Anke Christina Fischer, known professionally as Anke Engelke, was born on December 21, 1965, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Her family relocated to Germany when she was five years old. She grew up in Cologne and attended the Apostelgymnasium, where she gained early experience in radio broadcasting.
Engelke’s career began in radio, working for various stations, including WDR. Her early television appearances were primarily aimed at children and young adults. She gained prominence as a presenter for the children’s show “Die Sonntagsshow” in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Engelke transitioned into adult-oriented television in the 1990s. She hosted and co-created the satirical news program “Wochenshow” (1996-2002), a show that significantly contributed to her national recognition. She is known for her improvisational skills, character work, and comedic timing. She also hosted the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Düsseldorf.
While primarily known for her comedic roles and presenting work, Engelke has also acted in various films and television series. She has demonstrated versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. She voiced the character of Marge Simpson in the German dub of The Simpsons from 1991 to 2023.