From Runways to Stardom: 20 Turkish Celebrities Who Started as Models
The dazzling world of Turkish entertainment, with its globally adored TV series ("diziler") and captivating film industry, is filled with stars whose beauty and charisma seem destined for the screen. But for many of Turkey's most beloved celebrities, the path to fame didn't begin with a script—it started on the runway or in front of a photographer's lens. The disciplines of modeling—mastering the camera, understanding angles, exuding confidence, and connecting with an audience—provide a powerful foundation for a career in acting or music. This unique pipeline has gifted us with some of the most iconic faces in Turkish pop culture.
Here, we explore 20 famous Turkish celebrities who successfully transitioned from modeling to become household names as actors, actresses, and singers. Their journeys are a testament to talent, versatility, and the seamless blend of aesthetics and performance that defines modern Turkish stardom.
20 TURKISH ACTORS & ACTRESSES WHO STARTED AS MODELS
Hande Erçel
From Miss Turkey to Global Phenomenon
Arguably one of the most recognizable Turkish faces worldwide, Hande Erçel's career launched when she won the "Miss Turkey" title in 2012. Her striking features and poise made her a sought-after model, which directly led to her acting debut. She rose to international fame with starring roles in mega-hit series like "Aşk Laftan Anlamaz" and "Sen Çal Kapımı". Her modeling background is evident in her flawless screen presence and fashion-icon status.
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Kerem Bürsin
Model-Turned Leading Man with Irresistible Charm
Known for his charming smile and athletic build, Kerem Bürsin initially pursued modeling and acting in the United States. He appeared in commercials and modeled for various brands before returning to Turkey. His breakthrough role came with "Güneşi Beklerken", but it was his lead role opposite Hande Erçel in "Sen Çal Kapımı" that cemented his superstar status, showcasing the leading-man appeal honed in front of the camera.
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Meryem Uzerli
The German-Turkish Model Who Became a Sultan
The German-Turkish actress who brought the legendary Hürrem Sultan to life in "Muhteşem Yüzyıl" ("Magnificent Century") began her career as a model in Germany. Her unique, captivating look was perfect for fashion, and that same magnetic quality translated effortlessly to the screen, making her portrayal of Hürrem one of the most iconic in television history.
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4. Burak Özçivit
Best Model of the World, Epic Hero of the Screen
With his classically handsome features and tall stature, Burak Özçivit first gained attention as a model, even winning the "Best Model of Turkey" and "Best Model of the World" titles in 2003. This success paved the way for acting. He became a heartthrob through roles in *Kara Para Aşk* and later as "Osman Bey" in the historical epic "Kuruluş: Osman".
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Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ
The Original Best Model, Forever a Superstar
A quintessential example, Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ first won the "Best Model of the World" title in 2002. His modeling career made him a national icon even before his first acting role. His natural talent then shone in series like "Aşk-ı Memnu (Forbidden Love)"" and "Kuzey Güney", proving he was far more than just a pretty face. He remains one of Turkey's most respected actors.
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Serenay Sarıkaya
Child Model to Critically Acclaimed Powerhouse
Serenay Sarıkaya started as a child model and actress. Her early experience in modeling commercials gave her a seasoned presence beyond her years. She evolved into a leading lady with roles in "Lale Devri" and the critically acclaimed "Şahsiyet (Persona)", where her performance was deeply psychological, far transcending her modeling beginnings.
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Çağatay Ulusoy
From the Runway to Reigning Over Hearts
Before becoming the "King of Turkish TV," Çağatay Ulusoy worked as a model. He was even a professional basketball player, but his looks steered him toward modeling, which opened the door to acting. His breakthrough as "Yusuf" in "Adını Feriha Koydum" and later as Muhteşem Yüzyıl: Kösem's Sultan İbrahim showcased a depth that propelled him beyond his model roots.
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Murat Boz
A Model Face for a Chart-Topping Voice
Singer and actor Murat Boz initially stepped into the spotlight as a model in music videos and commercials. His handsome appearance helped build his public profile before he launched his hugely successful music career with hits like "Maximum" and "Geri Dönüş Olsa." He has also acted in films and series, showing his versatility.
Esra Bilgiç
International Relations to International Fame via Modeling
Famous for her role as "Halime Sultan" in "Diriliş: Ertuğrul", Esra Bilgiç actually holds a degree in International Relations but started her career as a model. Her foray into modeling introduced her to the entertainment industry, leading to the audition that would make her an international star, beloved for her portrayal of strength and grace.
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Beren Saat
"Face of the Year" Who Became the Soul of Every Role
Now renowned for her powerful and nuanced performances, Beren Saat actually began her career after winning a magazine's "Face of the Year" contest, a modeling competition. This led to her first acting role in "Aşk-ı Memnu", where she delivered a legendary performance as "Bihter". Her modeling origin story is a classic example of discovering a profound talent through a beauty contest.
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İbrahim Çelikkol
A Commanding Presence, On and Off the Runway
Tall and commanding, İbrahim Çelikkol naturally found work as a model before turning to acting. His physique and presence served him well in action-packed and romantic roles, such as in "Söz" and "Kara Sevda", where he often plays the compelling, charismatic figure.
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Tuba Büyüküstün
Pageant Elegance, Silver Screen Brilliance
Tuba Büyüküstün participated in and won several local beauty pageants, which functioned as a springboard into modeling and then acting. Her elegance and grace, cultivated in those early days, are hallmarks of her performances in hit series like "Asi" and "Kara Para Aşk".
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Bensu Soral
From Runway Steps to Historic Footsteps as a Hatun
Bensu Soral actively worked as a model before focusing on acting. She walked runways and starred in commercials, building her profile. She is best known for her role in "Kiralık Aşk" and more recently as "Bala Hatun" in "Kuruluş: Osman", where her historical character's strength is matched by Soral's own poised screen presence.
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Mert Fırat
Modeling's Depth, Translated into Acting Mastery
A versatile actor known for his challenging roles, Mert Fırat began his career as a model. This experience supported his early entry into the entertainment industry before he dedicated himself fully to acting, delivering powerful performances in projects like "Behzat Ç." and "Bir Başkadır".
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Aras Bulut İynemli
The Model Who Embodied a Legendary Gang Leader
After studying acting, Aras Bulut İynemli also worked as a model to establish himself. His striking looks made him a fit for fashion, but his talent demanded more. He achieved superstardom with his emotionally charged portrayal of "Yamaç" in "Çukur (The Pit)", a role that required a physicality and presence perhaps subtly enhanced by his modeling discipline.
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Afra Saraçoğlu
A New Generation's Star, Born from the Catwalk
Young star Afra Saraçoğlu first gained attention through modeling and beauty contests as a teenager. This exposure led to acting offers, and she quickly proved her talent with leading roles in "Öğretmen" and the phenomenon "El Gibi", where her modern, relatable character resonated with a generation.
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Hazal Kaya
A Lifetime in the Spotlight, From Child Model to Star
Hazal Kaya began modeling in commercials as a child. Her fresh-faced beauty led her to acting, where she rose to fame with "Adını Feriha Koydum". Her career has been marked by diverse roles, demonstrating that her early start in front of the camera gave her a deep comfort and proficiency in performing.
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Engin Akyürek
Intensity Forged in Front of the Camera
Widely regarded as one of Turkey's finest actors, Engin Akyürek's path included a stint in modeling. Before captivating audiences with his intense performances in "Fatmagül'ün Suçu Ne?" and "Kara Para Aşk", he modeled for various brands, which helped develop his comfort and intensity in front of the camera.
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Neslihan Atagül
Catwalk Queen to Timeless Romantic Lead
Neslihan Atagül started modeling as a teenager and quickly became one of Turkey's most prominent fashion models. Her transition to acting was seamless, with her first major role in "Öyle Bir Geçer Zaman ki". She later achieved massive fame as "Nihan" in the romantic drama "Kara Sevda (Endless Love)"", a role that required the subtle emotional expressiveness she refined through modeling.
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Demet Özdemir
Dancer's Spirit, Model's Grace, Star's Shine
Demet Özdemir initially dreamed of being a professional dancer but also worked as a model. Her vibrant energy and photogenic charm were noticeable. She got her big break in "Erkenci Kuş (Early Bird)" and has since starred in hits like "Doğduğun Ev Kaderindir", with her modeling experience contributing to her expressive and dynamic acting style.
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Conclusion: The Modeling Advantage in Turkish Entertainment
The journey from modeling to mega-stardom in Turkey is more than just a coincidence. It highlights a unique ecosystem where visual storytelling is paramount. Modeling schools these individuals in professionalism, camera awareness, and the art of conveying emotion without words—a perfect primer for screen acting. It also builds name recognition and fan bases that eagerly follow their favorite faces into new artistic ventures.
These 20 Turkish celebrities who started as models have not only transitioned careers but have also redefined what it means to be a star in Turkey. They've taken the discipline, poise, and appeal from the runway and photoshoot sets and fused them with raw talent, delivering performances that captivate millions from Istanbul to Islamabad, Buenos Aires to Berlin. Their stories inspire aspiring models and actors alike, proving that in the dynamic world of Turkish entertainment, the first click of a camera can be the opening act to an legendary career.
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