Gülse Birsel, one of Turkey's most respected and versatile talents, has made significant contributions to Turkish cinema, television, and literature as an actress, screenwriter, comedian, journalist, and author. Born as Gülse Şener in Istanbul on 11 March 1971, Birsel's journey to the entertainment industry was not a straightforward one.
Born to a lawyer father from Uşak and a homemaker mother, Birsel was the youngest of three children. She completed her secondary education at Beyoğlu Anadolu High School. Although she was interested in acting, she went on to study economics at Boğaziçi University at her family's insistence. She later pursued a master's degree in cinema at Columbia University between 1994 and 1996.
While studying in her second year at university, Birsel started working for Aktüel magazine. After returning to Turkey in 1996, she wrote international news for atv's morning bulletin for three months. Subsequently, she became the editor-in-chief of Esquire magazine, and later Harper's Bazaar magazine from December 1997 to 2003. She also wrote columns for Sabah newspaper in 2001-2002 and worked as a general coordinator for magazines like FHM, Gezi, Harper's Bazaar, and House Beautiful.
Birsel has penned several books throughout her career:
'Gayet Ciddiyim' (March 2003)
'Hâlâ Ciddiyim' (May 2004)
'Yolculuk Nereye Hemşerim?' (August 2005)
'Velev ki Ciddiyim!' (December 2009)
'Yazlık' (June 2011)
'Memleketi Ben Kurtaracağım!' (November 2015)
Gülse Birsel has had an extensive career in Turkish film and television. Here is a brief overview of her filmography
This long-running Turkish comedy series written and acted by Gülse Birsel was a massive success. Set in Istanbul's European side, the series reflected the life, problems, and hilarious events of the residents of a multi-story apartment complex. Gülse Birsel played the character Aslı Sütçüoğlu, a single and successful fashion designer. With its engaging storyline, unforgettable characters, and Birsel's clever humor, 'Avrupa Yakası' became a staple in Turkish households.
'Yalan Dünya', another comedy series written and led by Gülse Birsel, was a popular show that revolved around a rich and powerful family's encounter with a naïve girl from the countryside. Birsel played Deniz, a screenwriter who often finds herself in comedic and paradoxical situations. The series was known for its satirical depiction of high society and media circles, peppered with Birsel's characteristic humor.
In this comedy series, Gülse Birsel took on the role of Gizem, a woman from a wealthy family who loses everything and finds herself in a world that she has ridiculed and looked down upon in the past. The series, which she also wrote, was a humorous look at social status, pretensions, and the trials and tribulations of a woman forced to adapt to a new life.
This movie written by Gülse Birsel and directed by Ozan Açıktan was a commercial success in Turkish cinemas. Birsel plays Mihriban, a strong, independent woman caught in a web of lies and deception to appease her conservative family. The film, praised for its humor, well-written characters, and engaging storyline, added another successful credit to Birsel's already impressive career.
'Yıbaşı Gecesi,' a Turkish comedy written by Gülse Birsel, made its debut on Disney+ on the 30th of December, 2022. The movie boasts a vibrant cast of actors such as Gülse Birsel, İrem Sak, Boran Kuzum, Büşra Pekin, Cengiz Bozkurt, Alina Boz, and Şebnem Bozoklu.
Throughout her career, Gülse Birsel has won many awards for her work, including:
'Best Scenario Award' at the 34th Golden Boll Film Festival for 'Avrupa Yakası'
'Best Comedy Woman Actress' at the 37th Pantene Golden Butterfly Awards for 'Avrupa Yakası'
'Best TV Series Scenario' at the 5th TelevizyonDizisi.com Awards for 'Yalan Dünya'
'Best Scenario' at the 2nd Ayaklı Newspaper TV Stars Awards for 'Jet Sosyete'
In honor of Barbie's 60th anniversary and International Women's Day on March 8th, the lineup was expanded with 20 new models. One of these new additions includes the renowned screenwriter and director, Gülse Birsel.
Gülse Birsel is known for her witty, humorous style and her ability to critique social issues through her work. Her writings, both in her books and her screenplays, reflect a keen eye for human relationships, social norms, and the idiosyncrasies of everyday life. Her legacy is that of a strong, talented woman who left her mark on Turkish television, cinema, and literature.