'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

A dangerous former client targets top divorce attorney Allura Grant with a series of escalating attacks before holding her hostage at gunpoint
2026-11-05T08:27:49.000Z
Joe Miñoso left 'Chicago Fire' in the procedural's momentous 300th episode
2026-11-05T07:53:12.000Z
‘Chicago Fire’ honors a fan favorite character in its 300th episode
2026-11-05T05:51:40.000Z
‘Chicago Med’ focuses on Dr Wu’s pursuit of the Chief Resident position in its latest episode
2026-11-05T04:50:53.000Z
Tomlin risks Cruz’s job to convince Severide in the latest episode of ‘Chicago Fire’
2026-11-05T03:47:56.000Z
The untitled Hulu series follows Leavitt and her family as she handles new fame and career ambitions
2026-11-05T03:29:58.000Z
The ‘All’s Fair’ cast return for a second season of divorce cases and personal drama. Here’s when new episodes arrive, where to watch and what to know about before the finale.
2026-11-04T16:46:27.000Z
'Batman: Knightfall Part 2' unveils a first-look clip as Azrael takes up the cowl after Bruce Wayne is left paralyzed by Bane.
2026-11-04T16:27:06.000Z
Owen Wilson returns to the green in ‘Stick’ Season 2. Here’s your guide to Apple TV’s weekly episode rollout, streaming details and finale date.
2026-11-04T15:48:30.000Z
'Trinity,' starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Richard Madden, follows a naval officer who suspects the US Secretary of Defense is at center of a conspiracy.
2026-11-04T15:21:56.000Z