GZSZ Star Iris Mareike Steen Announces First Pregnancy
The actress and singer shared that she is expecting her first child with her husband, Kevin.
Actress and singer Iris Mareike Steen announced that she is expecting her first child. Known for her long-running role in the popular series Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten (GZSZ), the 34-year-old shared the personal news with her followers through an Instagram reel, expressing a deep sense of relief after having to conceal her growing baby bump for weeks.
In an interview, Steen described the emotional weight of keeping the news a secret and feeling liberated once it became public. "I feel somehow quite liberated, because naturally it has been such an important topic for me for weeks and has occupied me incredibly -- keeping it hidden, and by now also hiding it, was not easy for me," she stated.
Reflecting on the early stages of her pregnancy, Steen recalled the profound impact of hearing her baby's heartbeat for the first time. She noted that the experience made her realize she is carrying a precious human being, adding that the initial overwhelming feelings have gradually given way to immense anticipation and joy.
The timing of the public announcement coincides with a double celebration. Steen is set to celebrate her 35th birthday with a concert alongside her band at the Spirale cultural center in Berlin. With her pregnancy becoming more visible, she realized she could no longer conceal the physical changes during a live performance, making the birthday stage an ideal venue to share the milestone.
Regarding her career on television, fans will not have to say goodbye to her character Lilly just yet. Steen has been a fixture on GZSZ since 2010 and continues to film normal episodes with adjustments to her wardrobe as her pregnancy progresses. She plans to gradually step away for a temporary break early next year.
Steen also intends to continue performing music as long as she feels healthy and well. Looking ahead to the future and her upcoming birthday, the expectant mother emphasized that her greatest wish remains health for herself and her loved ones as she prepares for the next chapter of her life.