I was born on the spring of 1971 while my father was performing on stage.

My elder brother getting to acknowledge me; my being envious of him was the summary of the first six years.
I was 7 years old when my father made me play “a kid” in one of his many “Cilali İbo” movies. My brother was so P.o’d that from then on he made other career plans.
The elementary school years, I was violently woken up at Godless hours when it was dark to go to school. My father was sleeping as I left; and still asleep as I got back, which I realized was his pattern. That was when I made my career choice.
At 6th grade, as I had made my career choice, my first stage experience was with the children theatre company of The Commercial Bank of Turkey.
Following my brother moving away for college, I enjoyed my fathers’ undivided attention; and his undivided wrath. ☺ Don’t let me mislead you; even though he did have a temper, his eccentricity was amazing and so much fun.
After I graduated from high school, as my brother was studying in the US, I thought “why wouldn’t I go there as well”? I corresponded back and forth, I received the admission documents, visas and everything and off I went! Within a year my father decided that I was due back in Turkey. I joined the Istanbul Municipal Theatre in 1993. The joy was followed by the sour realization that my fathers’ sleeping pattern was his way and his privilege. Again, I had to attend endless rehearsals at godless hours in foggy mornings; I was fooled! ☺
I was told that no college degree no way I could make the permanent list. I attended the department of Dramaturgy at Istanbul University, College of Literature. Yet, my “rookie” status has continued for a few more years. With the risk of sounding like a “grumpy middle aged man” I have to say that, back then an actor had to observe, learn, and mature on stage before (s)he was allowed to get a significant part, let alone a lead! After all, the institution was the cradle of theatre in Turkey, it wasn’t like any place else! Now experiencing the current ways, I realize how correct the old ways were and I appreciate the maturing process; and no, I am not bitter ☺
As the private sector started more TV channels, I was contacted by an agency and was offered a part in a TV series called “Ustura Kemal”. Then I started acting in TV commercials, the first of which was Yayla Margarine.
Years have passed; many plays, parts in TV series, TV commercials, big screen movies including Hollywood. All great and fun; but this must have lifted my spirit so, “I should direct” I said to myself. “You asked for it” was the response I got, and my first directing experience was the “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” for children. Humility aside, the play is on its 5th season and still booked solid; Academy, here I come, or not! ☺.
Currently I am still carrying the flag that I received from my father at the Municipal Theatre of Istanbul and forwarding his (and my) last name “Karakaya”.
So that’s how it goes, “sincerely yours”, “All the best”, “XOXO” and/or “whatever” ☺
Calvin Klein oops…
Cem Karakaya ☺