Anke Engelke: Career Highlights and Recent Controversy Over DB Campaign

BERLIN, 09 February 2026 — Anke Engelke, the Canadian-born German entertainer often hailed as the “Queen of Comedy,” finds herself at the centre of a national debate this week. While her decades-long career has been defined by prestigious awards and versatile performances, her recent collaboration with Deutsche Bahn (DB) has sparked significant political and public backlash, leading to the abrupt termination of a multi-million euro marketing project.

Deutsche Bahn Halts “Boah, Bahn!” Campaign Amid Cost Outcry

As of February 2026, Deutsche Bahn has officially confirmed it will not proceed with further episodes of the web series “Boah, Bahn!” starring Anke Engelke. The decision follows intense scrutiny regarding the campaign’s expenditure and timing.

Seven Million Euro Price Tag

Reports emerged yesterday, 08 February 2026, indicating that the image campaign cost the state-owned rail operator approximately seven million euros. Critics and transport politicians have labelled the spending “tone-deaf,” particularly following a recent tragic attack on a train attendant and ongoing concerns regarding safety and infrastructure failures within the German rail network.

Shift in Corporate Strategy

While the series was initially praised by branding experts for its self-irony and willingness to address DB’s systemic flaws, the company stated today that the light-hearted comedy format “no longer fits the current climate.” The cancellation marks a swift end to a project that was intended to modernise the railway’s public image through Engelke’s signature wit.

A Legacy of Excellence: From Montreal to Cologne

Born on 21 December 1965 in Montreal, Canada, Anke Engelke moved to Germany as a child and quickly established herself as a prodigy in the entertainment industry. Her career began in her youth, hosting programmes for Radio Luxembourg and ZDF as early as 1986.

The “Comedy Queen” and Award-Winning Roles

Engelke’s rise to the top of German television was cemented in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She is perhaps best known for her sketch comedy series Ladykracher, which earned her international acclaim and multiple German Television Awards.

Selected Filmography and Voice Work

Beyond sketch comedy, Engelke is a prolific actress and voice talent. She has provided the German voice for iconic characters and starred in numerous domestic productions.

• Tarzan (1999): German Voice Actress
• Liebesluder (2000): Actress
• Blind Date (2001): Actress
• Der kleine Eisbär 2 (2005): Voice of Iguanita
• Oh, wie schön ist Panama (2006): Voice of Fish
• Fröhliche Weihnachten (2007): Actress/Producer
• Perfekt Verpasst: Actress/Producer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why was Anke Engelke’s Deutsche Bahn campaign cancelled?

The campaign “Boah, Bahn!” was stopped in February 2026 due to heavy criticism regarding its 7-million-euro cost. Politicians argued the funds should have been spent on security and infrastructure rather than image-focused comedy, especially following recent safety incidents on trains.

Where was Anke Engelke born?

Anke Engelke was born in Montreal, Canada, on 21 December 1965. Her father worked for an aviation company there before the family relocated to Germany.

What are Anke Engelke’s most famous works?

She is most famous for her sketch comedy show Ladykracher, her work on the Wochenshow, and her role as the German voice of Marge Simpson (following the death of Elisabeth Volkmann). She is also highly regarded for her recent series Perfekt Verpasst.

Has Anke Engelke won a Grimme Award?

Yes, she has won multiple Grimme Awards, including a “Special” prize in 1999 and a prestigious Honorary Award for her career contributions in 2022.