Then & Now: Love Actually Star is 52 & Still Gorgeous 20 Years Later
The German actress looks even more beautiful than she did 20 years ago.
Summary
- In 2003, the romantic comedy Love Actually was released and became one of the top choices for Christmas viewing.
- Many remembered Mia, the beautiful temptress who almost became the main villain of the movie.
- In 2023, the actress who played her is still gorgeous.
Directed and written by Richard Curtis, Love Actually became one of the most defining comedies of the '00s, as well as one of the most iconic Christmas movies, watched by many during the holidays as often as Home Alone or Die Hard. That's not surprising, as it's a great British rom-com with an endearing story, full of both comedy and heartbreaking drama, and an incredibly stellar cast, many of whom had breakout roles in the film.
One of the emerging talents in the film that wowed many was up-and-coming actress Heike Makatsch, who played the secretary to the late Alan Rickman's Harry. The character was certainly problematic, but with her gorgeous looks and incomparable charisma, Makatsch instantly captured the hearts of many viewers and cemented her status as one of Germany's most recognizable actresses.
After 20 years, Makatsch has hardly changed without losing her charm.
The Disliked Role That Brought the Actress Worldwide Fame
A lot of people probably remember her, but let's revisit her defining role from 20 years ago. In Love Actually, Heike Makatsch played Mia, Harry's secretary who was always trying to seduce him, even though he had a wife and children. She would stop at nothing to sleep with her boss, even going so far as to flirt with him at a party in front of his own wife Karen (Emma Thompson).
One particularly heartbreaking moment came when Karen saw Harry buying a gold necklace. When she opens the gift, which is wrapped in a box similar to the necklace, Karen is heartbroken to learn that Harry gave her the CD and the necklace was meant for someone else. Fortunately, Mia is unable to stay with Harry, and he returns to his family after reflecting on his transgressions, though the film's finale never clearly answers whether Karen will be able to forgive Harry.
Of course, Mia was not a pleasant character, but few could argue with the fact that the actress looked absolutely enchanting, thanks to her signature bob, vibrant style, and femme fatale persona.
20 Years Later, She Has Become Even More Stunning
And although time is a terrible enemy of the aged, it has been a blessing in disguise for Makatsch, for after two decades, the actress is still as stunning as ever, looking even more glamorous and magnetic.
She has changed her hairstyle to beautiful curly golden locks. In addition, her sartorial style is even bolder than Mia's in 2003: Makatsch prefers to appear in public in striking dresses that emphasize her self-confidence.
The Actress' Career and Private Life
Born in Düsseldorf, Germany, Heike Makatsch first made a name for herself in the mid-90s as a host of various TV shows. She made her big screen debut as an actress in the 1996 comedy Jailbirds, directed by Detlev Buck. But it was in 2002 that Makatsch, who speaks excellent English, really made her mark, starring opposite Milla Jovovich in the action-horror film Resident Evil. And of course she became even more famous with Love Actually.
After that, Heike starred in both German and international films. The actress is still active, as two German projects with her participation are being prepared for release: the comedy-drama series Where's Wanda? and the movie Akiko, the Flying Monkey.
The actress' private life is no less high-profile. From 1996 to 2004 Makatsch dated Daniel Craig, then from 2004 to 2014 musician from the indie band Tomte, Max Martin Schröder, with whom she has two children, and now, since 2017, she is together with actor Trystan Pütter.