Veteran actor Halit Akçatepe dies aged 79

Veteran Turkish actor Halit Akçatepe, who had been under treatment after suffering a stroke last year, died on March 31 in Istanbul. He was 79.

Born in 1938, Akçatepe made his debut in the film "Dertli Pınar" at the age of five in 1943 and appeared in many other films as a child artist.

After graduating from the Saint Benoit French High School in Istanbul, he won fame in 1972 with the film "Tatlı Dillim." 

Following his roles in several other films, Akçatepe made his name unforgettable in the 1970s with his role as "Güdük Necmi," a short and mischievous character in the cult Turkish comedy film series "Hababam Sınıfı" (The Chaos Class), based on the acclaimed book of literary giant Rıfat Ilgaz. 

Having married and divorced twice, Akçatepe is survived by his three daughters.