'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

Ahsoka and Sabine remain stranded on Peridea as Thrawn moves to bring war to the New Republic.
3 hours ago
‘The X-Files: I Want to Believe’ featured just one name when released in 2008; now it honors three more luminaries
3 hours ago
Season 1 ended with Sybylla’s story at a turning point, leaving her future open, with Miles Franklin’s sequel is hinting at more to come.
4 hours ago
'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' received an exciting update after the 'TBBT' spinoff became HBO Max's second-biggest comedy launch worldwide.
14 hours ago
'The Rookie' star is bringing a familiar role back to the DC Universe in 'Mister Miracle,' adding another appearance to his growing series of roles.
18 hours ago
‘Silo’ Season 3 Episode 7 ends with major revelations about Kennedy, Knox, the Safeguard Protocol, and the mysterious origins of the silos
23 hours ago
Earlier reports indicated that Disney+ had begun development on the project in March 2025
1 day ago
Everything you need to know about when ‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO Max, including the release date and time.
1 day ago
Juno Temple addresses Roy and Keeley reunion rumors in 'Ted Lasso' Season 4, with fans wondering where their relationship is headed
1 day ago
'Lethal Weapon' famed actress joins 'Off Campus' Season 2 as Summer Di Laurentis, adding a familiar face to the story.
1 day ago