ISTANBUL
Zeki Alasya, a Turkish movie star renowned for his comedic roles and character acting, has passed away at the age of 72.
A star of such comedy movies as 1974’s A Stupid Millionaire [Salak Milyoner in Turkish] and Hit The Town [Koyden indim sehre], he was often paired onscreen with acting partner Metin Akpinar.
“I have lost my other half. My heart is burning,” Akpinar told Turkish media upon hearing of Alasya’s death. “We were never separated until now. He will not be forgotten,” Akpinar added.
Alasya, who had been receiving treatment for liver cysts since April, passed away due to liver failure on Friday morning, Istanbul-based Koc University Hospital confirmed.
Atilla Dorsay, a Turkish movie critic, told local media that: “Alasya was one of the most prominent comedians of modern times.”
Alasya received the prestigious “State Artist” title in 1998 and was granted a “Lifetime Honor Award” in 2010 by the International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival.
