5 German-Speaking Expat Celebrities

 5 German-Speaking Expat Celebrities

Are you a German speaker looking to make a break abroad? There are so many reasons to move abroad and start a new adventure in a different country as an expat. Whether it’s to work abroad, to study, or to chase your dreams, right now is the time to move! 

The German language is in high demand across Europe, so it’s time to pack your bags and discover life as abroad as an expat. Just by moving abroad and discovering the other opportunities out there, you can significantly increase your chances of success in your chosen career path, or even discover a completely new career path while you are out there!

Perhaps this ‘expat advantage’ is how the following 5 German-Speaking Expat Celebrities become so famous and successful… 

1. Arnold Schwarzenegger 

Well, Arnold Schwarzenegger, where do we begin? You are probably most familiar with his success from The Terminator movies and his iconic line “I’ll be back!” But did you know, this Austrian-born actor moved to the US at the young age of 21? When he first arrived in the US, he knew little to no English and his success grew from his Body Building career, in which he won the Mr Olympia title 7 times. Not only did Arnold make it big in the bodybuilding and movie scene, he later became a Governor of California. Well, this small town Austrian expat certainly found his success abroad… 

2 (& 3) –  Tia & Tamera Mowry

Surprise! You probably didn’t know that this iconic duo is actually German. Those of you who watched Nickelodeon during the ’90s may be familiar with the Americansitcom, Sister, Sister. Their family moved to the US from Gelnhausen in West Germany due to their father’s involvement in the US Army. The two were born to perform, from a young age they entered talent shows in Texas and persuaded their mother to move to California, to pursue their acting careers. Since Sister, Sister the two have completed voice-over work for Bratz and Detention, and both been involved in a variety of different shows, including an early 2000s Disney movie called Twitches. The pair of comedians should be thanking mum and dad for their move to the US, where they found their success as teenage comedians. 

4. Sandra Bullock

This American-born actress was born in Virginia, but just like the Housley sisters, her father was involved in the US Army. The family were then moved to Nuremberg whereher father was stationed, Sandra spent the first part of her life speaking German, living across Germany and Austria for the first 12 years of her life. The Miss Congeniality star first found her passion for acting at the age of 23, where she graduated with a Fine Arts degree. The stars biggest breakthrough was her role in Speed in 1994, where she worked alongside Keanu Reeves. Since this role, she has starred in major Hollywood movies and was named the World’s Most Beautiful Woman by People magazine.  Perhaps Sandra´s early expat years played a significant role in where she is today… 

5. Claudia Schiffer

A small-town supermodel born in Rheinberg, West Germany. Claudia Schiffer made it to fame during the early ’90s, when she was branded as one of the most successful supermodels, compared to the likes of Brigitte Bardot. As well as representing some of the biggest names in fashion such as Channel, Versace, YSL, Prada and more… Ms Schiffer began her career as an Actress in 1994, starring in Richie Rich and other Hollywood blockbusters. Since then the German supermodel has continued her career as a supermodel and in 2003, won over our hearts once again with her role in Love Actually. Was it Claudia’s German charm that made her become everyone’s favourite supermodel?

Hopefully, the success of these stars has encouraged you to make that move abroad. There are lots of must-see European cities where the German language is in high demand and companies are searching far and wide for German-speakers to relocate for a variety of job sectors and opportunities… You never know you may make it as big as these expat celebs!

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