Kathi Reichel shares insights into her life and career in acting with Networking Magazine for edition 5 of “Cypher”.
For Kathi Reichel a visit to the set proved unforgettable—being starstruck by the cast. Soon after came a first experience as a background actor in a German feature film; sitting in the make-up chair, getting hair and make-up sorted, it became clear: this could be a lifelong pursuit.
There’s a part of my story I usually keep to myself, but I want to be open about it: my father became chronically ill when I was very young, which shifted my focus entirely onto my family and away from my own passions and identity. He was a pilot, and his illness felt like it clipped his wings—so now, through acting and storytelling, I try to be his wings, exploring the world and experiences he can’t, and sharing that journey with others.
– Kathi Reichel
At the moment, I’m back home—returning to my roots because of visa circumstances—and for the first time, I have the chance to reconnect with my beginnings and perform here. I’ve just been cast in the play “Wenn das Licht erklingt,” and I couldn’t be more excited to act in my mother tongue and finally have my family see me on stage.
Acting
The seeds of an acting career were sown early. With just thirty minutes of television permitted each day, a young aspiring performer made a beeline for “Hannah Montana” every evening. It wasn’t long before friends were recruited to join in impromptu skits, performing pop hits with a flair that hinted at future ambitions.
When her brothers landed roles in a German TV show, the competitive spirit was piqued. A visit to the set proved unforgettable—being starstruck by the cast, and perhaps developing a secret crush on the lead. Soon after came a first experience as a background actor in a German feature film. Sitting in the make-up chair, getting hair and make-up sorted, it became clear: this could be a lifelong pursuit. This was a calling.
Medicine Vs Film
But life had other plans for a while. Attending a demanding school meant the focus shifted to academics and family. Growing up in a small town where the arts weren’t exactly encouraged, it was easy to drift away from that early spark. When it came time to choose a path of study, there was a sense of being torn—medicine or film? In the end, film won out.
Then COVID arrived. A hands-on, creative degree suddenly became entirely theoretical, mostly studied from bed. It wasn’t until the final two semesters that a passion for storytelling started to creep back in.
Kathi Reichel – New York
After graduation, a move to New York for an internship followed, but something just didn’t sit right—it all felt miles away from a true sense of purpose. One day, while burning up with a fever, there was a spontaneous decision to sign up for an acting class—one barely even remembered making. That class changed everything, helping to heal, restore confidence, and bring back laughter and dreams. For the first time in ages, there was a sense of feeling truly oneself.
Back in Germany, there was no time wasted searching for a summer acting programme—and that’s when the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute appeared on the radar. What was supposed to be a brief stint turned into something much more. It became a home, a place to rediscover parts of oneself lost along the way.
Auditions
Instincts said to enrol in the conservatory. After completing the programme, it was time to take full advantage of OPT, diving into auditions and building a growing portfolio. Among the student film credits is ‘Veradens’, which earned Best Horror at the Paradise Film Festival and accolades at the Rome Prisma Independent Film Awards, plus selection for the Lift-Off Global Network Film Festival.
Later, Kathi jetted off to Atlanta to work on the TV pilot/film “Asherah: A Love Odyssey”—a surreal experience, especially being on a set where massive productions, including ones from Marvel Studios, had been filmed.
Women Who Cut
One of the most life-changing chapters for Kathi was joining Women Who Cut. The people she met there changed everything. They became more than collaborators—they became family. The project picked up several awards, and through her role as Mia, she grew massively as an actor and as a person.
Kathi also got the chance to work as an assistant director on a stage production, which pushed her creatively in brand new ways. Being on the other side of the process gave her a deeper understanding of storytelling and teamwork—and she loved every second of it.
Her final project before heading back to Germany was Women Who Cut Immersive, and it was an experience she’ll never forget. Leaving New York felt like leaving home—like leaving a bit of herself behind.
Creativity
The people she met, the work she created, and the growth she experienced during that time shaped Kathi in ways she never expected. Acting became more than just a job—it became a space for healing, connection, and honesty.
And if one thing’s clear to Kathi now, it’s this: she wants to go back to that place—not just physically, but creatively. That’s where she feels most alive, and that’s where she truly feels at home.
Breaking news: Kathi has just revealed she’s been cast in “Spider-Man: The Book of Peter”! Follow us on Instagram to keep up with her latest adventures.
Kathi Reichel – Credits
Website homepage image – Photography by: Alan Rexroth: @alan_rexroth_visuals
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