, in 2014, Heike confirmed that he and Max were no longer together. 

Heike Makatsch's current partner, Trystan Putter

After her breakup with Max Martin Scroder, Heike Makatsch gave love another chance with Trystan Putter. Trystan is also a well-known actor, known for his work in films such as Hilde, Passion, and Five Years of Life. The couple is often seen together at film events like the German Film Ball. While the couple has kept their relationship under wraps, they welcomed their first child together, a daughter, in 2015. As of 2022, it's said that Heiki is living in Berlin. However, whether they have moved in together is still a mystery to the world.

What are your thoughts on Heike Makatsch's dating history and recent transformation?

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