ALBAWABA - Turkish entertainment has lost one of its veteran names. Gülsen Tuncer, best known to a wide television audience as Arsen Hanım in Aşk-ı Memnu, has died at the age of 81.
Tuncer’s death was announced by the Film-San Foundation and the Cumhuriyet Women’s Association. Turkish media had previously reported that the actress had been receiving treatment for stage 4 brain cancer.
Her funeral will take place on September 20 at Istanbul’s Şişli Mosque following the noon prayer. She will then be laid to rest at Kozlu Cemetery in Topkapı.
Although Gülsen Tuncer had a career spanning more than five decades, many younger viewers came to know her through Aşk-ı Memnu.
She played Arsen Hanım, also known as Arsen Ziyagil, in the popular television adaptation. The role introduced her to a much wider audience and became one of the performances she was most closely associated with.
Her television work extended far beyond Aşk-ı Memnu. She appeared in productions including Üç İstanbul, Bugünün Saraylısı, Çalıkuşu, Fazilet Hanım ve Kızları and Hakim.
Aşk-ı Memnu'nun 'Arsen Halası' Gülsen Tuncer hayatını kaybetti. pic.twitter.com/KoCegyoN2i
Born in Adana in 1945, Tuncer studied at the Istanbul Municipal Conservatory’s Theater Department.
She trained with major figures of Turkish theater, including Yıldız Kenter and Ayla Algan, before beginning her professional theater career in 1968 with Zilli Zarife, staged by the Gülriz Sururi-Engin Cezzar Theater.
Her career was not limited to acting. Tuncer also worked as a voice artist, songwriter, composer, artistic director and educator. She took part in theater, film and television productions both in front of and behind the camera. According to Anadolu Agency, she worked in production, directing or music teams on nearly 40 films and television projects.
Kanser tedavisi gören değerli oyuncu Gülsen Tuncer 81 yaşında hayata veda etti. 😪 pic.twitter.com/ORQDanwq9H
She also worked in radio, presenting and voicing poetry, radio plays and cultural programs for TRT Istanbul Radio. Later, she taught subjects including acting and stage aesthetics.
Gülsen Tuncer’s career also brought recognition from the Turkish film industry.
She received Best Supporting Actress honors for performances including Bir Tren Yolculuğu and Soğuktu ve Yağmur Çiseliyordu. She was also recognized for her performance in Suna and received honors including the Istanbul Film Festival Honor Award and the Bilge Olgaç Achievement Award.
SON DAKİKA | Usta oyuncu Gülsen Tuncer hayatını kaybetti.Tiyatro, dizi oyuncusu, seslendirme sanatçısı, söz yazarı, besteci, sanat yönetmeni ve akademisyen kimliğiyle de bilinen 81 yaşındaki Gülsen Tuncer hayatını kaybetti.GÜLSEN TUNCER KİMDİR?Gülsen Tuncer 1945 yılında… pic.twitter.com/ezxyhTyLEH
In 2024, she remained active in cultural life, attending the opening parade of the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival. Her long career had by then become an important part of Turkish theater and cinema history.
Gülsen Tuncer leaves behind a body of work that stretches from the theater stage to Turkish cinema, television and radio. For many viewers, however, her portrayal of Arsen Hanım in Aşk-ı Memnu will remain one of the roles that keeps her memory alive.
Aşk-ı Memnu'nun 'Arsen Halası' Gülsen Tuncer hayatını kaybetti. pic.twitter.com/d4KvMyN0re
Zaid Qaissieh is a passionate English news and content writer with a knack for storytelling and an eye for detail. covering a range of Entertainment topics—from breaking global news and trending entertainment stories to insightful pieces—I bring a creative edge to every article. Zaid aims to engage, inform, and inspire readers, balancing well-researched content with a fresh, accessible voice.
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