Born on 13 August 1971 in Düsseldorf, Germany, as the daughter of former German national ice hockey keeper Rainer Makatsch. After studying politics and sociology at the University of Düsseldorf for two years and an apprenticeship as dressmaker, she was hired by newborn TV music channel VIVA in 1993 and hosted popular shows such as Interaktiv. Also presenting the charts show Bravo TV, the media considered her the prototype of a "girlie girl". Her first appearance in a movie, Männerpension, surprised the critics and slowly changed her image. In the following years, she played leading characters in successful projects such as Am I Beautiful? and Gripsholm. Living in London from 1999 to 2005, she also appeared in English language movies, most prominently Love Actually. After another convincing performance on Margarete Steiff, she is considered a respected actress anyway.
After her TV breakthrough as VJ and host on Viva, the German MTV clone, the media often considered her the prototype of a "girly girl" in the 1990s. Living with British actor Daniel Craig. [2001-2005] One of the first VJs on German music channel Viva. 2001: Named as one of European films' Shooting Stars by European Film Promotion. Daughter of Rainer Makatsch, former goalkeeper of Germany's national ice hockey team. Has lived in Berlin with longtime companion Max Martin Schröder since 2005. Wrote her first book "Keine Lieder über Liebe" about her experiences during filming Keine Lieder über Liebe. Announced that she is expecting her first child with boyfriend Max Martin Schröder. [October 2006] Her boyfriend Max Martin Schröder is a member of the German band "Tomte" as well as one half of rock duo Olli Schulz und der Hund Marie. Had to back out of the lead role in The Gift Horse due to her pregnancy. Gave birth to her daughter Mieke Ellen on 23 January 2007. Daughter, Mieke Ellen Schröder, born 23 January 2007. Her father is Heike's long-time boyfriend, Max Schröder.