Judith Hoersch, the star of the ZDF series Lena Lorenz, is no stranger to the challenges of balancing work and family life. As the show prepares to kick off its eleventh season on April 17, 2025, Hoersch has opened up about her unique lifestyle, which involves a regular commute between Berlin and Bavaria, where filming takes place.
In her role as the titular midwife, Hoersch has been captivating audiences since she debuted in 2019. However, the job comes with its own set of challenges, especially for a mother. Hoersch, who is 44 years old and has a five-year-old daughter, often finds herself juggling her responsibilities as an actress and a parent.
During an appearance on the ZDF magazine show Volle Kanne, Hoersch discussed the emotional and logistical hurdles of her life. "The week of traveling back and forth is pretty horrific. I don’t pack suitcases; I just pack everything!" she explained. This approach simplifies her preparations, as she feels that with a six-month filming schedule, there’s no point in deciding what to take. Instead, she packs everything her daughter might need.
Hoersch and her family initially lived in a converted van, which they used as a mobile home. Now, they have settled into a proper apartment near the filming location, although she still considers the van her ‘home on wheels,’ keeping it close by during shoots.
Despite the challenges, Hoersch finds beauty in the time spent in Bavaria. "The two diametrically opposed lives are a huge gift," she shared on Volle Kanne. "Whenever I’m there, I think it’s so incredibly beautiful. I can absorb it all because I know it will eventually come to an end. Then I get to return to Berlin, my little, dirty Berlin."
Hoersch's husband, Joe Berger, a cameraman, is currently stationed in Vienna for work, which adds another layer of complexity to their family dynamics. "We’ve arranged ourselves with it. A lot of responsibility falls on me, but that’s how it is," she admitted. Despite the distance, the couple manages to see each other regularly, thanks to convenient train connections from Salzburg to Vienna.
As a mother and actress, Hoersch's perspective on her role has been shaped by her own experiences. She returned to filming shortly after her daughter was born, which she described as a difficult balancing act. "This juggling of child and job is tough," she said, acknowledging that it doesn’t always go smoothly.
In the upcoming season of Lena Lorenz, her character faces a significant storyline involving a pregnant student struggling with eating disorders. Hoersch sees this narrative as an opportunity to shed light on real-world issues that affect many women. "The series has opened my eyes to the various shortcomings in the healthcare system. There are simply not enough midwives everywhere," she stated, emphasizing the importance of addressing these challenges.
Moreover, Hoersch views her role in the series as a form of female empowerment. By putting a traditionally feminine profession at the forefront, she believes the show plays a crucial part in highlighting the importance of midwives in society. "I find that incredibly rewarding as an actress," she remarked.
As the eleventh season of Lena Lorenz approaches, fans are eager to see how Hoersch continues to navigate her dual life as a dedicated mother and a committed actress. The series not only entertains but also engages viewers in meaningful conversations about motherhood and the challenges faced by women in the workforce.
With the new season set to air on Thursdays at 20:15, audiences can look forward to more heartfelt stories from Hoersch and her character, Lena. As she continues to balance her responsibilities, Judith Hoersch remains a relatable figure for many, embodying the struggles and triumphs of modern motherhood.
