Kemal Sunal

Born in 1944 Istanbul Turkey Graduated from Vefa High School Fatih Istanbul Sunal acted in many popular films although he began his artistic career in the theater His first play was called Unwilling Doctor and he later worked at the Devekusu Kabare Theatre with Ulvi Uraz Although Sunal had minor roles at first after 1973 he was highly acclaimed for his roles in movies with large casts He won the Antalya Film Festivals Golden Orange Award in 1977 He contributed greatly to Turkish cinema with his successful acting including his roles in such movies as Hababam Sinifi Outrageous Class Kapicilar Krali King of Janitors Salako Moron Inek Saban Shaban the Cow and Davaro Sunals latest role was in Sinan Cetins border comedy Propaganda1999 He also made a TV commercial Kemal Sunal died suddenly of a heart attack on July 3 at Istanbuls Ataturk Airport he had just boarded the plane for Trabzon where he was to take part in the filming of director Ali Ozgenturks Balalaika 2000 His death caused a wave of sorrow across Turkey President Ahmet Necdet Sezer Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Minister of Culture Istemihan Talay and other politicians sent messages of condolence expressing their sorrow