Vivien Wulf will take the lead role of Larissa Mahnke in “Sturm der Liebe” from February 2025. The actress appeared in, among others, “Das Traumschiff”, “Der Alte”, “SOKO Köln” and also in the cinema.
The telenovela “Storm of Love” is growing again. Vivien Wulf takes on the role of Larissa Mahnke, a new lead role. Larissa is a confident heiress of a gemstone company and is supposed to turn the head of the main character Henry Sydow in the 21st season of “SdL”. It starts with episode 4,371, which is expected to be broadcast on Erste on February 20, 2025.
Vivien Wulf, who is 30 years old, has been an actress in film and television for over 15 years. She began her career in 2009 with a lead role in Ken Follett’s two-parter “Eisfieber” and has since appeared in productions such as “Das Traumschiff”, “SOKO Köln” and “Der Alte”. She has also appeared on the big screen in films such as “Walt Disney’s ROCK IT!” and “Misfit”. In addition to acting, Vivien Wulf is a trained journalist and the author of the Spiegel bestseller “Pretty Happy”. Four years ago, together with Franca Lehfeldt and Nena Brockhaus, she founded the series of events “WoMen on Top”, which advocates equal rights and the advancement of women.
This is how Vivien Wulf or Larissa Mahnke enters the world of “Storm of Love”:
Vivien Wulf will play the main role of Larissa Mahnke in “Sturm der Liebe” from February 2025. Image: © ARD/Tatiana Huber
Henry and Sophia met Larissa years ago during a holiday in a posh ski resort. Sophia sees the candidate for a large inheritance as a good match for her son and uses an excuse to invite her to the royal court. Her goal is to set her up with Henry. Because Larissa only gets all the assets of her parents’ company if she’s married - how progressive. Larissa always had a thing for Henry. Will he return her feelings?
Here’s what Vivien Wulf says about her “SdL” lead Larissa Mahnke:
“It’s really important to me that women are seen as entrepreneurs on screen and in real life. The potential and ambitions of young women in particular – must no longer be limited by invisible barriers such as the glass ceiling. My role in Sturm der Liebe gives me the opportunity to embody this attitude in front of the camera: women’s strength and entrepreneurial spirit should not be the exception, but the norm.
It’s time to give women bolder and more honest roles in business and film. I am very grateful to play the role of Larissa Mahnke because she always has to assert herself against clichés, role models and pigeonholing – a challenge that many women know very well.
Image source:
- Storm of Love Fuerstenhof: Image: © ARD/Mandfred Laemmerer
**What are the key themes that “Sturm der Liebe” explores through the character of Larissa Mahnke?**
Interview: The Future of “Sturm der Liebe” with Editor-in-Chief of Time.news and Vivien Wulf
Editor: Welcome, Vivien! We’re thrilled to have you here today. You’re stepping into the role of Larissa Mahnke in the beloved series “Sturm der Liebe.” Can you share what it was like to receive that news?
Vivien: Thank you for having me! It was surreal. ”Sturm der Liebe” has been such a staple in romantic drama for years, so to be chosen to lead in the upcoming season is a tremendous honor. When I learned about Larissa, I felt a mix of excitement and responsibility.
Editor: Larissa Mahnke seems like a captivating character—a confident heiress of a gemstone company. What drew you to this role specifically?
Vivien: Absolutely! I’ve always been attracted to strong female characters, and Larissa embodies that strength. She’s ambitious and knows what she wants, which adds a refreshing dynamic to the series. Plus, her journey to captivate Henry Sydow is sure to stir up a lot of emotions!
Editor: Speaking of emotions, “Sturm der Liebe” is known for its dramatic twists and heartfelt stories. How do you plan to bring your interpretation to Larissa, especially considering the long history of the show?
Vivien: I think staying true to her essence while bringing my unique flair is key. I want to portray Larissa as multifaceted—confident yet vulnerable, ambitious but also relatable. Building her chemistry with Henry will be essential, especially since it’ll start with episode 4,371!
Editor: That’s quite a milestone! With the announcement that ”Sturm der Liebe” will soon be available on Netflix, how do you think this will affect the show’s audience and its reach?
Vivien: I believe it’ll open up a whole new world for “Sturm der Liebe.” With Netflix, we can reach international fans who may not have had access before. It’s exciting to think that Larissa’s story could resonate with viewers from different cultures.
Editor: You have an impressive background outside of acting, including your work as a journalist and author. How have these experiences influenced your acting career?
Vivien: They’ve enriched my perspective tremendously. Writing and journalism trained me to observe and understand human emotions更 deeper, which I find invaluable in acting. Plus, through initiatives like “WoMen on Top,” I’ve learned the importance of narrative and representation, which I carry into my roles.
Editor: It’s remarkable to see how you’re advocating for equal rights and women’s advancement alongside your entertainment career. How do you hope to use your platform as Larissa to inspire others?
Vivien: I want to show that strong women come in many forms—success isn’t just about power; it’s also about authenticity and vulnerability. By portraying Larissa as an empowered yet relatable woman, I hope to inspire others to embrace their passions and assert their voices.
Editor: That’s truly inspiring, Vivien. As a semi-pro in this domain for over 15 years, how has the evolution of television influenced your approach to acting?
Vivien: The shift towards more character-driven narratives in television has been exciting. Audiences crave depth and complexity, which challenges us as actors. It’s fascinating how streaming platforms are pushing for diverse stories, and I’m keen to be part of that evolution.
Editor: Lastly, as you prepare for the role and the new season, what are you most looking forward to in this journey as Larissa?
Vivien: Oh, I’m looking forward to the unexpected twists in the storyline and, of course, connecting with the incredible cast and crew. Bringing Larissa to life, facing challenges together, and sharing emotional moments on-screen—those are the experiences I live for as an actress.
Editor: Thank you, Vivien! We can’t wait to see you light up the screen in “Sturm der Liebe.” Best of luck with your portrayal of Larissa Mahnke!
Vivien: Thank you so much! I’m excited for everyone to join us on this journey.