Haluk Bilginer: All about Emmy-winning Turkish actor playing Onassis in Maria

Haluk Bilginer, the internationally acclaimed Turkish actor, has once again captured global attention with his role as Aristotle Onassis in Angelina Jolie’s latest film, Maria.

Known for his remarkable talent and powerful on-screen presence, Bilginer stars alongside Jolie in this poignant story of love and loss.

From Izmir to international stardom: Turkish actor Haluk Bilginer’s journey

Haluk Bilginer was born on June 5, 1954, in Izmir, Türkiye, to Bedriye and Tahsin Bilginer. His passion for acting emerged during high school at Izmir Ozel Turk Koleji, where he joined the drama club and won his first acting award in a theater competition.

This early success led him to the Ankara State Conservatory, where he honed his craft before continuing his studies at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

Bilginer began his career in the United Kingdom, gaining recognition for his role as Mehmet Osman in the British soap opera EastEnders. This role, spanning 250 episodes from 1985 to 1989, introduced Haluk Bilginer to an international audience.

During his time in the U.K., Bilginer appeared in numerous stage productions, demonstrating his versatility in plays such as My Fair Lady, Macbeth and The Phantom of the Opera.

Haluk Bilginer’s contributions to Turkish theater, cinema

Returning to Türkiye in the late 1980s, Bilginer quickly became a leading figure in Turkish cinema and theater. In 1990, he co-founded the Tiyatro Studyosu (Theater Studio) with his then-wife Zuhal Olcay and later established the Oyun Atolyesi (Play Workshop) in 1999, creating spaces for innovative theatrical productions.

Bilginer’s filmography is as diverse as it is impressive. His standout performances include roles in Masumiyet (Innocence), Kis Uykusu (Winter Sleep), and the Emmy-winning series Sahsiyet (Persona), in which he portrayed Agah Beyoglu.

This role earned him the International Emmy Award for Best Actor in 2019, making him the first Turkish actor to receive this honor.

Haluk Bilginer’s personal life: Balancing family, career

Bilginer’s personal life has often intertwined with his professional career. His first marriage to actress Zuhal Olcay was both romantic and creative partnership, with the couple collaborating on several projects.

Following their divorce in 2004, Bilginer married singer Askin Nur Yengi, with whom he has a daughter, Nazli. Although their marriage ended in 2012, Bilginer remains a devoted father and a prominent figure in Turkish cultural life.

Angelina Jolie’s Maria: Exploring an icon’s final days

Maria tells the story of Maria Callas’ final days in 1970s Paris, delving into her deep loneliness and the enduring impact of her relationship with Aristotle Onassis.

• Directed by Pablo Larrain, known for Jackie and Spencer, the film is a strong contender in the upcoming awards season
• Critics have praised Jolie’s portrayal of Callas as “absolutely mesmerizing,” while Bilginer’s performance as Onassis has received widespread acclaim.

In an interview with Deadline, Jolie said, “It’s a role that comes once in a lifetime. The emotional depth required pushed me to my limits, but sharing the screen with Haluk Bilginer made it all the more rewarding.”

Bilginer described working with Jolie as “inspiring.” Speaking to Turkish media, he remarked, “Angelina is a consummate professional. Collaborating with her on such a profound story was an experience I will treasure forever.”

Audience reactions to Maria Callas’ biopic, critical reception

Since its release, Maria has generated significant buzz, with particular praise for its lead performances. On social media, fans have commended the chemistry between Jolie and Bilginer, calling their scenes together emotional and powerful.

The film’s detailed historical accuracy, combined with Larrain’s unique directorial approach, has cemented its status as a must-watch. Critics have also emphasized the seamless blending of Callas’ original recordings with Jolie’s own voice in the singing scenes.