Istanbul, March 23, 2025 – The Europe Today: Filiz Akın, a legendary actress and one of the most distinguished figures of Turkish cinema during the 1960s and 1970s, passed away on Saturday at the age of 82, the Turkish Health Ministry announced. She died in an Istanbul hospital, though the specific cause of death was not disclosed.
Born as Suna Akın on January 2, 1943, in Ankara, she entered the world of cinema after winning a beauty contest in 1962, which led to her discovery by renowned film producer and director Memduh Ün. Over the course of her prolific career, which spanned from 1962 to 1975, Akın appeared in over 200 films, securing her status as one of the most prominent actresses in Turkish cinema alongside Türkan Şoray, Hülya Koçyiğit, and Fatma Girik.
Beyond her contributions to film, Akın was widely recognized as the “noble, modern, urban, and elegant face” of Yeşilçam, Turkey’s golden era of cinema, amassing a devoted fan base. In 2002, she was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer and underwent successful treatment at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas. Following her recovery, she became an advocate for cancer awareness, launching campaigns and supporting related causes. From 2004 to 2007, she also contributed as a columnist for the newspaper Sabah.
Filiz Akın is survived by her husband and her son, İlker İnanoğlu, who is also an actor. Details regarding her funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
Her legacy in Turkish cinema remains profound, and she will be remembered for her significant artistic contributions and enduring elegance on screen.
