Frankfurt, January 9, 2026, 5:23 p.m.
From Gymnast too Actress: Annette Potempa’s Unexpected Second Act
Annette Potempa, a former Olympic gymnast, is enjoying a thriving career as an actress in Germany, currently appearing in three productions.
- Annette Potempa transitioned from a promising gymnastics career, including olympic participation, to a prosperous acting career.
- She initially struggled to find her footing after graduating from school, exploring paths like physiotherapy before committing to performing arts.
- Potempa credits her athletic background with instilling teh perseverance needed to navigate the challenges of the acting industry.
- Currently, she is performing in three productions in and around Frankfurt, demonstrating a consistent presence on stage.
For Annette Potempa,the five interlocking rings tattooed on her right forearm are a quiet reminder of a life many don’t associate with her current profession. The 49-year-old actress carries the memory of her athletic past with her, even as she captivates audiences on stage. She’s also known for voicing the character of “Ellie” in the popular video game “The Last of Us.” She hopes to one day dub a Disney film, but acknowledges that “not every dream comes true,” even for an Olympic gymnast proudly displaying the symbolic rings.
Upcoming Performances
Annette Potempa can be seen in Ray Cooney’s fast-paced crime comedy “Out of Control” at the Frankfurt “Komödie”, Neue Mainzer Straße 14-18, until January 25th.
From January 31st she will perform alongside Gabriel Spagna in the revival of Audrey Schebat’s two-person play “The Farewell Letter” at the Theater in der Engelsburg in Sindlingen.
On February 27th she returns to the Theater Alte Brücke in Sachsenhausen with the Darmstadt Theater Curioso and the “Dance Lesson” by Mark St. Germain.
More details is available at www.annette-potempa.de
