İlker Kızmaz

İlker Kızmaz was born and raised in İzmir. As he became interested in acting, he started appearing on stage in his hometown. He later graduated from Anadolu University School of Communication. In 2004, he moved to Istanbul and began his education in acting at the Ekol Drama Art House and later enrolled in Bahçeşehir University, where he took acting courses.

Kızmaz made his television debut in 2002 by appearing in minor roles in the TV series Aslı ile Kerem, Yeter Anne and Candan Öte. He also took part in several commercials during those years. Between 2008–2010, he portrayed the character of Nihat Önal on Kanal D drama series Aşk-ı Memnu. The series was both a national and international success and marked the breakthrough of his career.^[1]

In 2009, he made his cinematic debut with a role in the movie Nefes: Vatan Sağolsun, directed by Levent Semerci. The movie won various national awards.^[2]

In 2012, he had a leading role in the historical drama movie Çanakkale 1915, in which he portrayed Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Then, He portrayed as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in mini historical series "Ya İstiklal Ya Ölüm" for twice.^[3]

He played in "Kurt Kanunu" based on Kemal Tahir's novel alongside Pelin Akil. He played in "Yol Ayrımı" based on Kemal Tahir's novel alongside Engin Altan Düzyatan, Bensu Soral, Dolunay Soysert. ^[4]

In 2014, he joined the cast of TRT 1 period series Yedi Güzel Adam based on life of famous poets, playing the role of Kenan. In the same year, he shared the leading role with Mete Horozoğlu, Ayça Bingöl and Ekin Koç on the period series Benim Adım Gültepe.

Kızmaz married Aslı Türkel, his costar from Nefes: Vatan Sağolsun, on 16 June 2014.^[5] Their daughter, Naz, was born in June 2016.^[6]