Actress Nele Schepe (32) graces the cover of the September issue of "Playboy". In an interview with the men's magazine, the "Club der roten Bänder" star talks about the photo shoot, her body image and the personal significance of the pictures. For her, the experience was above all one thing: a step towards more self-confidence and freedom.
She saw the shoot as a "little challenge" for herself. Especially in her profession as an actress, clothing plays a special role: she can use it to create characters, tell stories and express herself. Standing in front of the camera without clothes was a completely different experience.
"No matter how and where we appear, we normally have something on", says Nele Schepe in the German edition of "Playboy". Without clothing, only one's own personality remains.
Nele Schepe rediscovers her body
For the actress, who celebrated her breakthrough in 2016 with her role as Kim in the VOX series "Club der roten Bänder", the shoot was a first. The pictures helped her perceive her own body with more self-confidence. "When I look at the pictures now, I see that I look beautiful without clothes and can be proud of myself and my body", Schepe says. She realized that she doesn't need a "disguise" to feel beautiful.
For the mother of two daughters, the photos therefore also have a deeper meaning: "For me, the 'Playboy' pictures are also about complete independence and freedom." Consciously showing herself and standing by it is a powerful feeling for her: "Here I am, and I'm showing that to the world - you can't be more independent than that."
From acting success to collaboration with Christian Wolf
In addition to her acting career, which also includes roles in series such as "Großstadtrevier" and "Das Traumschiff", Nele Schepe is currently working with fitness influencer and "More Nutrition" founder Christian Wolf.
Her official title as assistant only inadequately describes her actual tasks. "I'm basically his brain, without me this man would be lost - and vice versa", she says with a laugh. The two work closely together every day and are a well-coordinated team.
Nele Schepe confirms separation from her husband
At the same time, the actress has been through a turbulent private period. As Schepe confirms to the "Bild" newspaper, she and her husband Levent Demirbaga are no longer a couple. "We separated some time ago because we realized that we were developing in different directions as a couple", says the 31-year-old. The decision wasn't easy, but it was honest.
Despite the separation, the two continue to be connected by what matters most: their shared children. For their daughters Emilia (8) and Julie (6), they want to continue creating a stable and loving environment. "That's working really well now", says Schepe. There is no bitter battle. "Of course a separation brings changes, but we treat each other with respect and pull together when it comes to our children. We're both proud of that."
The September issue of "Playboy" with Nele Schepe on the cover will be released on August 6, 2026.
