Almila Bagriacik, who you might know as Detective Mila Sahin in ‘Tatort’ or Countess Leontine von Apafi in ‘The Empress,’ shared some exciting news last year at Berlinale 2023. On February 16, she hit the red carpet with her director boyfriend Finn Christoph Stroeks, revealing not just their relationship but also that they’re expecting a baby! The two met while filming ‘The Groom’ in 2022 and instantly hit it off. Almila called Finn her kindred spirit and expressed how they knew pretty quickly that they were meant to be.
At the event, Almila was all smiles, rocking a gorgeous green velvet dress that showed off her baby bump. Finn matched her vibe perfectly in a beige suit, and the two looked absolutely over the moon. Later, they made another appearance at the Berlinale’s Studio Babelsberg x Cartier party, where Almila confidently flaunted her growing bump in a stylish unbuttoned blouse and black suit.
In interviews, Almila Bagriacik described her pregnancy as “the most wonderful experience” and shared how excited she is about becoming a mom. However, she kept the baby’s due date and gender private.
Almila Bagriacik Was Pregnant in 2023—The Leontine Actress’ Postpartum Weight Gain is Noticeable in ‘The Empress’ Season 2
Almila Bagriacik, widely recognized amongst Netflix viewers as Countess Leontine von Apafi in ‘The Empress,’ captured attention at the Adolf Grimme Prize ceremony on April 21, 2023, when she appeared with a visible baby bump. While her pregnancy at that time was confirmed through her public appearance and social media uploads, the actress is not currently expecting.
In ‘The Empress’ Season 2, which hit Netflix on November 22, 2024, Bagriacik had a noticeable postpartum weight gain since she was pregnant in real life. In fact, she had just welcomed her first child one month before the filming of the second season began in Prague, Czech Republic, in September 2023. Though the precise date remains undisclosed, the Turkish-German actress welcomed her baby in August 2023.
Between early and late 2023, Almila Bagriacik went through some major life changes. From falling in love to becoming pregnant, embracing motherhood, and reaching new career highs, it was quite a year for her. During the first half of the year, Almila juggled her personal and work life. She stayed focused on her pregnancy, went to a few castings here and there, and kept things pretty quiet on social media. Her last Instagram post before the baby arrived was back in April 2023, leaving fans curious about what she was up to in the final months.
In mid-August, Almila revealed some major news in the most low-key manner—she’d had her first baby! Instead of a formal announcement, she uploaded a photo on her Instagram Story. Taken by her younger sister Alara in Prague, the pic showed Almila wearing a black dress and sunglasses while carrying her newborn in a baby sling. Her simple caption? “Family portrait.”
We’re not sure about the baby’s exact birth date because Almila chose to keep things private, skipping the usual flashy celebrity baby announcements. Instead, she let a family vacation photo quietly mark this special new chapter.
A month later, Almila Bagriacik and Finn Christoph Stroeks took another big step in their relationship—they got engaged! Almila shared how happy she was and talked about how much motherhood had changed her. She said it was a life-changing experience and added, “This calmness that I always lacked, I have gained as a mother.” She also mentioned how her priorities have shifted, with family now coming first over her career.
Just a month after having her baby, Almila got back to work like a pro. She jumped right into filming ‘The Empress’ on Netflix, with her costumes tailored perfectly for her post-pregnancy figure, making the transition smooth and effortless. She also resumed her role in ‘Tatort,’ balancing life as both a mom and an actress.
Her relationship with Finn, which started during a shared project, grew even stronger in the last two years. Almila loves his way with words, his sense of humor, and the mix of comfort and excitement he brings to her life. Their bond became even deeper with the arrival of their baby, strengthening their commitment to each other as both partners and parents.
Recently, on the occasion of Mother’s Day on May 12, 2024, the 34-year-old took to Instagram to share her delight at becoming a parent along with her newborn. She wrote,
To become a mother is the most powerful experience I’ve ever made. I am grateful to be a part of the most breathtaking kind of human beings in my world. I wish you all a peaceful Mother’s Day.
On the professional front, Almila has been nailing the balance between work and family. She’s determined to keep chasing her acting dreams while cherishing every family moment in Berlin.
‘The Empress’ Season 2 is streaming on Netflix.
