Top 10 Most Famous Gen Z Celebrities from Germany

Martin Kraft, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1. Emilio Sakraya (Born: June 29, 1996, Age: 28)

Emilio Sakraya’s rise to prominence in German cinema is marked by his diverse talents as both an actor and a musician. His role as Tarik Schmüll in the Bibi & Tina film series showcased his appeal to a younger audience and established him as a versatile performer in German film. However, it was his portrayal of JC in Netflix’s Warrior Nun that truly launched him onto the global stage, demonstrating his ability to handle high-octane action and dramatic roles with equal finesse.

Emilio's music career complements his acting, offering fans a multi-dimensional view of his artistic abilities. His singles often reflect a blend of introspective lyrics and dynamic beats, resonating with a broad audience and illustrating his dual talent as a singer and songwriter. This crossover appeal between acting and music allows Emilio to connect with fans on multiple levels, creating a unique brand that sets him apart in the entertainment industry.

Stefan Müller (climate stuff) from Germany, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2. Roman Lochmann (Born: May 13, 1999, Age: 25) 

Roman Lochmann, alongside his twin brother Heiko, became a significant influencer in German pop culture through their YouTube channel DieLochis. Their channel, which gained millions of subscribers, featured a mix of comedy sketches, music videos, and lifestyle content, capturing the essence of youthful exuberance and creativity. Roman's transition to music, with albums like #Zwilling and What’s Going On, highlighted his ability to evolve from digital content creators to successful musicians.

Roman’s impact extends beyond his music career. His foray into acting with films like Bruder vor Luder reflects his versatility and willingness to explore different creative avenues. His influence on Gen Z is notable, as he and his brother played a key role in shaping modern digital entertainment in Germany, leveraging their platform to engage and entertain a diverse audience.

Stefan Müller (climate stuff) from Germany, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3. Heiko Lochmann (Born: May 13, 1999, Age: 25) 

Heiko Lochmann, like his twin brother Roman, achieved fame through DieLochis, their popular YouTube channel. The duo’s success in creating engaging and relatable content helped them build a substantial following. Heiko’s transition into music, alongside Roman, saw the release of successful albums and singles, further solidifying their place in German pop culture.

Heiko’s acting debut in Bruder vor Luder showcased his ability to cross over into different entertainment fields, adding to his multifaceted career. Although the Lochmann brothers retired from YouTube in 2019, Heiko’s influence continues through his music and acting, highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit and creative versatility.

LUDWIG SIMON (@ludwigsimon8) • Instagram photos and videos

4. Ludwig Simon (Born: December 22, 1996, Age: 27)

Ludwig Simon has emerged as one of the most promising young actors in Germany, with roles that reflect his depth and range. His portrayal of Tristan Broch in We Are the Wave highlighted his ability to tackle complex, rebellious characters, resonating with a younger audience and showcasing his commitment to socially relevant themes.

In Das Boot (2018), Ludwig demonstrated his versatility by stepping into the WWII drama genre, proving his capability to handle intense and historical roles. His growing fan base and critical acclaim underscore his potential to become a significant figure in the international film industry. Ludwig’s career trajectory reflects a blend of strong performances and a commitment to diverse and challenging roles.

Foto: © JCS

5. Louis Hofmann (Born: June 3, 1997, Age: 27)

Louis Hofmann is best known for his role as Jonas Kahnwald in the globally acclaimed Netflix series Dark. His performance in the series, which explores intricate themes of time travel and family dynamics, showcased his ability to convey complex emotions and navigate a multilayered narrative.

Before Dark, Louis gained recognition for his role in Land of Mine (2015), where his portrayal of a young German soldier involved in post-WWII demining earned him critical acclaim and awards. His ability to tackle challenging roles and his strong screen presence have established him as one of Germany’s most exciting young actors. Louis continues to explore diverse and compelling projects, further cementing his status as an international talent.

Aaron Hilmer (@aaronhilmer) • Instagram photos and videos

6. Max Befort (Born: May 15, 1993, Age: 28)

Max Befort’s acting career is characterized by his versatility and charisma. He first garnered attention with his role in Wendy (2017), a film adaptation of the beloved children’s book series about a young girl and her adventures with horses. His performance in this family-friendly film showcased his ability to appeal to younger audiences with a blend of charm and authenticity.

In The Red Band Society, Max’s role highlighted his talent for navigating more serious and dramatic material. This series, which delves into the lives of teenagers in a hospital setting, allowed Max to display his range, shifting from light-hearted roles to more intense, emotionally charged performances. His ability to handle both comedy and drama has earned him a solid reputation in German television, particularly among Gen Z viewers who appreciate his dynamic acting skills and relatable presence.

Max’s career trajectory reflects a steady rise in the German entertainment industry. His growing influence is evident in his expanding roles and the diverse range of characters he portrays, making him a notable figure among younger audiences.

Moritz Jahn (@moritzjahnofficial) • Instagram photos and videos

7. Moritz Jahn (Born: April 17, 1995, Age: 29)

Moritz Jahn’s breakout role as Magnus Nielsen in Dark (2017) was a pivotal moment in his career, propelling him into the international spotlight. His portrayal of a troubled teenager entangled in a complex time-travel narrative showcased his capacity for intense and gripping performances. The global success of Dark not only highlighted Moritz’s acting prowess but also established him as a key player in international television drama.

Prior to Dark, Moritz made his mark with roles in German TV series such as Der Lehrer and Prinz und Bottel. His early work demonstrated his versatility and set the stage for his later success. In addition to his acting career, Moritz is a talented musician, performing with his band Moritz Jahn & Band. His dual career in acting and music underscores his creative energy and ability to excel in multiple disciplines, making him a multifaceted artist admired by fans for his artistic range.

GLWillyB, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

8. Lennart Betzgen (Born: March 28, 1996, Age: 27)

Lennart Betzgen’s acting career is marked by his strong performances in television dramas and films. His role in In aller Freundschaft, a long-running German TV series, showcased his ability to handle complex emotional and family dynamics. Playing Tim Herzog, Lennart demonstrated his skill in portraying nuanced and relatable characters, contributing to the show's ongoing success.

In Die Freibadclique (2017), Lennart’s portrayal of a young man navigating life during WWII was praised for its sensitivity and depth. This coming-of-age story allowed him to explore historical and emotional themes, further establishing his reputation as a talented actor with a broad range. Lennart’s boyish charm combined with his emotional range makes him a compelling figure in Germany’s entertainment industry, with a growing presence among audiences who appreciate his authentic and heartfelt performances.

2012-05-31_Studio_Hamburg_Nachwuchspreis_DSCF0136.jpg: Foto: Martina Noltederivative work: César, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons

9. Jonas Nay (Born: September 20, 1990, Age: 33) *not Gen Z but look like one*

Jonas Nay gained international acclaim for his role as Martin Rauch in Deutschland 83 (2015), a critically acclaimed Cold War drama that explored espionage and political intrigue. His portrayal of a young East German spy navigating the complexities of the divided nation was lauded for its depth and realism, earning him awards and a significant fan following.

Jonas’s talents extend beyond acting; he is also the lead singer of the band Pudeldame. His musical career adds another layer to his public persona, allowing him to connect with fans through both acting and music. Jonas’s ability to balance these two artistic pursuits demonstrates his versatility and commitment to his craft, making him a unique and influential figure in German pop culture.

9EkieraM1, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

10. David Kross (Born: July 4, 1990, Age: 34) *not Gen Z but look like one*

David Kross’s career began with a high-profile role in The Reader (2008), where he starred alongside Kate Winslet. His performance as a young man involved in a complex relationship with an older woman garnered widespread acclaim and established him as a prominent talent in both German and international cinema.

David’s collaboration with renowned directors, including Steven Spielberg in War Horse (2011), further cemented his reputation as a skilled actor. His continued success in films like Trautmann (2018) and Balloon (2018) reflects his ability to tackle diverse and challenging roles. Despite being slightly older than Gen Z, David’s youthful appearance and ongoing excellence in the industry contribute to his status as one of Germany’s most talented and respected actors.

Comments