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Nastassja Kinski

Nastassja Kinski is a German actor and former model known for her work in European and American film.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Nastassja Kinski is a German actor and former model who gained international recognition for her roles in *Stay as You Are* (1978) and *Tess* (1979). Her performance in *Tess* earned her a Golden Globe Award. She is known for her work in European and American film, including *Paris, Texas* and *Cat People*.

Early life and background

Kinski was born in Berlin on 24 January 1961, the daughter of German actor Klaus Kinski. She worked as a model in her teens before entering the film industry.

Film career

Kinski made her screen debut in *The Wrong Move* (1975) and later built an international career spanning European and American productions. Her best-known films include *Tess* (1979), *Cat People* (1982), and *Paris, Texas* (1984). She has appeared in more than 60 films.

Recognition

Kinski’s breakthrough role in *Stay as You Are* (1978) brought her wider attention, and *Tess* established her as an internationally recognised performer. She won a Golden Globe Award for her performance in *Tess*.

Personal life

Public reference sources identify her family connections and mention marriages and children, though details vary by source.

Key facts

  • Born in Berlin on 24 January 1961 with birth name Nastassja Aglaia Nakszynski.
  • Began her career as a model before moving into acting.
  • Film debut was in *The Wrong Move* (1975).
  • Achieved international fame with *Stay as You Are* (1978) and *Tess* (1979).
  • Won a Golden Globe Award for her role in *Tess*.
  • Has appeared in more than 60 films in Europe and the United States.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Nastassja Kinski?
She is a German actor and former model known for international film roles in Europe and the United States.
When was Nastassja Kinski born?
She was born on 24 January 1961 in Berlin.
What is Nastassja Kinski best known for?
She is best known for *Tess* (1979), *Stay as You Are* (1978), *Cat People* (1982), and *Paris, Texas* (1984).
Did Nastassja Kinski win a Golden Globe?
Yes. She won a Golden Globe Award for her performance in *Tess*.
What was her first film role?
Her film debut was in *The Wrong Move* (1975).
Is Nastassja Kinski related to Klaus Kinski?
Yes. She is the daughter of German actor Klaus Kinski.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nastassja_Kinski
    Supports: International breakthrough with Stay as You Are, Golden Globe recognition for Tess, and film output of more than 60 films.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000176/bio/
    Supports: Birth date, birth name, birthplace, and family relationship to Klaus Kinski.
  3. Wikipedia (Polish) — https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nastassja_Kinski
    Supports: Modeling background, film debut in The Wrong Move, and meeting Roman Polanski.
  4. Turner Classic Movies — https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/351350%7C0/Nastassja-Kinski
    Supports: Career highlights including Tess, Cat People, Paris, Texas, and later work.
  5. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/movies/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/kinski-nastassja
    Supports: Nationality, birth name, education/acting study, family details, and career milestones.