My Fave Turkish Actors
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- Actor
- Director
- Producer
Tarik Akan's real name is Tarik Üregül and he was born in Istanbul in 1949 and grew up in the other parts of Turkey because of his father's job. His father was a colonel. Before he started his acting career he worked as a lifeguard on the beaches, rented boats to people... He also went on going to the university (Yildiz Teknik) at nights studying mechanical engineering.
He entered a contest of a famous magazine called "Voice(Ses)" back then to earn some money and he won the contest as a first runner up... He acted in his first film in 1970, at the age of 21... He left the university and joined the journalism faculty. He learnt film grammar from the famous Turkish film director 'Ertem Eilmez'. In 1974 the famous Turkish theatre director and writer 'Vasif Öngören' was his teacher. Back in the 70s, he took the young handsome lad roles in romantic comedies. Then going parallel with his age; he took roles in political strong dramas and he made it today. He has acted in 110 films and he took place in many unforgettable movies in the Turkish film history, won lots of awards from various festivals including Cannes, Berlin.
He directed several productions such as documentaries and serials for TV. He's been considered as the most handsome actor in Turkey also one of the best... He's been an educator for 11 years now and he wrote his first book "Anne Kafamda Bit Var" (biographical) in 2002. He's still going on with his acting career and keep enchanting his fans.- Sarp Akkaya is a Turkish film, television and theatre actor, born on 13 May, 1980 in Istanbul, Turkey. He began acting at the age of twelve along with his twin brother Kaya Akkaya. Their older sister Esra Akkaya is also an actress. Their AKKAdemi theatre opened in 2010. Sarp Akkaya and Kaya Akkaya played in TV series "Bizim Aile (1996)" and "The Magnificent Century (2011)" together.
He is best known for his role as Sari Bilal in Suskunlar (2012), as Tefo in Ezel (2009), as Atmaca in The Magnificent Century (2011). He is well known for his work in "Suskunlar (2012)", "Coming Soon (2014)" and "Labyrinth (2011)". He graduated in Theatre from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. He has got big angel tattoo in his back.
Sarp Akkaya completed his graduation in the State Conservatory Theater Department from the Mimar Sinan University in 2001. He performed in the theater plays "Later" and "Chaos" at the Studio Drama Theater, which was followed by the "Devenin Horgucu Tragic" and "6th Gon" of the Alchera Theater Group. Sarp established Studio Drama Theater Group along with his school friend Onur Bayraktar.
Sarp started his acting career at his age of 12 along with his twin brother Kaya Akkaya in "Bizim Aile (1996)" directed by Kartal Tibet in 1995, which was played by actors like Ergun Karkar, Jeyan Mahfi Tossum, Kerim Afsar, Mine Çayiroglu, Ferdi Akarnur, Toprak Sergen, Kaya Akkaya, Civan Canova, Zafer Önen, Devrim Nas, Bülent Sakrak and Hakan Vanli. He was recognized with the role of the fortune, which was portrayed on the line titled "Valley of the Wolves: Ambush (2007)" in 2007.
Sarp Akkaya was one of the founders of "Tiyatradam" in November, 2007 which was established by a group of supervisor and conservatory graduates of Serdar Akar. Sarp founded an educational institution named AKKAdemi Theater in 2010 together with his wife Esra Akkaya and his twin Kaya Akkaya. In 2012, he played the leading role of "Suskunlar (2012)" along with Murat Yildirim, while other roles played by Asli Enver, Berk Hakman and Pelin Akil.
In 2015, Sarp Akkaya starred in the television series "Racon (2015)" along with Mehmet Aslantug, Hande Dogandemir, Sezin Akbasogullari, Baris Arduç, Seçkin Özdemir, Ekin Türkmen and Tomris Incer. He also appeared in the film "Eksik (2015)" in 2015, directed by Baris Atay along with Ugur Polat, Nur Sürer, Toprak Saglam, Özgür Emre Yildirim and Sebnem Sönmez.
Recently, Sarp has acted in the television series "Broken Pieces" which started airing in 2016 and has appeared in the film "Filth" in 2017. - Actor
- Soundtrack
Ilker Aksum is a Turkish film and television actor, born on 23 May, 1971 in Istanbul, Turkey. He is well known for his role in the film "Yabanci Damat" (2004), "Our Grand Despair" (2011), "Kucuk Kiyamet" (2006) and "Vavien" (2009).
Ilker Aksum did his schooling at Etimesgut Seker Elementary School. Then he studied at Mehmetcik High School. He completed his graduation from the Theater Department at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in 1989. He also studied at the Ankara State Conservatory.
Ilker Aksum started his acting career in the Antalya State Theater in 1994. His first professional role was in the "Hamlet" game as Ophelia. He left in Istanbul in 1996 since the staff was not opened. After a short period, he left his military service in Kars Sarikamis. He worked at the Bakirkoy Municipal Theater for a short time and worked at the Istanbul City Theater for a year.
Ilker met Taylan Biraderler, when he played a part in the television series "Secret File" with his friend Devin Ozgur Cinar. Later, he appeared in the role of the uncle of the "Tsar" series, which was played by the most famous chimpanzee. He also presented the contest show "One for Two".
Aksum appeared in many films. He made his film debut with the film "Our Grand Despair" in 2011. He was the presenters of the 49th International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival held on 07 October, 2012, which was organized by Iclal Aydin and Ilker Aksum.
Ilker Aksum won the Best Supporting Actor Award at the 28th Siyad Turk Sinemasi Awards, for the first feature film "Little Doomsday", which was directed by Durul and Yagmur Taylan brothers in 2006. In 2006, he achieved the Best Supporting Actor award in the 28th SIYAD Turkish Cinema Awards. He won the Best Supporting Actor award in the Ismail Cem Television Awards in 2010. In 2013, he won the Best Actor of the Year in the 18th Sadri Familiar Theater and Cinema Acting Awards for his role in the film "Happy Family Book".
Recently, Ilker Aksum has continued to work in films and television series.
Ilker Aksum's father's name is Mehmet Bulent Aksum, who is an officer pilot and his mother's name is Nurten Aksum. He has twin brothers, named Ilkay Aksum and Alpay Aksum. He is married to Belgin Erdogan in 2008 and they got divorced in 2012.- Recep Aktug was born on 13 May 1964. He was an actor, known for Conquest 1453 (2012), Forbidden Love (2008) and The Valley of the Wolves (2003). He died on 14 January 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey.
- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Mehmet Aslantug was born on 25 September 1961 in Samsun, Turkey. He is an actor and director, known for Sicak Saatler (1998), Yalanci (1994) and Askin Ikinci Yarisi (2010). He has been married to Arzum Onan since 1 August 1996. They have one child.- Onur Bayraktar was an actor, known for Sessiz Firtina (2007), Kapaliçarsi (2009) and Z (2008). He died on 26 November 2010 in Istanbul, Turkey.
- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Ufuk Bayraktar was born in 12.09.1981 in Istanbul. Right after his high school graduation, he started running the coffee shop which belongs to his father, at the province of Cihangir Firuzaga. He met with director Zeki Demirkubuz there and he started acting. He has been an actor since 2005. "Kümes" (The Coop) is the first feature film that Ufuk Bayraktar directed.- Actor
- Music Department
Renan Bilek was born on 6 October 1968 in Istanbul, Turkey. He is an actor, known for Time Goes By (2010), Pocket Hercules: Naim Süleymanoglu (2019) and Yesil Deniz (2014).- Actor
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Haluk Bilginer is a Turkish actor. In addition to his acting career in Turkey, he has also worked in the United Kingdom and remains known for his role as Mehmet Osman in the television soap opera EastEnders (1985) during the 1980s. He has also starred in Hollywood movies as a minor actor. He played a villainous guerrilla leader in the 1987 comedy film Ishtar (1987) (one of the most notorious flops in movie history) and a Turkish Mafioso in the 2001 dark comedy film Buffalo Soldiers (2001). He played the character of Emre Celenk in the episode of Persephone in MI-5 (2002) 2004.
Bilginer was born in Izmir, Turkey. He graduated from Ankara State Conservatory in 1977 before going to England where he graduated from London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He landed his first role at EastEnders (1985). Bilginer makes his first appearance in EastEnders (1985) as Mehmet Osman on-screen in June 1985, four months after the show originally aired. His arrival coincides with a cot death story line of Sue and Ali's baby, Hassan. Mehmet appears as a recurring character from 1985-1987, setting up a cab firm named Ozcabs from inside Ali's cafe; however, he becomes a regular in 1988, when both he and his wife Guizin (Ishia Bennison) are made partners in Ali's cafe, which is renamed Café Osman. Mehmet is portrayed as a charmer, a rogue and a womanizer. Author of The EastEnders (1985) Handbook, Hilary Kingsley, has said of him, "he tries it on with every woman he meets and sometimes succeeds through a combination of good looks and sheer audacity." A serial gambler, Mehmet was shown to steer Ali into various money-losing ploys, and had a combustible marriage to Guizin, who put up with his philandering, as in the Turkish community, that's "what a wife was expected to do".
Described as "the Terrible Turk", Haluk Bilginer was one of the more popular male cast members on EastEnders (1985) during the 1980s, and he reportedly received sackfuls of fan mail, "despite playing a villain and a womanizing snake". Hilary Kingsley has said that what made the character so popular was Bilginer's Omar Sharif-style good looks and charm. Following the departure of Holland and Smith, Mehmet was eventually written out of the serial in May 1989, in a story line that signified the disbandment of the Osman family. On-screen, Mehmet returns to his native Cyprus after a fight with Guizin regarding her suspicions about Mehmet's fabricated affair with Sue. The Osman family were among many characters to leave the serial that year. Writer Colin Brake has commented, "the pace of comings and going was fast and furious during 1989, as the program me tried to find a new direction." Bilginer went into musical theatre after leaving EastEnders (1985). During the course of the show, he came to Turkey to star in the 1987 TV series Gecenin Öteki Yüzü (1987) (The Other Side of the Night), where he met his eventual first wife Zuhal Olcay, famous Turkish actress and singer. After dividing his time in London and Istanbul for six years, he left the show to stay in Turkey permanently and married Zuhal Olcay in 1992. He guest starred in an episode of The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (1992) as Ismet Inönü, and went on to star in the Yavuz Özkan film "Iki Kadin (1992)" (Two Women). He then starred in various movies including the controversial Istanbul Kanatlarimin Altinda (1996) (Istanbul Under My Wings) and the famous Sawdust Tales (1997) (Master, Kill Me). After critical acclaim for these roles, he earned his first award as a supporting actor in Innocence (1997) (Innocence). After deciding he wants to pursue career on stage, he founded "Tiyatro Stüdyosu" (Theatre Studio) with his ex-wife Zuhal Olcay and Ahmet Levendoglu in 1990. After starring in various plays for six years, he had to return to screen in 1996 because of a fire that has destroyed the theater. He and his wife starred in television and movies to raise money to found another theater.
During this era, he starred in Eyvah Kizim Büyüdü (2000) (Oh My, My Daughter Has Grown), starting his second era in television. After years of work, he and his wife managed to start a second theater, called "Oyun Atölyesi" (Play Workshop). His most famous role however came after he started his second theater. He landed a role in Tatli Hayat (2001), a remake of The Jeffersons (1975). He played the role of Ihsan Yildirim, an angry and foul-mouthed, yet lovable dry cleaner. He was accompanied by legendary actress Türkan Soray, who played his wife, Asuman Dabak playing the witty cleaner, Neco playing the Greek neighbor (The enmity between Greeks and Turks were put instead of the Black-White one in the original) and Çolpan Ilhan playing Neco's wife. He and the show's breakthrough character Irfan (played by Celal Kadri Kinoglu) are regarded as the best characters in Turkish TV history. He divorced Zuhal Olcay in 2004 and began a relationship with Askin Nur Yengi, a famous Turkish singer. They married in 2006 and had a girl. After Tatli Hayat (2001), he starred in Neredesin Firuze (2004) (Where Are You Firuze?), Hirsiz Var! (2005) (Thief!) and Hacivat Karagöz Neden Öldürüldü? (2006) (Why Were Hacivat&Karagöz Murdered?). His most recent role in Polis (2007) (Police) however, is his most critically acclaimed role after Tatli Hayat (2001). His portrayal of the troubled police legend Musa Rami has gained critical acclaim from both critics and viewers, who thought the movie was too experimental. Bilginer, however, has said that he will work in all of Onur Ünlü's (screenwriter and director of Polis (2007)) movies, even as an extra if required. Bilginer played the role of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in an Is Bank commercial, which first aired on 10 November 2007 during the 69th commemorations of Atatürk's death. In 2009 , He play in famous Turkish series Ezel (2009) during the second season. He became famous with this role around many countries . Bilginer co-starred in the 2009 American thriller The International (2009) as Ahmet Sunay, a Turkish high-tech missile guidance system dealer. He was accompanied by Clive Owen and Naomi Watts in this movie. Bilginer plays Aydin, an imposing Grey-haired former actor, in Winter Sleep (2014), which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014.- Yetkin Dikinciler is a Turkish actor.
Yetkin Dikinciler graduated in Theatre from the State Conservatory of Mimar Sinan University. He was awarded "Best Actor" for his role as Nazim Hikmet in Mavi Gözlü Dev at the 19th Ankara Film Festival, 13th ÇASOD Awards and 13th Sadri Alisik Awards. - Köksal Engür was born on 5 March 1946 in Kars, Turkey. He was an actor, known for Vizontele (2001), Sen Kimsin? (2012) and Korkuyorum Anne (2004). He died on 26 March 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey.
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Timuçin Esen (born 14 August 1973) is a Turkish actor.
Timuçin Esen was born on 14 August 1973 in Adana to lawyer parents. After studying at TED Ankara College, he went to study theatre at Ankara University state conservatory and ultimately graduated from Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts. He then went to the California Institute of the Arts in the United States to do his master's degree. He received coaching from acting teacher Larry Moss.
After returning to Turkey, he played in the series Gurbet Kadini (2003). Esen starred in the film Lovelorn (2005) for which he won both a Golden Orange and a SIYAD award.- Baris Falay was born on 9 April 1972 in Edremit, Balikesir, Turkey. He is an actor, known for Ezel (2009), Ebb and Tide (2013) and Kuzenlerim (2002). He has been married to Esra Ronabar since 7 July 2006. They have one child.
- Actor
- Writer
- Music Department
Firat is of Turkish, Circassian and Arab descent. His father is singer Nihat Firat. After finishing high school, he studied radio and television broadcasting in Sweden. He then returned to Ankara and took acting classes in Ankara University. Firat graduated from the theatre department of Ankara University and took his master's degree in Film and Drama from Kadir Has University. He founded the "Moda Theatre" and "Das Das" in Istanbul, and "Sanat Mahal" in Bursa. He has appeared in more than fifteen films since 2005 and has won many awards. In October 2017 the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Turkey chose Firat as a Goodwill Ambassador in Turkey.- Cahit Gök was born on 7 October 1981 in Bingöl, Turkey. He is an actor, known for Hunting Season (2010), Coming Soon (2014) and Ezel (2009).
- He was born in Istanbul (1978). Her graduated from Istanbul University State Conservatory-Departmant Theatre in 2002. He got his Master Degree in 2005. Between 1998-2012 he performed with Kenter Theater in the plays respectively, "Marti", "Nükte", "Hep Ask Vardi", "Çözüm", "Sirça Kümes", "Ask Çemberi", "Inishmore'lu Yüzbasi", "Kumarbazin Seçimi", "Anna Karenina", "Açik Denizde", "Victoria", "Cimri", "Zorla Güzellik" and "Ölümüne". In 2014 he founded his own theatre Company Tiyatro iN. His first project "Killer Joe" got 6 awards in total. He starred in many Tv series such as "Kampüsistan", "Yaprak Dökümü", "Emret Komutanim" and "Intikam". He also starred in more than 10 long feature films including ''Av Mevsimi'' , "Yagmur - Kiyamet Çiçegi", "Çalsin Sazlar" and "Bana Adini Sor". He appeared in many commercials on Tv. Engin Hepileri won "New Generation Award" in 2004 Afife Jale Theatre Awards, "Best Supporting Actor Award in Comedy" in 2010 Sadri Alisik Awards, with his own project "Killer Joe" he won "Actor of The Year Award" given by Theater Critics Association and with 3 films he starred in 2014 he won "Ayhan Isik Special Award" in Sadri Alisik Awards.
Lastly, Engin Hepileri played the role of "Kartal Söz" in "Gülizar" Tv series. - Actor
- Soundtrack
Kenan Imirzalioglu was born in Ankara at June 18th, 1974. Imirzalioglu finished elementary school in Ankara, when he was 12. He went to middle school and high school at Ankara. Then he moved to Istanbul for his University education. He graduated from Yildiz Technical University. He has a Bachelor of Mathematics degree.
In 1997, he attended Best Model of Turkey finals and he won the contest. Then he qualified for Best Model of the World contest. He also won the contest and achieved the title "Best Model of The World".
For the first time, a Turkish model won the title Best Model of The World. After winning the model contest, famous Turkish director Osman Sinav offered him a leading role as Yusuf Miroglu in the new TV serial Deli Yurek which was the first Turkish TV series exported internationally in 1999. The series broadcaster between 1999 - 2002. He also had The lead role for the movie version of the series 'Deli Yurek : Boomerang Cehennemi' in 2001).
He went to US for acting and language education after Deli Yurek projects. After his return he joined the cast of new TV series Alacakaranlik which was on TV screens in 2003 - 2005. In between, at 2004, he played a leading role at Yazi Tura movie which won 16 awards in different film festivals. Most impressing award of all was "The Best Actor" award at Adana Altin Koza Festival, one of the major movie award organization of Turkey.
Between 2005-2007, he enacted "Mehmet Kosovali" at white screen with the TV Series Aci Hayat. In 2006, He took the leading role in his third movie Son Osmanli Yandim Ali followed by Kabadayi in 2007 which was his fourth movie project between TV series projects.
In 2009, He started a new project at white screen with Ezel which was his carriers best and up swinging role. The series became The most popular and top rated series in Turkish television history between 2009 - 2011. Along with TV series, His successful career continued with Ejder Kapani 2010 and with Uzun Hikaye in 2012.
Karadayi (2012-2015), he started his careers 5th TV series with Mahir Kara role. After this series at 2017, he starred the movie of Cingoz Recai which is fallowed by another TV series Fatih . This was one of the most budgeted TV series of Turkish Television at which he gave life to the character of Fatih Sultan Mehmet who is one of the most important figures of Ottoman and Turkish history.
Recently, he is presenting the longest TV contest Kim Milyoner Olmak Ister. Also he joined the cast of TV series Alef for 8 episodes to be broadcaster at online TV platform Blu TV.- Actor
- Soundtrack
Aras Bulut Iynemli is a Turkish actor. Iynemli has won numerous accolades for his acting since the beginning of his career. He is best known for his performances in the television series Oyle Bir Gecer Zaman ki (English: As Time Goes by), Muhtesem Yuzyil (English: Magnificent Century), Maral, Icerde (English: Inside) and Cukur (English: The Pit).
He has an older brother, actor Orcun Iynemli and an older sister, television host and singer Yesim Iynemli. Other relatives who are actors are Miray Daner (cousin), Cengiz Daner (uncle) and Ilhan Daner (great uncle).
After playing a role in 2-3 commercials, he got a role in the drama series Oyle Bir Gecer Zaman ki in 2010. This drama gained international success and Iynemli received a reward as well. Before this he had also worked in the drama Back Street, but he took a hiatus after the first part as he had to complete his education of aircraft engineering. He won OSS (SAT exam in Turkey) as one of first 100 students. He continued his studies at the Istanbul Technical University. In 2011, while he was 20 he received the Antalya Television Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In 2013 he appeared in the Azerbaijani-Turkish movie Mahmut and Meryem, based on a novel by Elcin Efendiyev. He played a disabled boy in Tamam miyiz? and portrayed Sehzade Bayezid on Muhtesem Yuzyil in the same year.
In 2015, Iynemli was selected to play the main male character in the series Maral: En Guzel Hikayem together with the actress Hazal Kaya. In 2016-17, he played the role of Umut Yilmaz / Mert Karadag in Icerde. In 2017, he began playing the role of Yamac Kocovali in Cukur.
In 2019, Iynemli portrayed a mentally ill father who was wrongly imprisoned for murder in 7. Kogustaki Mucize, which broke viewing records in Turkey within a short period. After the movie was broadcast on Netflix, it was well received by audience in France and Latin America.
In addition to his acting career, Iynemli has appeared in many advertising films and is the face of numerous brands.- Emre Karayel was born on 18 October 1972 in Adana, Turkey. He is an actor, known for A Chaster Marriage (2016), Last Summer (2021) and 1 Erkek 1 Kadin 2 Cocuk (2014).
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Riza Kocaoglu (born March 19, 1979) is a Turkish actor. Born and raised in Izmir. His family is Turkish origin who immigrated from Thessaloniki and part of his family is from Erivan, Kars. Her sister is actress, Gözde Kocaoglu. He is a graduate of the theater department at Dokuz Eylül University and has worked in cinema since 2001.
Big and small screen actor known for his roles in the films Hunting Season and Losers' Club. Some of his popular recurring television roles include Karadayi (2012), Kuzey Güney (2011), Filinta (2014), Ezel (2009), Insider (2016) and The Pit (2016).- Actor
- Producer
- Camera and Electrical Department
- Actor
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Additional Crew
He was born and grew up in Istanbul. He started his career at Bakirkoy Community Center Theatre. Later he worked at Ankara State Theatre, Istanbul State Theatre and Istanbul City Theatre. He also worked in small play houses with today's famous actors and actresses. He made his place in the theatre stronger with the play Fareler ve Insanlar (Mice and Men). Although he was a known stage actor he became famous nationwide with his movies, after 1950's.
In 1970's, he took part in many Ertem Egilmez movies which contained other famous names of the time. In those movies he mostly played with actress Adile Nasit as a duo and they became a memorable couple in the minds of the audience. His most known role is Kel Mahmut (Mahmut the Bald), who is the idealist principal of a high school with troubled students in Hababam Sinifi; movie series. Kel Mahmut (a.k.a. Mahmut Hoca) tries to help those students and guide them to a better life.
Ozkul, secluded himself from public when the TV started to become popular. Yet, he appeared in some TV shows as a guest star or in small parts.
Turkish Ministry of Culture awarded him with the title State Artist, in 1998.
In his youth he had some problems with his drinking habit. After that he spent the most of his life fighting against alcohol and by the 1990s he quit drinking, completely.
Ozkul's been married for 4 times and he has 3 children from those marriages. His first wife was Sadan, the second one was a famous actress Suna Selen, the third one was Yasar and the fourth and current one is Umman Ozkul with whom he's been married for 27 years now. One of his children, Guner Ozkul, is an actress and a TV presenter.
He's been suffering from Dementia since the early 2000s and, as a result of this disease, he almost never leaves home.
He's been battling with dementia and COPD for almost two decades and on January 5th, 2018 he lost that battle. He died at his home in Istanbul, where he lived the rest of his days with his family, at the age of 93.- Yigit Özsener is a Turkish actor of screen and stage, born in Izmir, April 6, 1972. He completed his undergraduate studies in BS in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering at Yildiz Technical University and his MBA at Koc University, Istanbul. His acting career started on theatre stage when he joined Studio Players during his undergraduate studies. Under Sahika Tekand's mentorship, he quickly proved himself as versatile performer and took part in the Studio's various plays including Dumb Waiter by Harold Pinter. He participated workshops based on Suzuki method of acting by Ellen Lauren as well as Theodoros Terzopoulos of Attis Theatre in Athens, Greece in 1996. His first international stage appearance was in 2000, he played in Heracles Triology produced by Attis Theatre of Athens for 10th International Greek Drama Festival.
His earliest credit roles on television were commercials; first he became the face of Turk.net campaign (telecommunication). Next, he starred in the branded mini series of Turkcell (leading communication and technology provider) which was a highly successful campaign that embraces celebrity endorsement and art of storytelling for the first time in Turkey. This campaign proved to be the turning point of his career as he managed to get his first break on TV series in 2001; performing a theatre actor who was the first suspect of an unsolved murder in Karanlikta Kosanlar; an acclaimed controversial crime-drama which was ahead of its time . That same year, he received an offer from Uzgunum Leyla, a compelling TV series that culminate a very respected and experienced cast. His performance among such a cast led to his involvement in permanently in drama series, made-for-TV films and movies in the upcoming years. Consecutively, he acted in Unutma Beni (2002), Estagfurullah Yokusu (2003), Crude (2003), O Simdi Asker (2003), Arapsaci (2004), Calinan Ceset (2004), Gece 11.45 (2004), One Day Europe (2004), 24 Saat (2005), Tombala (2005), 5 Vakit (2005), Kabuslar Evi (2006), Ruya Gibi (2006) and Last Looks (2006). Among other highly acclaimed series and movies, he has also been a part of several short films. While appearing in a string of roles on screen, he never lost his passion on acting on stage. He joined a workshop by the Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowsky & Thomas Richards in 2004 and another one by Shizuoka Performing Arts Center members in 2006. Later that year, he acted in Persians (coproduction directed by Theodoros Terzopoulos) in the opening of Theater Olympics in Turkey and Epidaurus Festival in Greece. In 2007, he starred in the trailer of Istanbul International Indepedent Film Festival.
His role in Dudaktan Kalbe (2007), the modern adaptation of 1925 novel by the famous Turkish author Resat Nuri Guntekin, set his career on a path to totally new heights. In this drama, he played the cynical character of the series, Cemil Pasazade, and turned him into someone caring and devoted in the end. Him raising an insignificant character of the novel up to the titular character of the drama and bringing the series to a surprising conclusion, caught the eye of many. Up next for Yigit Ozsener, was joining the A list star studded cast of Ezel in 2009. Ezel was a massive game changer in the Turkish televisions, won several awards and became worldwide popular. (still one of the most exported series to date - more than 80 countries). His portrayal of Cengiz Atay in this number-one-rated series is widely considered to be among the greatest antagonists of all time. This brought him, his first leading role in a movie, Kaybedenler Kulubu (2011) which became a cult in modern Turkish cinematography with its controversial content, non-status-quo thoughts and long conversations without taboos. Despite a love story that falls flat on the scenario based on a true story, the great chemistry between the two leading male actors who provide ample doses of humour as radio programmers while poignantly portraying loneliness in an overcrowded city, took over the show entirely. On the strength of his ability to craft impactful character flaws, Yigit Ozsener acquired a reputation masterfully portraying dark, manipulative, unpredictable, passionate but unappealing figures. On the other hand, casting in supporting roles of other big budget productions in the same period; Gunesi Gordum (2008), Ask Tesadufleri Sever (2010), Dedemin Insanlari (2011), cemented his status as a multi layered character actor. Besides his commitment and popularity on screen during the 2000's, he continued to remain active on stage as well. He had prominent roles in several works. He played in A Trial in Istanbul (2008) based on Kafka's The Trial and Evridike'nin Cigligi (2009) based on Sophocles' Antigone one after another. In 2010, he performed in Forgetting in Ten Steps - AntiPrometeus, a play produced for 2010 World Cultural Capitals. Shortly after he joined a workshop tutored by Natsuko Ohama, David Bridel and Susan Main in 2014, he played in Water's Edge by Theresa Rebeck for two seasons.
Yigit Özsener's acting style remained firmly rooted in his stage technique, led him develop a form of screen acting that was quite stylised. Yet one of his greatest achievements is that he is so persuasive, it is hardly to be catchable. After a series of TV and cinema performances with diverse range of roles that followed the years; Son (2012), Intikam (2013), Two Faces of January (2013), Yuz Yillik Muhur (2015), Cesur ve Guzel (2016), Bir Kahramanin Ruyasi (2016), Ise Yarar Bir Sey (2016) and Kaybedenler Kulubu Yolda (2018), he landed his debut role on digital platforms. He took on the lead role in an original BlueTV series; Bozkir (2018). In this 10 episode crime story, Yigit Özsener starred as Seyfi Amir who is an experienced police officer with a rookie partner, investigates a serial killer with a fondness for leaving weird evidence after murdering children in a small town. The spooky setting and strong chemistry between the lead actors, pretty much captured viewers and critics interest. He burst back into commercials as the brand ambassador of Dacia (automative) and portraying a wise and off-the-beaten track man in the branded series on TV and the digital ads.
Recently, he is on stage with two plays; Waiting For Godot (2016) and IO (2019) by Studio Players (both of which premiered at Istanbul International Theater Festival on consecutive editions) and on screen with a new prime time TV series Ramo (2020) and Dacia commercials. Yigit Özsener is also a sought after voiceover artist for commercials and audio-book streaming services. On top of that, he has not limited his professional career to just acting, as he is a committed environmentalist, who is active volunteer and ambassador of TEMA foundation (preventing erosion, reforestation and protection of natural habitats). - Actor
- Soundtrack
Ugur Polat was born on 4 September 1961 in Istanbul, Turkey. He is an actor, known for Anadolu Leopari (2021), Sis ve Gece (2007) and Bütün Kapilar Kapaliydi (1990).- Actor
- Producer
- Script and Continuity Department
Early in his career, he mainly acted in comedy movies with Kemal Sunal such as "Hababam Sinifi", "Tosun Pasa", "Davaro" etc. Later, he had roles in movies criticizing Turkish society for its moral weaknesses as in "Milyarder", " Çiplak Vatandas" and the ones that reflected the contemporary social developments and problems as in "Zügürt Aga". He played in "Gönül Yarasi-Lovelorn" that was nominated to be the candidate for Academy Awards in 2005. He had many national and international awards and honored as a state artist by Turkish Republic in 1998.- Actor
- Sound Department
- Soundtrack
Olgun Simsek (born 1971), Turkish actor
Olgun Simsek was born in the village of Yenice in Büyükorhan, Bursa. His father was a primary school teacher and his mother was a housewife. He graduated in theatre from the Istanbul University State Conservatory and began acting professionally in 1993.
Simsek acted in the play Otogargara (1995) with Demet Akbag and Yilmaz Erdogan. He had a small parts in the films Tersine Dünya (1994) in 1993 and Loves with Gravity (1995) in 1995 . In 1998, he acted in the film Karisik Pizza (1998) for which he won the Most Promising Actor award at the Ankara Film Festival.
Simsek also had appearances in television series such as Sihirli Ceket (1996), 7 Numara (2000), Besik Kertmesi (2002), Eskiya Dünyaya Hükümdar Olmaz (2015), and Alacakaranlik (2003). In 2004, he starred in the film Yazi Tura (2004) directed by Ugur Yücel where he played a disabled soldier. For this, he won several awards including the Golden Orange for Best Actor as well as Best Actor awards at the Ankara Film Festival, Istanbul Film Festival, Adana Golden Coccoon Festival and the Siyad awards. He is starring in a Turkish comedy show "Almost Famous (2012)".- Tolga Tekin was born on 19 March 1974 in Ankara, Turkey. He is an actor, known for Butterflies (2018), Rüzgarda Salinan Nilüfer (2016) and Behzat Ç. Ankara Yaniyor (2013). He was previously married to Zeynep Koltuk.
- Actor
- Composer
Okan Yalabik (born 13 December 1978) is a Turkish actor. He graduated theater at Istanbul University State Conservatory and master of Film and Drama in Kadir Has University. He has appeared in more than twenty films since 2001.
Yalabik was born in 1978 in Istanbul as the second child of his family who originate from Balikesir. He went to the Macka Primary School at a young age showed interest in acting. According to his interview, it was his brother, Ozan, who brought home a cassette of Ferhan Sensoy's movie Ferhangi Seyler and Yalabik memorized every line of it and became determined to become an actor. He later went to Sisli Terakki High School followed by Sakip Sabanci Anadolu High School, and in 1993 by inviting Cengiz Deveci to the school he helped in the establishment of Sakip Sabanci Anadolu High School Theater Department. Yalabik, who played in various roles in many amateur groups, eventually got enrolled in Istanbul University State Conservatory in 1997 to study theater.
He had his first role in 1998 by playing the character Marti in a play at Kenter Theater. Later he portrayed different characters in the plays Nukte, Sirca Kumes, Inishmorelu Yuzbasi at the same venue In 2006, he appeared in Orhan Hakalmaz's clip Su Kislanin Kapisina, and in 2007, together Sezin Akbasogullari, he played in Robert Bosch GmbH's commercial for Turkey. Later he started to act in the movies such as Gulum and Kolay Para and was cast in the TV series Yilan Hikayesi, Serseri, and Hatirla Sevgili In 2010, for he role as Hasan in Yavuz Turgul's movie Av Mevsimi he won the "Best Supporting Actor" award at the 4th Yesilcam Awards. At the same year he took part in Kadir Has University Film and Drama Graduate Program.
In 2011, portrayed Pargali Ibrahim Pasha on the historical TV series Muhtesem Yuzyil. His character was killed on the 82nd episode. In the later episodes, his voice was featured on a number of scenes.
In 2015, he was cast in ATV's Analar vie Anneler directed by Mehmet Ada Oztekin, and was part of the main cast alongside Sinem Kobal, Hazar Erguclu and Binnur Kaya. But, due to low ratings, the series ended after 9 episodes.
In 2016, he was cast in a movie about the effects left behind by the Balkan Wars, titled Annemin Yarasi, which was directed by Ozan Aciktan. At the same year he voiced the characters Adnan vie Cizer on the animation film Kotu Kedi Serafettin based on Bulent Ustun's novel
He also continued his theater career by appearing on the play The 39 Steps in Turkey.
Okan Yalabik played in the TV series "Hekimoglu" for 51 episodes from 2019 to 2020.
Yalabik, who took part in the movie 'Azizler' in 2021, is still active in theater and dubbing.- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Ugur Yücel is a Turkish film actor, producer and director. He graduated from the Theater Department of the Istanbul Municipality Conservatory (Istanbul Belediye Konservatuari Tiyatro Bölüm). He took part in several plays between 1975 and 1984 in Kenter Tiyatrosu (Kenter Theatre), Tef Kabare Theatre, Dormen Theatre, and San Müzikholü. He was noticed for his roles in Selamsiz Bandosu (1987) and Muhsin Bey (1987), then gained mainstream success when he took part in Eskiya (1996).