Turkish actress Gülsen Tuncer, widely known to international audiences for her role as Arsen Hanim in the hit drama Forbidden Love, died at the age of 81 following a battle with brain cancer. Her passing on September 17, 2026, closed a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television, and academia.
The death of the veteran actress was announced by the Film-San Foundation, an organization where she previously served as vice chair of the board of directors between 2009 and 2011. Her passing followed a period of declining health that drew widespread concern from colleagues and fans across the Turkish entertainment industry.
A Legacy Defined Beyond a Single Role
While millions of viewers across the Middle East and Turkey instantly recognized Gülsen Tuncer as Arsen Hanim in the 2008 television adaptation of Forbidden Love (Aşk-ı Memnu), her professional footprint extended far beyond the popular series. Over a career lasting more than 50 years, she amassed roughly 80 credits spanning stage, cinema, television, and radio.
Born in Adana on October 20, 1945, Tuncer moved to Istanbul to complete her education, eventually graduating from the Istanbul Municipal Conservatory’s theatre department. Her training brought her into contact with foundational figures in Turkish theatre, including Yıldız Kenter, Ayla Algan, and Beklan Algan. She made her professional stage debut in 1968 in the play Zilli Zarife with the Gülriz Sururi and Engin Cezzar troupe.
Beyond acting, Tuncer worked extensively behind the scenes in artistic direction, assistant directing, and songwriting.
Illness and Final Days
Tuncer’s health deteriorated rapidly in the weeks leading up to her death. The Film-San Foundation had publicly appealed for public support and prayers as the actress faced a severe illness. Turkish media reports subsequently detailed that she was undergoing treatment for stage-four brain cancer. News outlets reported that her condition had advanced to the point where she lost the ability to speak and write, though those medical specifics were drawn from press reports rather than direct family statements.
Her death on Thursday evening, September 17, prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues across the arts. Veteran actress Nebahat Çehre shared a tribute remembering her peer.
I’m very sorry… As the years pass, saying goodbye to the people we shared this journey with becomes harder. Dear Gülsen, I will always fondly remember the good days and memories we shared. May God rest your soul. Nebahat Çehre, Actress
Fellow actress Nilgün Belgün also offered condolences, recalling their shared backstage memories and collaboration on the stage production Oğlum Çiçek Açtı with Ali Poyrazoğlu Theatre.
Why the Character of Arsen Resonated with Viewers
Within Forbidden Love, Tuncer portrayed Arsen Ziyagil—the sensible, level-headed sister of businessman Adnan Ziyagil and aunt to Nihal and Bülent. The character earned a devoted following for her wisdom, her steadfast support of her brother during familial turmoil, and the maternal warmth she provided the younger characters following their mother’s death. Tuncer’s distinct elegance, classic styling, and composed demeanor cemented her place in television memory.
That prominent television role stood alongside a decorated career on stage and screen. Her performances earned notable recognition, including the Best Supporting Actress award at the Ankara Film Festival in 1989 and another honor at the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival in 1991.
A Storied Filmography Across Decades
Tuncer’s extensive resume spanned major television and film projects that defined distinct eras of Turkish media. Beyond Forbidden Love, her television credits included titles such as Üç İstanbul (Three Istanbuls), Çalıkuşu, and Fazilet Hanım ve Kızları (Fazilet and Her Daughters), continuing up to her television appearance in Hakim in 2022. Her body of work bridged classical Turkish theatrical traditions with the modern international boom of Turkish drama.