Renowned Turkish Theater Artist Zihni Göktay Dies at 80

Zihni Göktay, a towering figure in Turkish theater, has died at the age of 80. His daughter, Zeynep Göktay Dilbaz, announced the passing of the celebrated artist, who left an indelible mark on the Turkish stage, most notably through his 28-year performance in the operetta "Lüküs Hayat."

Born in Istanbul on December 2, 1945, Göktay embarked on his professional acting journey in 1964 at the Ankara Meydan Sahnesi. He later transitioned to the Istanbul City Theaters in 1973, where he continued to build his illustrious career. From 1978 to 1996, he also served as both a director and actor within the Radio Theater Branch of Istanbul Radio.

Göktay is widely regarded as one of the final torchbearers of the tuluat, or improvisational, tradition in Turkish theater. His enduring performance in "Lüküs Hayat" cemented his legacy, earning him a place among the most unforgettable artists in the genre. Over a career spanning 36 years, he appeared in 72 different stage productions.

His extensive body of work includes numerous plays and roles in films and television series. Some of his notable theater credits include "Cibali Karakolu," "Babanın Gorilleri," and "On İki Öfkeli Adam." On screen, he was recognized for his roles in popular productions such as "Kuruntu Ailesi," "Bizimkiler," and "Cennet Mahallesi." His wife, Sevinç Göktay, passed away in January 2022.