Suna Pekuysal

Suna Pekuysal — Biography

Suna Pekuysal, born Adile Suna Belener (October 24, 1933, Istanbul – July 22, 2008, Istanbul), was one of the best-known names in Turkish cinema, theatre, and television across a career spanning more than five decades. She made her stage debut in 1949 in the children's section of the Istanbul City Theatre and moved to its drama company in 1952; in 1964 she married fellow theatre actor Ergun Köknar.

Known for her comic and character roles, Pekuysal won over theatre audiences with productions such as "Lüküs Hayat" and came to be affectionately known as "Suna Abla." On screen she frequently played maid and supporting characters, making her one of the memorable faces of the Yeşilçam era, appearing in films including İnşaat (2003) and Hırsız Var! (2005) as well as the earlier Keloğlan ile Cankız (1972). She also reached new generations of viewers through popular television series such as Avrupa Yakası and Ekmek Teknesi.

In 1980 she received the Avni Dilligil Award for her performance in the play "Tırpan." Pekuysal died in Istanbul on July 22, 2008, and continues to be remembered by Turkey's film and theatre community on the anniversaries of her passing.