Prominent Turkish actor dies of liver cancer

Renowned Turkish actor Levent K?rca died of liver cancer early on Oct. 12 in Istanbul. He was 67. 

K?rca had been undergoing treatment for liver cancer at Marmara University's Pendik Training and Research Hospital since July.

Speaking to members of the press in front of the hospital, K?rca's son Umut K?rca said he had been in critical condition in hospital for the last 10 days. "He was a very important artist and did a great job for 50 years. We had known his condition for three months but it progressed too fast; we did not expect it," he added. 

As part of the 5th Bodrum Turkish Films Week, Bodrum Municipality, Bodrum Cinema and Cultural Association and the Magazine Journalists Association decided to give a lifetime achievement award to K?rca last week. K?rca, who was not able to attend the ceremony due to his declining health, sent a touching farewell-like letter to the attendees. 

K?rca's award was presented to his son O?ulcan K?rca, who also read his father's letter to the audience.

"I came into your life in 1974 with TRT [Turkish National Television]. I thank you for making room for me in your memories? I have received numerous awards in my life? Among them are the gold ones, which means nothing, and the tin ones, which are priceless? Be fair, be patient. Hope to see you in a better world. Stay with Atatürk, stay with the Republic. Goodbye," the veteran actor said in his letter.

Born in 1948 in the Black Sea province of Samsun, K?rca began his stage career at the Ankara State Theater in 1964, after which he appeared in numerous plays and movies. 

However, he was primarily known for his satirical TV sketch called "Olacak O Kadar," touching on the public's problems in a critical and comedic way. The...