Maia Morgenstern

Maia Morgenstern, a renowned Romanian film and stage actress, has been hailed as a symbol of Romanian theater and film by Florin Mitu of AMOS News. Internationally, she is perhaps most recognizable for her portrayal of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in Mel Gibson's 2004 film, The Passion of the Christ. Within Romania, however, Morgenstern has enjoyed widespread recognition since her 1992 appearance as Nela in Balanţa, a film that has also been released in the United States under the title The Oak. Set against the backdrop of Communist Romania's waning days, this critically acclaimed film has solidified Morgenstern's position as a stalwart figure in Romanian cinema.