Diane Kruger Movies and Career Information

Diane Kruger (born 15 July 1976) is a German actress and former fashion model. In North America, she is known for her role as Helen in Troy, Dr. Abigail Chase in National Treasure and National Treasure: Book of Secrets, and Bridget von Hammersmark in Inglourious Basterds. Kruger was born as Diane Heidkrüger in Algermissen, Germany, near Hildesheim. She is the daughter of bank employee Maria-Theresa and computer specialist Hans-Heinrich Heidkrüger. She was raised Roman Catholic and attended a Catholic school. Diane did not drink alcohol until she was 20, because she saw the negative influence of alcohol on her father. Her mother sent her to student exchange programs when she was a teenager to improve her English. She was raised in Germany with her younger brother, Stefan. As a child, Kruger wanted to become a ballerina and successfully auditioned for the Royal Ballet School in London. However, after an injury ended her ballet career prematurely, Kruger moved to Paris and turned her energy toward modeling. Kruger soon became interested in acting and took lessons at the Cours Florent. She landed some small appearances in several French films. She made her onscreen debut in 2002