Gazanfer Özcan (27 January 1931 – 17 February 2009) was a Turkish actor active in theatre, cinema, and television. He appeared in numerous films during the 1950s and 1960s. He became widely known for his portrayals of Hüsnü Kuruntu in the production Kuruntu Ailesi and Tahsin Sütçüoğlu in the television series Avrupa Yakası. In recognition of his contributions to theatre, he was awarded the title State Artist in 1998.

Childhood and Youth Years

Gazanfer Özcan was born on 27 January 1931 in the Cihangir district of Istanbul. He was the third of five children of Semiha Hanım and Celalettin Bey. He completed his primary education at Cihangir Firuzağa Primary School, attended Beyoğlu Middle School, and continued his high school education at Vefa High School. During his high school years, he portrayed the character “Bican Efendi” in the play “Hisse-i Şayia,” an experience that inspired his dedication to theatre.

After completing his high school education, he joined the City Theatres Children’s Division. In 1955, he stepped onto the stage of the Comedy Theatre to replace the ailing Reşit Gürzap in the play “Mahallenin Romanı.” His performance earned him a permanent place in the company.

Until 1962, he performed in both children’s and adult plays. During the same period, he appeared in numerous films throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

Theatre Work

In 1962, he co-founded the Gönül Ülkü–Gazanfer Özcan Theatre with his wife Gönül Ülkü. He portrayed the character Hüsnü Kuruntu in “Kuruntu Ailesi,” one of Turkey’s pioneering works in situational comedy. Following a 1985 stage performance of the play “Hüsnü Kuruntu,” broadcast by TRT on 7, 14, and 21 July, a television series with the same title premiered on 10 October 1985 and ran for five years, comprising 121 episodes. This was followed by the 155-episode “Hüsnü Bey Amca” and the 47-episode “Bizim Kuruntu Ailesi.”

He performed in numerous other productions including “Yeter Artık,” “Sülüman Bacanak,” “Aşk Mektubu,” “Nereden Nereye,” “Öp Babanın Elini,” “Yağmurdan Kaçarken,” and “Oh Olsun.”

In 2002, he and his wife Gönül Ülkü celebrated the 50th anniversary of their artistic careers.

Clown Role in the Film Beyaz Melek, Gazanfer Özcan (Anadolu Agency)

Cinema and Television Work

He appeared in numerous films during the 1950s and 1960s. His filmography includes “İngiliz Kemal Lawrence’a Karşı,” “Çeto Salak Milyoner,” “Fındıkçı Gelin,” “Aramızda Yaşayamazsın,” “Şimal Yıldızı,” “Allı Yemeni,” “Garipler Sokağı,” “Biz İnsan Değil Miyiz,” “İki Damla Gözyaşı,” “Külkedisi,” “Damat Beyefendi,” “Şaka Yapma,” “Avare Şoför,” “Çılgın Yenge,” “Televizyon Çocuğu,” “Tokmak Nuri,” “Ah Nerede Vah Nerede,” “Dam Üstüne Çul Serelim,” “Burnumu Keser misiniz?,” “Komser Şekspir,” and “Keloğlan Kara Prens’e Karşı.”

After a long hiatus from cinema, he returned in 2000 with the film “Komser Şekspir.” He appeared in “Keloğlan Kara Prens’e Karşı” in 2006 and was part of the cast of the 2007 film “Beyaz Melek.”

On television, he played roles in the series “Bu Nasıl İş?,” “Başımıza Gelenler,” and “Baba.” He portrayed the character Tahsin Sütçüoğlu in the series Avrupa Yakası, which began in 2004.

In the 1970s animated series “Taş Devri,” he voiced the character “Fred Çakmaktaş.” He provided voiceovers for numerous films, television series, and commercials, including a commercial for the brand “Altın Kaymaklı Tikveşli.”

Awards and Titles

• In 1978, he received the Avni Dilligil Theatre Award.^【1】
• In 1981, he received the İsmail Dümbüllü Award.^【2】
• In 1998, he was awarded the title State Artist.^【3】
• In 2007, he won the “Special Award for Support to Theatre” as part of the Pantene Golden Butterfly Awards. In the same year, he received the “Best Theatre Actor” award under the Kemal Sunal Culture and Art Awards.^【4】

Personal Life

He married Gönül Ülkü in 1962. The couple had one daughter, Fulya Özcan. In an interview, he stated that their marriage resulted from his own initiative, following a long period of friendship and a three-year courtship.

Death and Legacy

Gazanfer Özcan died on 17 February 2009 in Istanbul after being treated for chronic lung illness and vascular blockage for one and a half months. His funeral was held at the Haldun Taner Stage and he was buried at Karacaahmet Cemetery.

On 23 April 2010, the Kadıköy Municipality opened the Gazanfer Özcan Stage at the Kozyatağı Culture Center in his honor.