11.06.2025 08:51
Turkish actor İhsan Küçüktepe, of African descent, was known for his role as 'Çitlenbik' in the 'Yumurcak' films. Küçüktepe, who passed away at the age of 63, was announced to have died by the Film-San Foundation.
One of the unforgettable faces of Turkish cinema, African-origin Turkish actor İhsan Küçüktepe, who is etched in memories with the character 'Çitlenbik' in the 'Yumurcak' films, passed away at the age of 63.
The death of İhsan Küçüktepe, who rose to fame in the 1970s Turkish cinema and won the hearts of the audience with the films he starred in at a young age, has saddened the art community. The sad news was announced through a statement made on the social media account of the Film-San Foundation. The statement read, "We wish God's mercy upon actor İhsan Küçüktepe (Çitlenbik) and offer our condolences to his family and loved ones."
"ÇİTLENBİK"'S SELFLESSNESS TOUCHED HEARTS
İhsan Küçüktepe was known for his role as 'Çitlenbik' in the 'Yumurcak' series, which he starred in at a young age. The character of Çitlenbik, depicted as a street child, has a special place in the hearts of Turkish viewers with his joy and selflessness. In particular, the scene where he dies while trying to save Yumurcak has become one of the most poignant moments in cinema history.
HE WAS THE FIRST "BEŞİR" ON TELEVISION
Küçüktepe brought the character 'Beşir' to life in the first 'Aşk-ı Memnu' series directed by Halit Refig in 1975. As the first Beşir in the history of the series, he made significant contributions to the portrayal of the character, which played a key role in Bihter's tragedy. In 1977, Küçüktepe, who portrayed another street child in the film 'İbo ile Güllüşah' alongside İbrahim Tatlıses and Güllüşah, won the hearts of the audience with this role as well.
HE QUIETLY DISTANCED HIMSELF FROM THE SCREENS
In the 2000s, the actor returned to television series with guest roles, appearing in two episodes of 'Cennet Mahallesi' in 2004 and in 'Arka Sokaklar' for a season in 2006. However, he then chose to distance himself from the cameras and lead a quiet life.