An Emotional Farewell from Gülben Ergen to Haldun Dormen
The passing of Haldun Dormen, one of the living legends and enduring memories of Turkish theatre who devoted his entire life to the stage, at the age of 97, has plunged the art world into deep mourning. The loss of this master artist, who shaped generations through his work and mentorship, has left a profound sense of sorrow across the cultural community. Gülben Ergen, who shared the screen with him in the TV series “Dadı,” expressed her grief with a deeply emotional message.
While the news of his death deeply saddened theatre audiences, it also had a strong impact on his colleagues and those who worked closely with him. Gülben Ergen shared her feelings through a post on her social media account, openly conveying the pain of losing a mentor and a guiding figure in her artistic journey.
“My master, my elder brother, my teacher, my friend… my dear Haldun. From him, I learned acting, honesty, diligence, professional discipline, and that humility can truly be a way of life. Thank you for adding so much beauty to my life, to art, to our country, to theatre, and to your students and loved ones. May your resting place be heaven. I wish patience and strength to your precious family.”
Between 2001 and 2002, Haldun Dormen appeared in the popular TV series “Dadı”, portraying the character Uşak Pertev. The series, adapted from the American production “The Nanny,” attracted wide public attention. Dormen’s role alongside Gülben Ergen introduced him to younger generations and further cemented his place in popular culture.
Recognized as one of the most iconic figures of Turkish theatre, Haldun Dormen dedicated his life to the stage and to education, mentoring countless students and contributing to unforgettable productions. His passing has created a significant void in the artistic community and in the hearts of those who admired and loved him.
