Though she was closely connected to the romantic tradition, Heiberg is still regarded as a key figure of Danish drama.

She contributed to the growing public social and moral perception of Danish actors as artists and cultural personalities rather than simply performers.

Her father Christian Heinrich Pätges was Roman Catholic, her mother Henriette (née Hartwig or Hirschborn) was Jewish.

In return the dual position of Heiberg as the leading lady of the theatre married to its main playwright also aroused much jealousy and accusations of favouritism.

Among her roles were Shakespeare characters including Viola in Twelfth Night and especially in French comedies and dramas.