Ruth Maria went to the University for Theater and Music (Hochschule für Theater und Musik) in Halle and then to the German Theater-Institute (Deutsches Theater-Institut) in Weimar.
Already a noted star on the East German stage, she also began her film career with Defa in 1953.
Has been a Swiss citizen since 2013.
Made her stage debut in Halle in Brecht's 'Herr Puntila und sein Knecht Matti'. Subsequent engagements at the Maxim-Gorki-Bühne Schwerin, the Theater der Freundschaft Berlin, and the Staatstheater Schwerin.
The German synchronising voice for Danielle Darrieux, Daliah Lavi, Delphine Seyrig and Marina Berti.
Born in Bohemia, one of five sisters. Her father was in charge of a coal mining operation until the end of the Second World War.