Çağatay Ulusoy, a renowned Turkish actor and model, has captivated audiences with his talent and charm. Born on September 23, 1990, in Istanbul, Turkey, Ulusoy has risen to fame through his impressive acting skills and striking looks. Throughout his career, he has starred in various TV series and movies, earning accolades and a devoted fan following.
Çağatay Ulusoy was born and raised in Istanbul, specifically in the Küçükçekmece district. He grew up in a supportive family, with his mother, Refiye Ulusoy, of Bosnian descent, and his father, Aylin Ulusoy, of Turkish descent. Ulusoy’s father emigrated from Bulgaria, adding a multicultural aspect to his background. He also has a younger brother named Atalay, who is eight years his junior.
After completing his high school education at Halkalı Trade Vocational High School, Ulusoy embarked on further studies at Istanbul University’s Department of Garden Design and Landscaping. However, his passion for modeling and acting soon took center stage, leading him down a different path.
At the age of 19, Ulusoy kickstarted his career as a model. His striking looks and captivating presence caught the attention of industry professionals, propelling him into the world of fashion. He quickly gained recognition and began working with renowned brands, showcasing his versatility and photogenic qualities.
Ulusoy’s modeling career opened doors for him, providing valuable opportunities to collaborate with prestigious names in the industry. Notably, he participated in an advertisement photoshoot for Colin’s, a popular jeans brand, alongside Taylor Hill, a well-known Victoria’s Secret model. His success in the modeling world laid the foundation for his transition into acting.
Ulusoy’s journey as an actor began after winning the Best Model competition in Turkey in October 2010. This victory proved to be a turning point in his life, as he was offered the lead role in the Turkish TV series “Adını Feriha Koydum” (2011-2012). Portraying the character Emir Sarrafoğlu, Ulusoy showcased his acting skills and instantly captivated audiences with his on-screen presence. The series, which also starred actress Hazal Kaya, became a huge success and propelled Ulusoy into the spotlight.
Following the success of “Adını Feriha Koydum,” Ulusoy continued to shine in the TV series “Medcezir” (2013-2015). This show, a remake of the popular American series “The O.C.,” further solidified his position as a talented actor. Ulusoy portrayed the character Yaman, captivating viewers with his ability to bring depth and emotion to the screen.
Ulusoy’s acting prowess extends beyond television series, as he has also made a mark in the world of cinema. In 2011, between seasons 1 and 2 of “Adını Feriha Koydum,” Ulusoy appeared in his first movie project, “Anadolu Kartalları.” Directed by Ömer Vargı, the film saw Ulusoy take on the role of Lieutenant Ahmet Onur.
However, it was his performance in the 2015 film “Delibal” that truly showcased his versatility as an actor. Playing the character Barış Ayaz, a student of architecture dealing with bipolar disorder, Ulusoy demonstrated his ability to tackle complex and emotionally challenging roles. His dedication to the character was evident, as he learned to play the drums and delivered a captivating vocal performance in the film.
Ulusoy’s filmography continued to expand with projects like “Paper Lives” (2021), where he played the lead role of a garbage collector named Mehmet. This film, produced by OGM Pictures, further highlighted his range and commitment to portraying diverse characters.
Ulusoy’s talent and popularity continued to grow with his role in the TV series “İçerde” (2016-2017). Playing the character Sarp Yılmaz, a police officer infiltrating the mafia, Ulusoy showcased his ability to portray complex and intense characters. The series, based on Martin Scorsese’s film “The Departed,” further solidified his place as one of Turkey’s most talented actors.
In 2018, Ulusoy embarked on a groundbreaking project, the first Turkish original Netflix series, “The Protector.” In this fantasy drama, he played the dual roles of Hakan Demir, Istanbul’s last Protector, and Harun Akıncı, Istanbul’s first Protector. The series garnered international recognition and a dedicated fanbase, propelling Ulusoy to new heights of fame.
Throughout his career, Ulusoy has received numerous awards and accolades for his exceptional performances. In 2015, he was honored with the Golden Butterfly TV Award for Best Actor. He was also recognized as the Best Stylish Actor at the Turkey Elle Style Awards in 2014. Additionally, he has received “Best Actor” awards from various universities in Turkey, further cementing his status as a highly regarded talent.
Ulusoy’s impact extends beyond his on-screen achievements. He has consistently shown his commitment to philanthropy, supporting charitable foundations in Turkey, such as the Losev Foundation for children with leukemia. Additionally, he has recently extended his philanthropic efforts to Georgia, where he has supported charitable initiatives in Tbilisi.
Ulusoy’s journey as an actor and creative individual shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to his acting engagements, he has explored other aspects of the entertainment industry. In 2016, while in Los Angeles, he directed a short film titled “Home,” shedding light on the issue of homelessness.
Furthermore, Ulusoy has ventured into screenwriting and directing, showcasing his multifaceted talents. His short film “Birdie,” released in December 2019-January 2020, received acclaim and participated in various film festivals.
Çağatay Ulusoy’s rise to stardom is a testament to his talent, dedication, and versatility. From his early days as a model to his breakthrough roles in TV series and films, he has consistently impressed audiences with his performances. As he continues to explore new projects and expand his creative endeavors, the future looks bright for this Turkish actor and model extraordinaire.
