Birce Akalay

Birce Akalay is a Turkish actress and former television presenter known for her work in drama series, films, and theater productions. Born in Istanbul on June 19, 1984, she transitioned from a five-year career as a sports anchor to become one of the country's most recognized leading ladies. Her breakthrough role came in 2017 when she starred as Dr. Aslı Çınar in the hit romantic drama Siyah Beyaz Aşk, which achieved massive ratings domestically and gained international distribution.

Before her acting stardom, Akalay trained in ballet from age four until a knee injury at sixteen redirected her path toward performing arts. She graduated from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University with a degree in theatre acting. Her career since then has been marked by versatility, ranging from historical plays like Keşanlı Ali Destanı to international streaming projects such as Netflix's Kuş Uçuşu. As of 2026, she continues to headline major Turkish productions while maintaining a significant presence on social media platforms. [edit]

Birce Akalay was born into an artistic family in Istanbul, where her early years were defined by rigorous discipline and physical training. At the age of four, she began studying ballet with professional aspirations, dedicating over a decade to mastering the art form. This period instilled a strong sense of dedication that would later serve her well in the demanding world of acting. However, her potential career as a professional dancer ended abruptly at sixteen due to a significant knee injury that forced her to abandon dance entirely.

Following this setback, she pivoted her focus toward theater and acting, enrolling in formal education to hone her craft. She attended Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, graduating from the State Conservatory Department of Theatre Acting. During these formative years, she absorbed classical and contemporary performance techniques, preparing herself for a life on stage. Before stepping into the spotlight as a dramatic lead, she spent approximately five years working as a sports presenter and anchor on national Turkish television channels. This experience provided her with invaluable on-camera confidence and public speaking skills that distinguished her from many of her peers who entered the industry directly through acting schools. [edit]

Akalay's transition from sports broadcasting to acting began with small roles and quickly escalated to mainstream prominence. Her theatrical debut occurred in Müjdat Gezen's production of 7 Kocalı Hürmüz, where she showcased her dramatic range to critical acclaim within the theater community. By 2013, she appeared in the TV series Yer Gök Aşk, playing the character Selin and establishing herself as a capable supporting actress. The turning point arrived in 2017 when she was cast as Dr. Aslı Çınar opposite İbrahim Çelikkol in Siyah Beyaz Aşk. The series became a ratings juggernaut in Turkey and secured international distribution across Europe and the Americas, making her a household name.

Her success continued with a return to the stage in 2020, where she played the prominent role of Zilha in the famous historical play Keşanlı Ali Destanı. In 2022, she reunited with Çelikkol for the Netflix series Kuş Uçuşu, marking a significant expansion of her reach to global streaming audiences. Recent years have seen her starring in high-profile dramas like Star TV's Babil and the web series Graveyard. As of mid-2026, she remains active in the industry, promoting the third season of Graveyard alongside Olgun Toker, demonstrating her enduring appeal in both local and international markets. [edit]

Akalay projects an image of elegance and professionalism, often favoring sophisticated red-carpet looks and chic casual wear that reflect her status as a mature and accomplished actress. Media portrayals consistently describe her as grounded and talented, highlighting her successful pivot from sports anchoring to dramatic acting as a testament to her resilience. She is frequently cited as a role model for young women in Turkey who aspire to careers in entertainment, particularly for those looking to break into different genres. Her public persona is characterized by a quiet dignity and a focus on her craft rather than celebrity gossip. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Birce Akalay, so no global ranking is currently available. Her popularity is primarily concentrated within Turkey and among viewers of Turkish dramas internationally. While there is no formally documented fandom name for her following, her fanbase is highly engaged and active on social media platforms. Fans often trend her name on Twitter and Instagram whenever new episodes of her shows air or when she releases promotional material. These supporters are known for organizing charity drives in her name and participating in campaigns to ensure her shows receive international distribution. Her audience appreciates her versatility and has rallied behind her transition from local television to global streaming platforms like Netflix. [edit]

Birce Akalay speaks fluent English, a skill that has significantly aided her ability to land roles in international co-productions and connect with global audiences. Despite her rising fame, she is known for maintaining a relatively low profile regarding her private life, rarely discussing her relationships in detail during interviews. Another interesting fact is her deep connection to dance; although she stopped performing professionally after her injury, she often references how ballet taught her the discipline required for long filming schedules. She is also a close friend to many top Turkish actors, frequently collaborating with them in both film and theater projects throughout her career. [edit]

Birce Akalay was born into an artistic environment in Istanbul, which likely influenced her early interest in the performing arts. She is the mother of one daughter, Defne Ünalmış, who was born in 2016 during her marriage to actor Murat Ünalmış. Following her divorce in 2019, she maintained a co-parenting relationship focused on their daughter's well-being. Currently, she lives in Istanbul and shares her time between her career commitments and family life. She is known to be close with her extended family, though she keeps their details out of the public eye to protect their privacy. [edit]

İbrahim Çelikkol, Murat Ünalmış, Olgun Toker, Müjdat Gezen. [edit]

Birce Akalay's romantic history has been a subject of public interest, marked by two significant relationships. Her first major union was with fellow actor Murat Ünalmış. The couple met through mutual friends in the industry and married in 2015. Their relationship was widely covered in Turkish media, and they were considered one of the country's "power couples." They welcomed a daughter, Defne, in 2016. However, the marriage faced challenges, and the couple announced their separation in 2019. The split was described as amicable, with both parties emphasizing their shared commitment to raising their daughter despite ending their romantic partnership.

Following her divorce, Akalay began dating Sarp Levendoğlu, a Turkish businessman and former model, around late 2020 or early 2021. Unlike her previous marriage, this relationship has remained relatively private, with the couple avoiding excessive media exposure. As of 2026, they are still together, though there have been no official announcements regarding engagement or marriage. No children from this relationship have been publicly confirmed. Her current status reflects a stable partnership with Levendoğlu while she continues to balance her career and family life. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Birce Akalay's net worth at approximately $3.5 million as of 2026. This figure reflects her earnings from a diverse portfolio including high-profile television contracts, film roles, and endorsement deals. Her primary income stream comes from her salaries as a lead actress in prime-time series on networks like Star TV and international productions for Netflix. Reports suggest her per-episode fees have increased significantly following the success of Siyah Beyaz Aşk.

In addition to acting, Akalay generates revenue through brand partnerships with fashion and lifestyle companies in Turkey. She has also invested in real estate, a common strategy for Turkish celebrities, owning residential properties in Istanbul. Her theater performances contribute additional income through ticket sales, although this is a smaller portion of her overall earnings compared to her screen work. The financial trajectory of her career has been steady upward, moving from a modest salary as a sports anchor to a lucrative position in the entertainment industry. [edit]

Birce Akalay has received several domestic accolades for her work in Turkish television and theater. She has won awards at the Yeşilçam Awards and Türkiye Gazeteciler Derneği (Turkish Journalists Association) Awards for Best Actress in Drama Series, specifically recognized for her performances in Siyah Beyaz Aşk and Babil. While she has not yet won major international awards, her contributions to Turkish cinema and theater have been praised by critics and audiences alike. [edit]