Barbara Meier
Barbara Meier (born 25 July 1986) is a German model, actress, and author.[1] She rose to fame as the winner of the second cycle of Germany's Next Topmodel in 2007, which launched her international modeling career.[2] Following her victory, Meier worked for major fashion brands and appeared on covers of publications such as Vogue Taiwan, establishing herself in the global fashion industry.[3] Since 2011, she has acted in over 25 film and television productions, including roles in Army of Thieves (2021) and The Pasta Detectives 2 (2015).[1][2] Additionally, Meier authored the book Your Path to Your Happy Weight, focusing on lifestyle and wellness topics.[2] She has also served as an ambassador for initiatives promoting environmental conservation and fair fashion practices.[3]Early Life
Upbringing and Family Background
Barbara Meier was born on July 25, 1986, in Amberg, a small town in Bavaria, Germany.[1] She grew up in Amberg, where her early life unfolded in a modest family environment that emphasized privacy regarding personal details such as her parents' identities and any siblings.[3] This grounded upbringing, shielded from public scrutiny, contrasted with her later prominence in modeling and acting, as Meier has consistently maintained limited disclosure about familial matters to preserve a sense of normalcy.[3][4] After completing her secondary education in Amberg, Meier initially directed her ambitions toward academia rather than the fashion industry, enrolling to study mathematics at the University of Applied Sciences in Regensburg.[5][1] This choice reflected a practical, analytical mindset shaped by her provincial Bavarian roots, where aspirations leaned toward stable professional paths over creative or performative pursuits.[5] Her pre-modeling phase underscores a conventional early trajectory, devoid of early exposure to media or entertainment circles.[6]Entry into Modeling
Participation in Germany's Next Topmodel
Barbara Meier was scouted for Germany's Next Topmodel (GNTM) while shopping at a mall in Regensburg, Germany, during her studies in mathematics at the FH Regensburg.[7][8] A model scout approached her with no prior modeling experience, inviting her to audition for the show's second cycle.[8][9] The second cycle of GNTM aired in 2007, hosted by Heidi Klum, and featured casting from over 16,000 applicants nationwide.[10][11] Meier advanced through the competition's challenges, including photo shoots, runway walks, and evaluations by judges, ultimately winning the finale against finalists Anni Wendler (second place) and Hana Nitsche (third place).[10] As the victor, she received a convertible car and a modeling contract with Face Your Brand, the show's primary sponsor.[11] Her red-haired appearance and poised demeanor distinguished her throughout the season, contributing to her success in a field dominated by conventional beauty standards at the time.[9]Modeling Career
Campaigns, Runways, and Editorial Work
Meier secured advertising contracts following her win on Germany's Next Topmodel season 2 in 2007, including a campaign for C&A.[10] She featured in television advertisements for Pantene Pro-V, Disneyland Paris, Yogurette, Schaebens, and Müllermilch.[5] Print and catalog campaigns included Maybelline USA, Fabi (Milan), Save the Queen, Borsalino, C'est comme Ca, Caractere, Miss Poem, Don't Label Me, Colins, 3 Suisses, Penti, Alkis, Toprak, Jennifer Julia, Sisline, Luxuar, Ikiler, and Maraia Gracia Panizzi.[12] Her runway work spanned multiple seasons, beginning with autumn/winter 2007 shows for C&A and Christian Audigier.[13] In spring/summer 2008, she walked for Anett Röstel, C&A, Kaviar Gauche, Macqua, and Marc O'Polo; autumn/winter 2008 for C&A; spring/summer 2009 for Blutsgeschwister, Boessert/Schorn, Esther Perbandt, Karen Ly, Kunsthochschule Weissensee, Marcel Ostertag, Scherer Gonzalez, and Suzana Peric; autumn/winter 2009 for H.Xan; autumn/winter 2010 for Kaviar Gauche, Lena Hoschek, Patrick Mohr, Susanne Wiebe, and Wunderkind; spring/summer 2011 for Dimitri, Marcel Ostertag, and Mavi; and autumn/winter 2012 for Baltic Fashion, Green Showroom, Julia Starp, and Richard Kravetz.[13] Additional appearances included L'Oréal Catwalk Paris, Life Ball, Fly Now Bangkok, GQ Style Night, Beymen, Macqua Milano, and shows for designers such as Wolfgang Joop, Ed Hardy, Emanuel Ungaro, Michael Adam/Bozart, and Intermix.[14] In January 2025, she returned to the catwalk at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week with Méphistophélès Productions.[15] Meier's editorial work appeared in international publications including Vogue Taiwan (Paris shooting), Grazia (Italy and Greece), Elle, Marie Claire (Turkey), L'Officiel (Serbia), Madame Figaro, Cosmopolitan (Germany), InStyle (Germany), Style International, Celebrity, Material Girl, Neo2, Sposabella, TEN, Glamour, Plaza Watch, Blush, Maximume, Natural Style, Lo Stile, Gloss, and Icon.[12] Specific features included Cosmopolitan Germany (November 2008), Style International (June 2008), Tango (August 2008), SPOSABELLA (September 2008), Hochzeit (March 2009 and cover February 2009), Marie Claire Turkey (April 2009), Plaza Watch (January 2010 and cover), InStyle Germany (November 2010), Celebrity (November 2007), and Semperey (December 2011 and cover).[13] She also graced covers for Cosmopolitan Germany (January 2008 and August 2007), Tango (August 2008), and Gala (May 2007).[13]Acting and Media Ventures
Film Roles and Appearances
Barbara Meier entered acting in 2011 following her modeling success, accumulating credits in over 25 film and television productions by 2024, often in supporting roles across German-language features and international co-productions.[2] Her early breakthrough came with the television film Schreie der Vergessenen, where she portrayed Morgana Le Fey.[1] This role marked her transition from runway to screen, leveraging her on-camera presence honed through modeling.[16] Subsequent film appearances included the family comedy The Pasta Detectives 2 (2015), in which she played the red-haired woman (Rothaarige Frau), contributing to the ensemble cast in this sequel to a popular children's series.[1] Meier's international exposure grew with The Aspern Papers (2017), a period drama adaptation directed by Julien Landais, where she appeared as Emily alongside Vanessa Redgrave and Jonathan Pryce.[16] In 2020, she featured as Teri in the romantic drama Endless, a role emphasizing emotional depth in interpersonal relationships.[1] Her most prominent cinematic role to date is Lucy in Army of Thieves (2021), a prequel to Army of the Dead directed by Matthias Schweighöfer, in which she supported the heist narrative set in Europe.[17] Other notable 2020-2022 credits encompass Wolke unterm Dach (2020, Rosa), Der Onkel - The Hawk (2020, Dr. Andrea Braga), Schächten (2021, Erika), and Die Geschichte der Menschheit - leicht gekürzt (2022, Tizia Medici), showcasing versatility in genres from drama to historical satire.[16] These appearances, while not lead parts, highlight her consistent work in mid-budget European cinema, often secured through agencies like Bluesparrow GmbH.[16]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Schreie der Vergessenen | Morgana Le Fey | TV film debut[1] |
| 2015 | The Pasta Detectives 2 | Rothaarige Frau | Family comedy[1] |
| 2017 | The Aspern Papers | Emily | Feature film[16] |
| 2020 | Endless | Teri | Romantic drama[1] |
| 2021 | Army of Thieves | Lucy | Heist prequel[17] |