25.05.2026 17:30
Saadet Gürses, one of the master actors of Yeşilçam cinema, called for help by highlighting the financial difficulties she faces in a video shared on her social media account. Gürses, a 35-year veteran of cinema who has appeared in nearly 200 films but has been away from the industry after being diagnosed with a relentless illness, broke down in tears saying, "I am so tired now."
A video shared by Saadet Gürses, a master actress of Yeşilçam, in tears on social media once again revealed the bitter realities of Turkish cinema. The veteran artist, who starred in hundreds of landmark films, stated that she is financially drained and asked for support from her fans.
SHE SHARED THE STAGE WITH YEŞİLÇAM'S LEGENDARY NAMES
Saadet Gürses, who shared the same sets with Turkish cinema's iconic figures such as Türkan Şoray, Hülya Koçyiğit, Kemal Sunal, and Tarık Akan, packed approximately 200 films into her 35-year career. However, these long years dedicated to cinema were not enough to provide the veteran actress with a secure future.
SHE BEAT CANCER, BUT CINEMA TURNED ITS BACK ON HER
The turning point in Gürses's life came in 1997. The artist was diagnosed with a relentless skin cancer, fought against the disease for a full 7 years, and ultimately managed to defeat it. Although she wanted to regain her health and return to the sets, she faced a bitter reality: After her illness, the film industry no longer opened its doors to her.
In a statement she made a few months ago, Gürses summarized this situation with these words:
"Unfortunately, after a certain period, the cinema stopped offering work. When cinema didn't offer work, I and many other Yeşilçam actors like me fell into a debt trap. Since we can't work, we can't earn money."
"WHEN THE CAMERAS TURN OFF, NO ONE STAYS BESIDE YOU"
Following a long-standing financial deadlock, Saadet Gürses posted a video on her social media account showing her without hair. Pouring out her heart in tears, the veteran actress stated that this post carried a farewell tone and criticized the ingratitude of the film world:
"This will be my last video communicating with you. Because I am very tired now. Until today, you have known me through different stories, different faces. Sometimes I made you laugh, sometimes I made you cry. But life is that real thing that begins when the cameras turn off. And when that story begins, no one stays beside you."
CALL FOR BOOK SUPPORT IN HER STRUGGLE FOR LIFE
Not expecting any free help from anyone, the veteran artist mentioned that she has a book she published with her own means and appealed to her fans. Setting aside her pride to get through tough days, she made a call for solidarity, saying, "I had 500 copies of this book printed with my own means. I would be very happy if you support me and purchase this book."
This video, which quickly became a trending topic on social media, mobilized thousands of users while reigniting the debate over the insecurity and economic hardships faced by Yeşilçam workers.