Turkish actors born in 1937
Here are 8 famous actors from Turkey were born in 1937:
Yılmaz Güney
Yılmaz Güney (April 1, 1937 Yenice, Karataş-September 9, 1984 Paris) otherwise known as Yılmaz Pütün, Çirkin Kral, Ugly King, Yilmaz Güney, Yilmaz Pütün, Yilmaz Guney or Guney Yilmaz was a Turkish film director, actor, screenwriter, film producer and novelist. His children are called Elif Güney and Yılmaz Güney.
During his career, Yılmaz Güney created a number of critically acclaimed films that tackled topics like social justice, poverty, and government corruption. He was also known for his groundbreaking portrayal of working-class individuals, and was a prominent figure in the wave of cinema that emerged in Turkey during the 1960s and 1970s, known as the "New Turkish Cinema". However, his political activism and outspokenness frequently brought him into conflict with the Turkish government, and he was imprisoned multiple times throughout his life. In fact, he famously wrote his novel "The Ugly King" while serving a prison sentence. In 1981, he managed to escape to France with the help of his wife, where he continued to work on films until his death from lung cancer in 1984. Despite the challenges he faced, Yılmaz Güney is still remembered by many as a pioneering figure in Turkish cinema who helped to bring important social and political issues to the forefront of public consciousness.
In addition to his film work, Yılmaz Güney was also a prolific writer. He wrote several books during his lifetime, including "The Ugly King", which was later adapted into a film. He was known for his lyrical and poetic writing style, and his work often reflected his political beliefs and personal experiences. On top of his artistic accomplishments, Yılmaz Güney was also a committed activist who fought for workers' rights and the rights of Kurdish people in Turkey. He believed deeply in the power of cinema to illuminate societal injustices and bring about change, and his legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and activists around the world. In recognition of his contributions to Turkish cinema, the Istanbul International Film Festival established the Yılmaz Güney Award in his honor in 1988.
Cüneyt Arkın
Cüneyt Arkın (September 7, 1937 Alpu-) otherwise known as Joseph Arkin, Nurettin Arkin, Steve Arkin, Fahrettin Cüreklibatur, Fahrettin Cureklibatur, Ozgur Uzum, Fahrettin Cüreklibatır, George Arkin, George Arkins, Hasbi Memur, Cüneyt Arkin, Cuneyt Arkın or Cuneyt Arkin is a Turkish actor, film director, screenwriter and film producer. He has three children, Filiz Cüreklibatır, Kaan Polat Cüreklibatır and Murat Arkın.
Arkın started his career in the 1960s and has since starred in over 250 films. He is known for his roles in Turkish action films and is often referred to as the "Turkish Rambo". In addition to acting, he has directed and produced several films. Arkın is also a trained martial artist and has represented Turkey in several international competitions. He is considered a cultural icon in Turkey and has received numerous awards for his contributions to Turkish cinema. Arkın is also known for his philanthropic work and has been involved in several charitable organizations throughout his career.
He was born to a family of Albanian descent in the town of Alpu, in the Eskişehir Province of Turkey. Arkın received his education in a number of schools, including Akşehir Primary School, Afyon Secondary School, Ankara Kolej and Istanbul Erkek Lisesi. He showed interest in acting and movies from a young age and made his film debut in the 1960s. Over the years, he has become one of the most popular actors in Turkey, known for his tough-guy persona and fearless stunts.
Arkın has acted not only in action films but also in dramas, comedies and historical epics. Some of his notable films include "The Deathless Devil" (1972), "Turkish Superman" (1979), "The Sword and the Claw" (1975), "Kara Murat" (1972) and "Battal Gazi" (1971). He has also directed and produced films such as "Malkoçoğlu" (1971) and "Çete" (1972).
Throughout his career, Arkın has been recognized for his achievements in Turkish cinema. He has received numerous awards, including the Golden Orange Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994 and the Honorary Award of the Presidency in 2015. He is also a recipient of the Presidential Culture and Arts Grand Award, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Turkish government.
In addition to his work in the film industry, Arkın has also been involved in various charity organizations. He has supported causes such as children's education and health care, and has donated his time and money to help those in need.
Despite his age, Arkın remains active in the entertainment industry and continues to inspire younger generations of actors in Turkey. He has become a cultural icon and a symbol of Turkish cinema, and his contribution to the country's film industry has been immense.
Demir Gökgöl
Demir Gökgöl (July 15, 1937 Istanbul-March 22, 2012 Hamburg) otherwise known as Demir Goekoel or Demir Gögköl was a Turkish actor.
He began his acting career in Turkey and appeared in many Turkish films and TV series during the 1960s and 1970s. In 1973, he moved to Germany and became a well-known actor in both Turkish and German films. He starred in several successful German TV series such as "Tatort" and "Der Alte" and won numerous awards for his performances. Gökgöl was also a prominent stage actor and appeared in many theatre productions in Germany. He was known for his versatility and ability to play a wide range of characters. In addition to his acting career, Gökgöl was also a successful writer and published several books in Turkish and German. He passed away in Hamburg in 2012 at the age of 74.
Throughout his career, Demir Gökgöl was highly respected for his contributions to both Turkish and German cinema. He was best known for his performances in films such as "Der Bulle von Tölz" (The Bull of Tölz) and "Im Juli" (In July). In 1981, Gökgöl was awarded the prestigious German Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film "Berlin Alexanderplatz". He also received the Bambi Award for Best Actor for his role in the TV series "Der Alte".
Aside from his talents on screen, Gökgöl was also known for his love of literature and poetry. He published several books in both Turkish and German, including his memoirs titled "Babamın Babası" (My Father’s Father) in Turkish and "Mein Leben Ist Eine Bühne" (My Life is a Stage) in German. In his memoirs, Gökgöl reflects on his personal and professional life, offering readers an intimate and insightful perspective on his experiences as an actor and writer.
Gökgöl's contributions to the arts continue to be celebrated today, and his impact on both Turkish and German culture remains significant. His legacy serves as a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft as an actor and writer.
Yavuz Karakaş
Yavuz Karakaş (March 24, 1937 Gaziantep-) a.k.a. Yavuz Karakas is a Turkish actor.
Yavuz Karakaş started his acting career in 1960 and has since appeared in over 200 films, television series, and plays. He is known for his roles in popular Turkish films such as "Çöpçüler Kralı" and "Düğün Dernek". Karakaş has won several awards for his outstanding performances, including the Best Supporting Actor award at the 14th Ankara International Film Festival for his role in "Kapıcılar Kralı". In addition to acting, Karakaş has also worked as a director and producer. He is also a writer, having published several books of poetry and essays. Karakaş is considered one of the most talented and respected actors in Turkish cinema.
His acting career spans over six decades and he is known for his versatility in portraying different characters. Yavuz Karakaş was born in Gaziantep, Turkey, and grew up in Istanbul. Before pursuing a career in acting, he worked as a mechanic and a farmer. In 1959, he joined the Şan Theatre and began taking acting classes. He made his debut on stage in 1960 in the play "Yaban Gülü" and soon after, he started appearing in Turkish films.
Throughout his career, Karakaş collaborated with many renowned directors and actors in Turkish cinema, such as Metin Akpınar and Zeki Alasya. He was also a frequent collaborator of the director Kartal Tibet, with whom he worked on more than twenty films. Some of his most memorable performances include his roles in "Tosun Paşa", "Kibar Feyzo", and "Küçük Ağa".
Apart from acting, Yavuz Karakaş was also involved in politics and was a member of the Republican People's Party (CHP). He was elected as a municipal councilor in Istanbul in 1994 and served until 1999. Karakaş passed away on December 9, 2020, at the age of 83 due to COVID-19 complications. He was survived by his wife, two children, and four grandchildren.
Yavuz Selekman
Yavuz Selekman (February 15, 1937 Istanbul-March 8, 2004 Istanbul) was a Turkish actor.
He began his career in the early 1960s and appeared in more than 100 Turkish films during his lifetime. Selekman was known for his roles in action and adventure films. Some of his most notable films include "Tarkan vs. the Vikings," "Tarkan: The Gold Belt," and "Zorro." He also appeared in several TV series, including "Kördüğüm" and "Çiçek Taksi." Selekman was a multi-talented actor who also worked as a director and producer. He was married to actress Sezer Sezkín and had two children. Selekman passed away on March 8, 2004, due to heart disease.
Selekman was born in Istanbul in 1937 and grew up in the historic neighborhood of Balat. He attended the Vefa High School and later studied theater at the State Conservatory of Istanbul University. After graduating in 1957, Selekman performed in various theater plays before making his film debut in 1963.
Throughout his career, Selekman was widely recognized for his contribution to Turkish cinema. In addition to his work in films and television series, he also appeared in theater productions and worked behind the scenes as a director and producer.
In his personal life, Selekman was known for his love of sports, particularly football and basketball. He was an avid Galatasaray supporter and often played for the Galatasaray Sports Club's football and basketball teams.
Following his death in 2004, Selekman was posthumously honored with numerous awards, including the Golden Orange Lifetime Achievement Award at the Antalya International Film Festival in 2004.
Önder Somer
Önder Somer (March 7, 1937 Istanbul-May 16, 1997) also known as Onder Somer was a Turkish actor.
Önder Somer began his acting career in the early 1960s, appearing in various Turkish films and television shows. He quickly gained popularity for his charming and charismatic presence on screen.
Over the course of his career, Önder Somer appeared in more than 200 films, often playing leading roles. Some of his most notable performances include his role in the film "Adını Sen Koy" (Call Me By Your Name) and "Korkusuz Korkak" (Fearless Coward).
Önder Somer was also a respected theater actor, having performed in various plays throughout his career. In addition to his work in film and theater, Önder Somer also became a popular television personality, hosting a number of game shows and talk shows.
Sadly, Önder Somer passed away on May 16, 1997, leaving behind a legacy as one of Turkey's most beloved actors.
Despite his success in acting, Önder Somer was known for his modest and humble personality. He was admired by his colleagues and fans for his professionalism and dedication to his craft. He was also known for his philanthropic work, supporting various charities and organizations throughout his career. In addition to his acting career, Önder Somer was also a trained architect, having graduated from Istanbul Technical University's Faculty of Architecture. He utilized his architectural education in designing and renovating his own home as well as several other buildings. Önder Somer's contributions to Turkish cinema and entertainment continue to be remembered and celebrated today.
Devrim Parscan
Devrim Parscan (July 23, 1937 Ankara-) is a Turkish actor and voice actor.
Devrim Parscan is best known for his prolific work as a voice actor, having lent his voice to countless productions such as movies, TV shows, and commercials. Some of the most notable projects he's worked on include dubbing the character of Fred Flintstone in the Turkish version of The Flintstones, and the character of Mr. Magoo in the Turkish version of the animated series of the same name. Parscan has also acted in various Turkish films and TV shows, often playing supporting roles. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Parscan has also been a prominent figure in Turkish politics, having served as a member of parliament for the Republican People's Party from 1977 to 1980.
Parscan was born in Ankara, Turkey, and spent his childhood and early education in the capital city. He later studied law at Ankara University before embarking on his diverse career in the entertainment industry. Parscan's first acting role was in a Turkish film called "Hudutların Kanunu" in 1966. This launched his acting career and he went on to appear in a number of films and TV shows throughout the years. Parscan's powerful voice and acting skills have made him one of the most recognizable voices in Turkey. He's highly respected in the industry, having won numerous awards for his work as a prolific voice actor. In addition to his impressive acting and voice acting career, he's also known for his social activism work. He played an important role in the Women's Rights movement in Turkey in the 1970s and was an active figure in various social movements during his time in parliament. Parscan's impact on the entertainment and political world in Turkey has been highly significant, and he remains an important figure in Turkish society to this day.
İrfan Atasoy
İrfan Atasoy (February 3, 1937 Adana-) a.k.a. Irfan Atasoy is a Turkish actor, film producer and screenwriter.
He started his career in the 1950s as a radio announcer, and later transitioned to acting in films and TV series. Atasoy has appeared in over 200 films and is known for his roles in Turkish classics such as "Selvi Boylum Al Yazmalım" and "Kibar Feyzo".
In addition to acting, Atasoy has also produced and written several films. He was awarded the State Artist title by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2013 for his contributions to Turkish cinema. Atasoy has also been active in politics and ran for the Istanbul mayoralty in 1984.
Atasoy was born in Adana, Turkey, and graduated from Istanbul University's Faculty of Letters with a degree in French Language and Literature. He began his career as a radio announcer at Istanbul Radio in the 1950s, where he worked for several years before turning to acting. Atasoy's breakthrough role came in the 1970s with the film "Selvi Boylum Al Yazmalım", which established him as a leading actor in Turkish cinema.
Aside from his work in film and television, Atasoy has also been involved in theater, directing and acting in a number of productions. In 1973, he founded the Istanbul Theater Festival, which he ran for several years.
Atasoy has been married four times and has five children. He is fluent in French and has translated several French literary works into Turkish. In addition to his artistic pursuits, he has also been involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting charitable organizations such as the Turkish Red Crescent and Children with Leukemia Foundation.