Simone Thomalla, the beloved actress known for her roles in popular German television series like Frühling and Tatort, has captured headlines not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her vibrant personal life. Currently contesting on the RTL dance show Let’s Dance 2025, Thomalla, 59, enters the competition following her daughter, Sophia, who won the show back in 2010. With the dance competition underway, Thomalla has also revealed the joyous news of her new romantic relationship with René M.
Simone Thomalla, born on April 11, 1965, has carved out her place as one of Germany’s most prominent TV stars. With early aspirations to be a pianist, she eventually pursued acting at the Hochschule für Schauspielkunst "Ernst Busch" in Berlin. She first appeared on screen with her performance in the 1982 DDR film Abgefunden. Her breakthrough came with the ZDF series Durchreise – Die Geschichte einer Firma and has since solidified her status through various acclaimed roles, including her long-standing character, Katja Baumann, since 2011.
Thomalla’s love life has also been under public scrutiny. She was married to actor André Vetters, with whom she shares daughter Sophia, and has had notable relationships with several well-known personalities, including football manager Rudi Assauer, who passed away in 2019. Reflecting on her past, Thomalla has remarked on the respect and friendship maintained with her former partners. Following her relationship with handball player Silvio Heinevetter, which lasted more than eleven years, Thomalla dated DJ Nicolino Hermano until their breakup in March 2023.
Speaking to Bild just before the 'Let’s Dance' extravaganza, Thomalla confirmed her new romance. "René and I are very happy and planning our future together," she stated, indicating her state of bliss after turbulent times. The couple was introduced by mutual friends, emphasizing how important the support system has been during her transitions. Their relationship reflects Thomalla's anticipation for new beginnings, stating, "Everything else stays with us. Now we are calmly exploring where the joint path is going," she elaborated.
Interestingly, René M. is connected to the media through his daughter, Denise Merten, who gained fame as a reality star after appearing on Der Bachelor and Sommerhaus der Stars. Denise, now 34, is also recognized for her influential presence on social media, boasting over 300,000 followers. Merten has created his own path within the entertainment industry, providing even more connections between Thomalla's household and the broader German celebrity scene. Denise expresses her happiness for her father's new relationship, signifying family bonds remain strong as the dynamics evolve.
This year’s Let’s Dance season marks not just another professional challenge for Thomalla but also another opportunity to celebrate personal joys. "I want to do my best not just for the sake of the competition but to embrace every moment of this experience. I might even wish to celebrate my 60th birthday on the show if I have advanced far enough by April 11," she shared.
While attending to her relationship with René, it’s evident Thomalla remains committed to her responsibilities as a contestant on Let’s Dance. The progress and experience she gains from the dance floor bring her both joy and challenge, aiming to fulfill her personal and professional aspirations symbiotically. Given her extensive involvement, audiences are eager to see if she can match the footsteps of her daughter Sophia by possibly taking the trophy home.
Simone Thomalla has always emphasized the importance of independence within her relationships, which she reiterated during her interactions surrounding her new romance: "I can enjoy being alone; I was always independent throughout my past relationships." This statement sets the tone for her current mindset: one of balance and readiness to embrace fresh starts without losing her essence and individuality.
The future looks bright for Thomalla as she navigates love, television, and potentially dancing her way to new accolades. With support from her family, friends, and fans, she steps boldly onto the stage, both literally and metaphorically, dancing her way toward the horizon of what is yet to come.