Genco Erkal died of leukaemia on 31 July 2024, at the age of 86.
His final social media post, made just hours before his death, has captured the hearts of many.
In a poignant message posted on his X account, Erkal wrote, “Goodbye my friends, goodbye. I carry you in my soul, in the depths of my soul. I carry my struggle in my mind. Goodbye my friends, goodbye… Like the birds in the pictures, lined up on the beach, don’t wave a handkerchief at me… Farewell without a single syllable.” Followers, moved by the post, urged their loved ones to check on him.Genco Erkal (28 March 1938 – 31 July 2024) was a Turkish drama actor. He starred in the 1983 film A Season in Hakkari, which won the Silver Bear - Special Jury Prize at the 33rd Berlin International Film Festival.
Genco Erkal, born on March 28, 1938, in Istanbul, had a
career that spanned over six decades. He graduated from Robert College in 1957,
where his passion for theater took root.
Despite his parents’ wishes for him to pursue a different
career, Erkal obtained a degree in psychology from Istanbul University but
remained devoted to the stage.
Erkal began his theater journey with amateur performances at
Robert College. He made his professional debut with the Kenter Theater and
later worked with several prestigious theater groups. In 1969, he co-founded
Dostlar Theater, which became a cornerstone of Turkish theater.
Throughout his career, Erkal directed and performed in plays
by international and Turkish writers, including Gorki, Brecht, Sartre, Havel,
and Nazim Hikmet. His performances earned him numerous awards. He was
celebrated for his roles in plays such as “The Good Soldier Schweik,” “Memoirs
of a Madman,” and “Galileo.”
In the autobiographical film “Genco: A Life Dedicated to
Theater,” Erkal stated, “Every moment on stage was a joy for me and I enjoyed
it as if I would never be able to do it again. My time on this earth passed
with this joy and I hope it continues the same way because my journey
continues.” He often credited his time at Robert College for solidifying his
passion for theater.
Erkal’s influence extended beyond the theater. He starred in
acclaimed films winning
the Golden Orange Award for Best Actor twice. He also directed and acted in
television adaptations of notable plays, including “Legend of Ali of Keshan.”
Genco Erkal documentary: Güneşin sofrasında
In addition to his contributions to Turkish theater, Erkal
performed internationally. He acted in French productions at festivals in Paris
and Avignon since 1993, further solidifying his global presence.
Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1982 Faize hücum | Kamil
1982 A Season in
Hakkari | Teacher
1982 At | Hüseyin,
the father
1990 Camdan Kalp | Kirpi
2008 The Market: A
Tale of Trade | Fazil
2010 Sleeping
Princess | Kahraman
2016 Nâzım Oratorio
| Genco Erkal
2017 7yüz Serhat Episode:
| "Refakatçiler"
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