Haluk Bilginer
Biography
Nihat Haluk Bilginer, born on June 5, 1954, is a prominent Turkish actor whose career spans both Turkey and the United Kingdom. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Mehmet Osman in the popular 1980s British soap opera EastEnders. In addition to his television work, Bilginer has made appearances in Hollywood films, where he has taken on various roles, including a menacing guerrilla leader in the 1987 comedy Ishtar and a Turkish mobster in the 2001 dark comedy Buffalo Soldiers.
His filmography also includes a notable role as Doctor Sartain in the 2018 horror film Halloween. More recently, in 2023, he took center stage in the television series The Turkish Detective, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Bilginer's talent was recognized on an international level when he won the Best Actor award at the 47th International Emmy Awards for his outstanding performance in the acclaimed series Şahsiyet in 2018. His ability to convey complex characters has solidified his reputation as a significant figure in the acting world, making him a celebrated artist in both Turkish and global cinema.
Filmography
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Last Harem
1999 • Abdülhamit II
Shelter
2017 • Ahmet
Where's Firuze?
2004 • Hayri Kalıpçı
W.E.
2011 • Al Fayed
The Ottoman Lieutenant
2017 • Khalil Bey
Halloween (2018)
2018 • Dr. Sartain
7 Husbands for Hurmuz
2009 • Cebrail
Ben-Hur (2016)
2016
A Son of the Sun
2008 • Alper Canan
Winter Sleep
2014 • Aydın
The Reluctant Fundamentalist
2013 • Nazmi Kemal
Innocence
1997 • Bekir
Leyla Everlasting
2020 • Adem
Rosewater
2014 • Baba Akbar
Cars of the Revolution
2008 • Necip
Stuck Apart
2021 • Erbil
Five Minarets in New York
2010 • Hacı
Killing the Shadows
2006 • Karagöz
Forget About Nick
2017 • Nick
Maria (2024)
2024 • Aristotle Onassis
The Eighth Family
2025
Wild Abandon
2022 • Berhudar