Veteran Turkish actor Göksel Arsoy, one of the best-known leading men of the Yeşilçam era, died at the age of 90.
Arsoy, widely known in Türkiye by the nickname «Altın Çocuk» — the Golden Boy — died on October 5, his family said. His son, Aşkım Arsoy, said the actor had become weaker recently but had not suffered from a serious illness and died peacefully, according to Haberler.
His funeral is expected to take place on Wednesday, 7 October, Türkiye Gazetesi reported.
Who was Göksel Arsoy?
Born in Kayseri in 1936, Arsoy began his film career in the late 1950s and went on to become one of the most recognisable male stars of Yeşilçam, the popular name for Türkiye’s classic studio-era film industry.
He appeared in around 70 productions and became particularly famous after starring opposite Belgin Doruk in Samanyolu. Other notable films included Kara Günlerim, Kelepçe, Taş Bebek, Şafak Bekçileri and Altın Çocuk, the title that helped cement his enduring nickname.
Arsoy was known for playing suave romantic leads and became one of the defining screen heart-throbs of his generation. His polished image, striking looks and leading-man roles made him a fixture of Turkish popular culture during Yeşilçam’s golden years. He later also worked as a producer, 24 Saat Gazetesi wrote.
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In 1999, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Antalya Film Festival for his contribution to Turkish cinema.
