Makatsch was born in Düsseldorf, Germany, the daughter of a former German national ice hockey team goaltender, Rainer Makatsch. In 1988, she spent several months in New Mexico, USA, in an effort to improve her English language skills. Later, she attended the University of Düsseldorf, where she studied politics and sociology for four semesters.
After completing her studies, Makatsch pursued an apprenticeship as a dressmaker, which she completed in 1994. Her television career began in 1993, when she was hired by music channel VIVA to host various shows, including Interaktiv and Heikes Hausbesuche. Two years later, on August 13, 1995, she became the host of the popular German chart show BRAVO TV, which aired on RTL II. She held this position until the summer of 1996.
In 1997, Makatsch launched her own weekly, late-night television show, titled Heike Makatsch Show. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled after only eight episodes due to poor ratings. Makatsch made her film debut in 1996, starring in Detlev Buck's comedy film Männerpension (English: "Jailbirds"). Her performance earned her the Bavarian Film Award for most talented young actor.
Since then, Makatsch has appeared in numerous German and English language film and television productions, solidifying her status as a talented and versatile actress.
