'The Last Word': Meet Anke Engelke and Thorsten Merten from the cast of Netflix's German drama about death

'Karla ignores her own life until she's surrounded by total chaos and has to ask herself: is there a right way to grieve'
(Netflix)
(Netflix)

Netflix's upcoming German drama series, 'The Last Word', dwells upon the subject of death. What happens after a man dies, what does he leave behind, and what happens to those who are left behind?

'The Last Word' is a story about Karla (Anke Engelke) whose husband suddenly dies after 25 years of marriage. Karla's life comes crashing down after his demise and she looks for ways to find closure. Soon enough, things that she had no idea existed come forward. Confronted with secrets they had never discussed, her shock from the death, pressing financial worries and her doubts over her husband's loyalty, Karla decides to become a professional eulogist. According to the official synopsis, "Karla ignores her own life until she's surrounded by total chaos and has to ask herself: is there a right way to grieve? And if there is, what's her right way?" The series, written by Aron Lehmann and Carolina Zimmermann and directed by Lehmann, arrives on Netflix on Thursday, September 17, 2020. But before that, meet the cast.

Anke Engelke as Karla Fazius 

Anke Engelke attends the Odeeh defile during the Der Berliner Mode Salon A/W 2017 at Kronprinzenpalais on January 17, 2017, in Berlin, Germany (Getty Images)

Canadian-German comedienne and actress Engelke is set to play the role of Karla who loses her husband suddenly. Following this, she embarks on a unique journey that (may or may not) bring her closure. When talking about her upcoming role in the series, Engelke is reported saying, "Just like in real life, drama and humour are clashing constantly. Family and relationships, loss and grief, life and death, the absurdities of life, the rediscovery of strength and lust for life, it is all in there - so beautiful it makes you cry." The actress is best known for her work in 'Fröhliche Weihnachten', 'Die Wochenshow' and 'Ladykracher'. Her role in 'Pastewka' is also very well appreciated. She is also known for her role as Barbara Dietrich in 'Deutschland 86'.

Thorsten Merten as Andreas Borowski

Thorsten Merten (Netflix)

Merten plays the role of the undertaker Andreas Borowski who works with Karla. While Karla's methods and newly-found perspective to life and death doesn't fully sit with him, he's there for her. The actor is known for 'Grill Point', 'Kohlhaas oder die Verhältnismäßigkeit der Mittel', 'In Berlin wächst kein Orangenbaum', 'Bruder: Schwarze Macht' and 'Tatort'.

Additional information about the cast is yet to be made available. Till then, stay tuned!



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

With Season 8 set to premiere in 2027, the Netflix drama has already secured another chapter, with its first seven seasons already attracting more than 500 million views worldwide
2026-11-13T15:48:34.000Z
Ewan McGregor joins Claire Danes in the A24 thriller, which also stars Daveed Diggs and explores how a suspected hit-and-run threatens a marriage
2026-11-13T12:59:20.000Z
‘Happy’s Place’ Season 3 casts ‘Desperate Housewives’ star James Denton as Reba McEntire’s new love interest
2026-11-13T08:12:36.000Z
An unexpected rash turned out to be measles that might have been fatal for one character.
2026-11-13T07:46:24.000Z
Pavi and Nisha will follow separate paths before their journeys bring them back together in Book 2
2026-11-13T04:46:57.000Z
Mariska Hargitay’s reported ‘SVU’ paycheck includes acting and producing, while her estimated wealth reflects a career spanning more than four decades.
2026-11-12T20:43:49.000Z
'Marshals' Season 2 introduces a Texas cowgirl who joins Kayce Dutton at East Camp to help establish an equine therapy program.
2026-11-12T20:24:16.000Z
‘School Spirits’ Season 4 brings back Jennifer Tilly as Deborah Hunter-Price and Milo Manheim as Wally Clark while expanding its cast with four new additions
2026-11-12T20:05:26.000Z
Paul Wesley and Sara Canning reunite for Netflix’s college sports romance ‘Icebreaker,’ years after starring together in ‘The Vampire Diaries.’
2026-11-12T19:40:49.000Z
Peacock’s ‘The Good Daughter’ finale answers questions about the school shooting, Huck’s past and the buried secrets dividing Sam and Charlie’s family.
2026-11-12T16:29:59.000Z