Daniel Kountz

Gazanfer Özcan (1931-2009) was a Turkish theater and film actor. Born in Istanbul in 1931, he completed his primary education at Cihangir Firuzağa Primary School, middle school at Beyoğlu Middle School, and high school at Beyoğlu Taksim Boys' High School. His role as Bican Efendi in the play "Hisse-i Şayia" during high school introduced him to theater. He joined the Children's Department of the Istanbul City Theaters. His role in the play "Mahallenin Romanı" at the Komedi Theater in 1955 became a turning point in his theater career. He successfully replaced Reşit Gürzap, who fell ill during the performance, and was subsequently hired. Until 1962, he worked in both children's theater and adult plays. In 1962, he married Gönül Ülkü and founded the Gönül Ülkü-Gazanfer Özcan Theater. He also appeared in numerous films in the 1950s and 1960s. After a long break from cinema, he returned in 2000 with the film "Komiser Şekspir." He also acted in many TV series. He became well-known for his role as Hüsnü Kuruntu in the series "Kuruntu Ailesi," often playing the father figure in various productions, including his role as Tahsin Bey in "Avrupa Yakası." He received the title of State Artist from the Ministry of Culture in 1998. He passed away on February 17, 2009, at the American Hospital in Istanbul, and was buried in Karacaahmet Cemetery two days later. He was married to Gönül Ülkü from 1962 until his death and had a daughter, Fulya Özcan, born in 1954, from a previous marriage.