Ayten Gökçer

Ayten Gökçer (Kaçmaz; 26 January 1940 – 14 May 2024) was a Turkish actress who performed across theatre, film, and television with a career spanning from 1955 to 2017.

Early life and education
Ayten Gökçer was born in Ankara, Turkey on 26 January 1940. Raised in a culturally rich environment, she developed a passion for the performing arts from a young age. Gökçer pursued her interest by participating in school plays and local theatre productions during her formative years.

After completing her secondary education, Gökçer enrolled in Hacettepe University to formalise her training in acting.

Acting career
Gökçer made her professional debut in 1965, acting in the Turkish film Taçsız Kral. In 1967 she played Tilda in 501 Numaralı Hücre. After a brief role in 1980 in Yedi Kocalı Hürmüz, she acted in the 1984 film White Fire.

In 1999, Gökçer had a notable role playing Belgin for all 90 episodes of Yılan Hikayesi. She played Leyla for 28 episodes of Patron Kim in 2003. Gökçer starred in the Turkish film Hoşça Kal Güzin in 2008. Her final film was that same year, playing Betul in Red Istanbul.

Personal life and death
As a public figure, Ayten Gökçer maintained a relatively private personal life, choosing to keep details about her family, relationships, and personal interests out of the spotlight.

She was married to Cüneyt Gökçer (1920–2009), long-time director of the Turkish State Theatres and professor at Hacettepe University. They had one daughter named Asşı.

She died on 14 May 2024, at the age of 84. Following the religious service, she was buried next to her spouse's grave at the Zincirlikuyu Cemetery.

Awards and honours
Gökçer received several awards and honours throughout her career, including:


 * Best Actress of the Year by the Art Enthusiasts Association (1967 and 1971)
 * Best Artist of the Year by the Association of Journalists (1975)
 * Outstanding Service Award by the Turkish Ministry of Culture (1966)
 * Our Proud Artists Award in commemoration of the 75th year of the Turkish Republic (1998)
 * Honoured with the title of State Artist by Turkey in 1988