Selma Ergeç: A Multifaceted Star of Turkish Cinema and Television

TURKISH ACTORS & ACTRESSES

2/1/20253 min read

Selma Ergeç was born on November 1, 1978, in Hamm, Germany, as the eldest child of a Turkish father and a German mother. Her father, Bülent Ergeç, was a doctor from Adana, while her mother, Elizabeth Ergeç, was a German nurse. Growing up in a bicultural environment, she was exposed to both Turkish and German traditions, which later contributed to her versatile acting career.

Initially, Ergeç pursued medical studies abroad and came to Turkey for an internship in her third year of university. However, an unexpected opportunity led her to a different path. While planning a six-month break from her studies, she came across a casting call for an actress to portray a young woman struggling with heroin addiction. This role marked the turning point in her life, leading her to leave medical school and dedicate herself to acting.

Career Breakthrough and Success

Selma Ergeç first entered the entertainment industry as a professional model, participating in the Best Model of Turkey competition. She also appeared in Emre Altuğ's music video for "Gidecek Yerim mi Var?" before fully transitioning into acting.

Her acting career began with the TV series "Böyle mi Olacaktı?", followed by roles in "Yarım Elma," "Şöhret," "Körfez Ateşi," and "Hırçın Kız." However, she gained widespread recognition with the character Defne in the hit drama "Asi."

In the film industry, Ergeç starred alongside Uğur Polat in "Sis ve Gece" and shared the screen with Mehmet Günsür in "Ses." Her performance in the 2014 film "Kırımlı"—an adaptation of Cengiz Dağcı’s novel "Korkunç Yıllar"—showcased her ability to portray emotionally intense roles.

One of her most celebrated performances came in the historical drama "Muhteşem Yüzyıl", where she played Hatice Sultan for three seasons. This role solidified her status as a leading actress in Turkish television and introduced her to an international audience.

Recent Projects and International Recognition

After her success in period dramas, Ergeç continued to take on diverse roles in both television and film. In "Gönül İşleri" (2014-2015), she played Saadet, and in "Vatanım Sensin" (2017), she portrayed the legendary Halide Edib Adıvar.

Her role as Selen in "Camdaki Kız" (2021-2023) gained critical acclaim, and she became part of the international series "Türk Dedektif" (2023-2024). In 2024, she joined the highly anticipated drama "İnci Taneleri," proving her continuous dominance in the industry.

Personal Life

Selma Ergeç married Can Öz in 2016 after two years of dating. The couple welcomed their daughter, Maya Öz, in 2017. Beyond acting, Ergeç is known for her passion for literature, psychology, and philosophy.

Awards and Achievements

Her outstanding performances have been recognized multiple times, most notably when she won "Best Actress of the Year" at the 16th Sadri Alışık Awards in 2011.

Filmography

Television Series:

1997 – "Böyle mi Olacaktı?" (Merve)
2002-2003 – "Yarım Elma" (Ayça)
2005 – "Şöhret" (Natalie)
2005 – "Körfez Ateşi" (Pınar)
2007 – "Hırçın Kız" (Gül)
2007-2009 – "Asi" (Defne)
2010 – "Kalp Ağrısı" (Azize)
2011-2013 – "Muhteşem Yüzyıl" (Hatice Sultan)
2014-2015 – "Gönül İşleri" (Saadet)
2017 – "Vatanım Sensin" (Halide Edib Adıvar)
2018 – "Yaşamayanlar" (Karmen)
2021 – "Atiye" (Umut)
2021 – "Mevlana Mest-i Aşk" (Kerra)
2021-2023 – "Camdaki Kız" (Selen)
2023-2024 – "Türk Dedektif" (Selma)
2024 – "İnci Taneleri" (Piraye)

Films:

2006 – "Beş Vakit" (Teacher)
2007 – "Sis ve Gece" (Mine)
2010 – "Ses" (Derya)
2013 – "Senin Hikayen" (Esra)
2014 – "Kırımlı" (Maria)

Social Media & Online Presence

Instagram: @selmaergecofficial
X (Twitter): @SelmaErgecResmi

With her exceptional talent, multilingual background, and strong screen presence, Selma Ergeç continues to be a prominent figure in Turkish cinema and television. From historical dramas to contemporary thrillers, she has proven her ability to adapt to diverse roles, ensuring her legacy as one of Turkey’s most respected actresses. As she takes on new projects, her influence in both national and international entertainment industries is bound to grow even further.