René Steinke (born 16 November 1963 as René Dan Steinke in East Berlin, East Germany), is a German actor, best known in Alarm für Cobra 11 – Die Autobahnpolizei as Kriminalhauptkommissar Tom Kranich. He appeared in the role from 1999–2003 and 2005–07. He was paired with Erdoğan Atalay, who played Semir Gerkhan. After graduating from school, Steinke trained as a communications technician. In 1987, he played his first leading role in the film "Vernehmung der Zeugen" (Interrogation of the Witnesses). In 1989, he was accepted to the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts and completed his training in 1993. Steinke then received a permanent offer at the Volksbühne Berlin, where he played various leading roles. In 1999, Steinke took on the role of Chief Inspector Tom Kranich in the RTL-produced action series Alarm für Cobra 11 – Die Autobahnpolizei (Alarm for Cobra 11 – The Highway Police) and was replaced in 2003 by Christian Oliver as Chief Inspector Jan Richter. Steinke returned to the series in March 2005 and then announced his final departure in January 2006. His last day of filming was February 8, 2006. Steinke's character, Tom Kranich, was shot and killed during an undercover operation in episode 158, titled Auf Leben und Tod (First aired: March 22, 2007). His immediate successor in the series was Gedeon Burkhard (2007–2008). He lives in Berlin and is married to the actress Bianca Warnek. They have had a son together since 2020.