Cevat Kurtulus

Cevat Kurtulus—now there’s a name that used to light up the Turkish film scene. Born smack in the middle of Ankara back in 1922, this guy had entertainment in his blood. You can tell he didn’t just act; he became those wild and unpredictable characters that had people glued to the screen. Talk about Yedi Kocali Hürmüz (yeah, the 1971 version)—he brought so much chaotic energy to that movie, it practically bounced off the walls. That’s the kind of role that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Then there’s Arim Balim Petegim from 1970, where he wove humor and heart into every single frame. It’s like, just when you thought he’d played his best hand, he’d pull out another trick. Belanin Krali (1971) was no different—he was right there, at the center of the madness, pulling audiences right into the thick of things. Off camera? He was married to Meral Kurtulus—talk about a power couple in Turkish entertainment circles. Istanbul eventually became his final stage, and the curtain fell in 1992, but if you ask film buffs, Cevat’s spirit is still hanging around in those old reels, making people laugh, gasp, or roll their eyes at the antics he pulled off. He was never just a background guy; he always made sure you remembered him. Ankara’s own, but really, he belonged to anyone who ever loved a good movie and a better performance.