Muhsin Ertuğrul (28 February 1892 – 29 April 1979), also known as Ertuğrul Muhsin Bey, was a Turkish actor and director.

Life

His mother, Fatma Dilruh Verdrich is of German descent. His father is Hüseyin Hüsnü Paşa. Muhsin Ertuğrul, who had important contributions to Turkish cinema and Turkish theatre's western style instead of traditional theater. He was born in Istanbul on 28 February 1892. His first performance in theatre was in 1909 with the role of "Bob" in Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle. He ran the Darülbedayi Theatre in Istanbul from its opening in 1914. In 1932, He directed in first Turkish sound film "Bir Millet Uyanıyor" alongside Atıf Kaftan, Naşit Özcan. He married in 1929 Neyyire Neyir (née Münire Eyüp), one of the first ever Turkish actresses, who debuted in the 1923 movie Ateşten Gömlek, directed by himself. The marriage lasted until Neyyire's death in 1943. Ertuğrul then married Handan Uran (born 1927) in 1950. A stage actress, she starred in her only movie, the 1953 Halıcı Kız which first Turkish colour film, once again directed by Ertuğrul himself. She survived her husband's death in 1979.

Death

During his stay in İzmir following the honorary doctor ceremony, Ertuğrul died of a heart attack at the age of 87 on 29 April 1979. He was buried in Zincirlikuyu Cemetery in Istanbul.

Awards

Muhsin Ertuğrul was bestowed the title Honorary Doctor by Ege University on 23 April 1979 in recognition for his contribution to the theatre and cinema of Turkey.

Legacy

Three theatres in Turkey are named in his honor: the Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage and Bahçeşehir Muhsin Ertuğrul Theatre in Istanbul and the Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage in Ankara.

Filmography

Director

Actor