From Legal Eagle to Mountain Doctor: The Enduring Appeal of Rebecca Immanuel
Rebecca Immanuel is a familiar face on German television. Whether as the sharp lawyer Sandra Starck in “Edel & Starck” or the dedicated doctor Dr. Vera Fendrich in “Der Bergdoktor,” the actress has captivated audiences for years.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Born Sonja Zimmer in 1970 in Oberhausen, Immanuel laid the foundation for her versatile career with a high school diploma in the United States and her Abitur in 1991 in Hamburg. She honed her craft from 1994 to 1998 at the Ernst Busch School of Acting in Berlin, supplementing her training with a Hollywood Acting Workshop.
Immanuel’s early television appearances included roles in the crime series “Doppelter Einsatz” in 1994 and a part in the 1995 miniseries “Das Schwein – Eine deutsche Karriere.” From 1995 to 1996, she was a regular in the ARD series “Gegen den Wind,” a role that ended with her character’s death in a motorcycle accident. She also appeared in Rüdiger Nüchtern’s television film “Eldorado” and the film “Die wilde Leni” in 1996.
“Edel & Starck”: A Defining Moment
Her breakthrough came from 2002 to 2005 with the role of the quick-witted lawyer Sandra Starck in the SAT.1 series “Edel & Starck.” She received the Bavarian Television Award alongside Christoph M. Ohrt for her performance. Starck was portrayed as a sharp, slender and intelligent lawyer in her early thirties, a formidable opponent in Berlin’s courtrooms.
“Der Bergdoktor” and Continued Success
Since 2013, Immanuel has played Dr. Vera Fendrich in the ZDF series “Der Bergdoktor.” Initially the clinic director’s daughter, she has since taken over leadership of the Hall clinic. The series follows Dr. Gruber (Hans Sigl) solving medical mysteries, supported by Dr. Kahnweiler (Mark Keller) and Dr. Fendrich. Immanuel portrays Vera Fendrich as a driven, warm-hearted, and occasionally temperamental doctor. The character’s relationship with Dr. Kahnweiler has evolved over the series.
Beyond Television: A Multifaceted Career
Immanuel’s career extends beyond her well-known television roles. She has appeared in productions like “Sesamstraße” and “Das Traumschiff.” She also took on roles in “Jetzt sind wir dran!” and “Alle Macht den Kindern,” demonstrating her range as an actress.
Rebecca Immanuel: A Career Built on Versatility
Rebecca Immanuel has consistently reinvented herself throughout her career, taking on diverse roles and captivating audiences. From a young lawyer to an experienced doctor, she has demonstrated an impressive evolution while remaining authentic. Her versatility and talent have made her a beloved actress in Germany.
Stay Updated with “Der Bergdoktor”
New episodes of “Der Bergdoktor” are available starting January 8, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Rebecca Immanuel best known for? She is best known for her roles as Sandra Starck in “Edel & Starck” and Dr. Vera Fendrich in “Der Bergdoktor.”
- Where did Rebecca Immanuel study acting? She studied at the Ernst Busch School of Acting in Berlin from 1994 to 1998.
- What awards has Rebecca Immanuel won? She won the Bavarian Television Award for “Edel & Starck.”
