Who is Burak Deniz? A look at His Life and Career

TURKISH ACTORS & ACTRESSES

2/18/20253 min read

Burak Deniz is a renowned Turkish actor known for his impressive performances in television series, web projects, and films. Born on February 17, 1991, in Istanbul, Turkey, he pursued a degree in Art History at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University.

From his early years, Deniz showed a deep interest in acting, which led him to step into the entertainment industry at a young age. Over the years, he has gained widespread recognition for his charismatic screen presence, talent, and ability to portray diverse characters.

Let's take a closer look at Burak Deniz’s journey, career milestones, and personal life.

Early Life and Education

Burak Deniz was born and raised in Istanbul, but his education took him to Çanakkale, where he studied Art History at the university level. Despite initially pursuing a different academic path, his passion for acting eventually led him to the Turkish film and television industry.

Career Breakthrough and Success

Burak Deniz made his television debut in 2011 with the series Kolej Günlüğü, where he played the character Onur. However, his first major breakthrough came with Tatlı Küçük Yalancılar (2015), the Turkish adaptation of Pretty Little Liars, where he portrayed Toprak Kaynak. This role put him on the radar of casting directors and audiences alike.

Rise to Fame: Aşk Laftan Anlamaz & Bizim Hikaye

Deniz’s career skyrocketed when he played Murat Sarsılmaz in Aşk Laftan Anlamaz (2016-2017), a romantic comedy where he starred alongside Hande Erçel. The series became a huge success both in Turkey and internationally, earning him a dedicated fan base.

His next major role was in Bizim Hikaye (2017-2019), the Turkish adaptation of Shameless, where he portrayed Savaş Aktan (Barış) opposite Hazal Kaya. This project further cemented his status as one of Turkey’s most sought-after leading actors.

Venturing into Action & Thriller: Maraşlı & Bambaşka Biri

In 2021, Burak Deniz took on a more intense and action-packed role in Maraşlı, playing Celal Kün (Maraşlı), a former soldier turned bookstore owner entangled in a web of conspiracies. His dynamic performance and on-screen chemistry with Alina Boz received critical acclaim.

Following this, he starred in the psychological thriller Bambaşka Biri (2023-2024) as Kenan Öztürk / Doğan Kaya, showcasing his ability to tackle complex and dark characters.

Expanding into Digital Platforms

With the rise of streaming services, Burak Deniz successfully transitioned into digital projects:

Yarım Kalan Aşklar (2020) – Ozan, a journalist investigating a mysterious case.
Cahil Periler (2022) – Asaf, an intriguing character in the Italian production directed by Ferzan Özpetek.
Kal (2022) – Semih, a man struggling with relationships and self-discovery.
Şahmaran (2023-present) – Maran, a mystical being in Netflix’s fantasy-drama series.

His role in Şahmaran, a supernatural drama inspired by Turkish mythology, has garnered global attention, proving his growing international appeal.

Upcoming Project: Umami Kaynama Noktası (2025)

Burak Deniz will soon star in Umami Kaynama Noktası, an exciting new Disney+ film set to be released in 2025. He will play Sina, a chef navigating the pressures of the culinary world while balancing personal struggles.

Personal Life: Relationships & Interests

Burak Deniz’s romantic relationships have often been a topic of interest among fans. He has previously dated actress Büşra Develi and later had a brief relationship with model Didem Soydan. Additionally, he was linked to his colleague Bestemsu Özdemir.

Aside from acting, Deniz has a passion for art, music, and traveling. He frequently shares glimpses of his off-screen life, adventures, and artistic interests on social media.

Burak Deniz’s Filmography

Television Series:

Kolej Günlüğü (2011) – Onur
Sultan (2012) – Tarık
Kaçak (2013-2015) – Burak Topçuoğlu
Tatlı Küçük Yalancılar (2015) – Toprak Kaynak
Aşk Laftan Anlamaz (2016-2017) – Murat Sarsılmaz
Bizim Hikaye (2017-2019) – Savaş Aktan / Barış
Maraşlı (2021) – Celal Kün / Maraşlı
Bambaşka Biri (2023-2024) – Kenan Öztürk / Doğan Kaya

Digital Projects:

Yarım Kalan Aşklar (2020) – Ozan
Cahil Periler (2022) – Asaf
Kal (2022) – Semih
Şahmaran (2023-present) – Maran

Films:

Arada (2018) – Ozan
Umami Kaynama Noktası (2025) – Sina