Lesley Malton

Advisory Board Member

Actress, Cultural Advocate, Advisory Board Member at Althafen Foundation

Lesley Malton is an accomplished stage and screen actress whose career bridges performance, advocacy, and leadership in the German cultural sector. Born in the United States and based in Berlin, she has worked extensively in European theater, television, and film, earning recognition for her versatility, depth, and commitment to socially engaged storytelling.

Trained in New York and London, Lesley established herself in Germany with celebrated performances at Schauspiel Frankfurt, Schaubühne Berlin, and the Burgtheater in Vienna. She has collaborated with directors such as Peter Zadek, Luc Bondy, and Andrea Breth, and appeared in numerous German television productions, where she has become a familiar and respected presence.

Beyond her acting career, Lesley Malton is a passionate advocate for the role of the arts in civic life. As President of the German Stage Association (Deutscher Bühnenverein), she has played a central role in shaping national conversations around artist rights, cultural policy, and diversity in the performing arts. Her advocacy has focused on strengthening institutional support for artists and ensuring access to the arts across all communities.

As an Advisory Board Member of the Althafen Foundation, Lesley contributes her expertise in theater, public engagement, and cultural policy. She supports the foundation’s mission to connect artistic excellence with long-term societal impact through education, access, and sustainable career development.