Maren Kroymann - Hardly any more ARD jobs after her outing
She is one of the most well-known German TV and film faces: actress Maren Kroymann (74). More than 30 years ago, the actress came out in a "Stern" title story as homosexual and was one of the pioneers in the public eye at the time. In a recent interview with the magazine, she allows the events of 1993 to pass review once more and speaks about professional consequences that followed.
Back then, an important factor for her step was the murder of Walter Sedlmayr (1926-1990), which led to the public revelation of the popular Bavarian actor's homosexuality. "There was a big stir: This urban Bavarian was gay?", recalls Kroymann. In a comment on the reactions to Sedlmayr's death, a journalist in the Munich "Abendzeitung" came out as a lesbian - and demanded that everyone else do the same. "I found that so smart and so true. That was the last step for me - it was an easy one", Kroymann recalls.
Maren Kroymann: "The ARD was not amused"
For years, women have thanked her and told her that they too had come out as a result of her "Stern" story. However, she also had to endure negative reactions, even professionally: "The ARD was not amused." Specifically, this was the case after an appearance on cult moderator Alfred Biolek (1934-2021) half a year after the report was published. "And in articles and also from colleagues and colleagues, the reactions were sometimes very harsh and belittling", reports the actress further. After her satire show "Night Nursing Sister Kroymann" (1993-1997), she had hardly any major offers for roles or formats in the ARD for the next 20 years, with a few exceptions.
Nowadays, she is registered in the "Department of Humor" and can thus live: "I'm old, I'm past good and evil, I don't have to be a role model anymore." This brings her great relief. "I can do what I want, and I don't have to conform to any sexual image anymore", so Kroymann further. By the way, she feels much more sensual than before, as she no longer has to hide: "I feel good in my skin."
Maren Kroymann's bravery in revealing her sexuality to "Stern" inspired countless others to do the same, serving as a significant source of encouragement. Her appearance on Alfred Biolek's show half a year later led to harsh and disparaging reactions, negatively impacting her professional opportunities with the ARD for the following two decades. Despite this, Kroymann's registration in the "Department of Humor" has allowed her to live without the need to be a role model or conform to societal sexual expectations, experiencing a newfound sensuality and comfort in her own skin.
