We recently connected with Hanna Hartenhauer and have shared our conversation below.
Hanna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I’ve always been totally obsessed with the camera! As a kid, I would “steal” my dad’s digital camera and film myself doing all kinds of stuff, playing with my stuffed animals, recreating musicals, making little vlogs, and even creating my own talk show called “Hanna’s Talentshow.” Yeah, I had my own catchy slogan and everything, complete with commercial breaks! I guess you could say I was born to be in front of the camera.
My love for acting really took off in elementary school when I started doing theater. From there, I got to be part of plays on our family’s yearly cruise ship trips, which felt like such a dream. I absolutely loved diving into different characters and memorizing lines, even at a young age. There’s something so magical about stepping into someone else’s shoes and bringing their story to life. What started as a silly hobby quickly became an activity I looked forward to when I got home from school. That being said, my academy awards speech is well rehearsed ever since I was 7!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those who haven’t met me yet: hi, I’m Hanna. I grew up in a small town in Germany where playing pretend was always my way of escaping and dreaming bigger. I remember stealing my dad’s camera and making little videos of myself, pretending I have my own talk show (with actual commercial breaks), or recreating musicals with my stuffed animals, That curiosity and love for creating worlds eventually led me to Los Angeles, where I studied acting for film right next to Universal Studios and Warner Brother’s.
When it comes to the work I provide, I focus on bringing a warm, fun, and professional energy to every set. Whenever I’m booked, I make sure that no time is wasted. I show up ready, creative, and inspired, always contributing to the project with my full attention and passion. Collaboration is key, and I genuinely believe in the power of teamwork to make something greater than the sum of its parts.
I also love digging deeper into the world of filmmaking. Creating my own short film, What If?, was an eye-opening experience that gave me a new appreciation for everything that happens behind the camera. Directors, crew, editors, you all are absolute superstars! While I have immense respect for the craft behind the scenes, my heart is happiest in front of the camera, bringing characters and stories to life, just like that little girl with the stuffies.
What sets me apart? I think it’s my ability to connect. I love bringing vulnerability to my work, whether it’s comedy, drama, or something in between. I’m not afraid to look a little messy, human, or raw on screen, because I think that’s what makes people lean in and see themselves in the story. I love saying “Yes” to everything and I’m incredibly comfortable in. being uncomfortable.
I’m proud of the fact that I’ve built this journey from scratch, coming from a small town with a big dream, working hard to graduate with honors, and taking risks to be here in LA carving out my path. More than anything, I want people to know that my work comes from a place of love, for the art, for the craft, and for the people it can reach. I went on this journey by myself. I came to the U.S. right after graduating high school. Leaving my family behind and learning how to be an adult on my own was challenging, but it helped me grow so much and taught me many tools that I can bring into every character I play.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to tell stories that stay with people. If someone watches something I’ve been part of and feels even a little less alone in the world, then I’ve done what I set out to do.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is that magical moment when someone watches my work and feels something. Whether it’s laughter, tears, or even just a spark of recognition, knowing that my work can touch someone’s world is incredible. I want people to leave the theater with something to think about, something that helps them grow, or something new they’ve learned. Creating that impact, inspiration, and leaving a lasting impression, that’s why I do what I do.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Being a foreigner in America comes with its own unique challenges. When you have limited options to work and support yourself, it can sometimes feel like you’re at a disadvantage compared to others in the industry. There were times when I had to work extra hard just to stay on track and keep pursuing my goals, even when the path felt slower or more complicated. What I’ve learned is that you have to stay strong when times get tough and remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Every small step forward is progress, and patience, perseverance, and resilience make all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanhartenhr
- Other: Imdb: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm12736996?s=b0ccbbe8-9fc6-1d7a-fde3-2ef37c934972&site_preference=normal
actorsaccess: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/HannaHartenhauer
Image Credits
Headshot: Matt Marcheski