30.09.2025 14:30
The journey to fame of Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, one of Turkey's most popular actors, is actually based on a story that began years ago. His youthful dream, which started with a passion for basketball in Adana, was cut short by an injury he suffered. However, an opportunity that his mother noticed in a display advertisement gave a completely different direction to Tatlıtuğ's career and turned him from a model into one of the most recognized faces on screen.
Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, who has become one of Turkey's most famous actors, has a remarkable story shaped by coincidences and critical turning points in his life. Born on October 27, 1983, in Adana, Tatlıtuğ was one of five children of a mother from Edirne and a father of Bosnian descent from Adana. He spent his childhood and early youth in Adana while continuing his education at Yenice Private Çağ High School.
TURNING POINT WITH HIS FATHER'S ILLNESS
The first major change in his life occurred when his father, Erdem Tatlıtuğ, underwent heart surgery. The health issues of his father, who was the breadwinner of the family, led to their move to Istanbul in 1997. This step opened a new chapter in Kıvanç's personal development and career journey.
BASKETBALL DREAM
Not distancing himself from sports in Istanbul, Tatlıtuğ's greatest passion was basketball. He took his first step into a professional basketball career with an offer from Ülkerspor. He then played for Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe as well. He had dreamed of being a professional athlete, but an unfortunate injury at a young age cut this journey short.
OPPORTUNITY WITH A DISPLAY AD
When the basketball chapter closed, his life evolved in a completely different direction. His mother applying for a modeling advertisement she saw in a store window became a new beginning that changed his destiny. The photo his mother sent to the agency allowed Kıvanç to step into the world of modeling.
RAPID RISE IN MODELING
What started as a trial for modeling quickly turned into a professional career. Starting to work with various agencies, Tatlıtuğ soon became one of the prominent names on the runways. During his two-year modeling career, he received many offers and began to make a name for himself.
PEAK WITH BEST MODEL
By winning first place in the Best Model of Turkey competition in 2002, he brought his light to a wider audience. This success was a strong indication that he would shine not only in modeling but also on screens in the years to come.