Erol Sander: A life between stage, film and family

Erol Sander: A life between stage, film and family

The well-known actor is in for an exciting summer Erol Sander on the stage of the Bad Hersfeld Festival. He plays the role of Benedict in “Midsummer Night’s Dreams” in the monastery ruins and captivates his audience. With 37 years of experience in front of the camera, Sander is a face you won't easily forget. Whether in kimiseria or films, his versatility has made him known both in Germany and far beyond its borders.

But Sander doesn't just talk about his professional successes. He is also a proud family man: a year ago he became the father of a daughter with his partner Rebecca Oehlmann. “I’ve been very lucky in life,” says the Istanbul native, thanking his wife for her support. Although he has been through a lot in recent years, he is planning a surprise marriage, although he doesn't want to reveal any details about it.

The path to acting

Erol Sander, whose real name is Urçun Salihoğlu, came to acting through his modeling career. From 1990 he worked as a model for major brands such as Armani and Dolce & Gabbana. These first steps soon led him to acting, and in 1996 he made his debut in a French television series. He had his breakthrough in 1999 with the leading role in “Sinan Toprak is the Incorruptible” – a crime series that would have a decisive impact on his career.

His role in “Istanbul Murder Commission” was particularly formative, where he shone as Inspector Mehmet Özakin. The influence of this series on his life cannot be underestimated, as it not only gained him many fans, but also gave him the opportunity to work with Hollywood greats such as Angelina Jolie and Colin Farrell. “Hollywood has larger budgets, but the professional preparation in this country is on par,” says Sander.

Current projects and challenges

The actor has a lot on his mind at the moment. In addition to the theater production in Bad Hersfeld, he has completed a thriller that will be released in cinemas in November. He plays a deaf inspector who becomes involved in a murder case - a role that demands a lot from him. The series “Istanbul Murder Commission” also continues to lead to intensive investigations in which Özakin, played by Sander, is confronted with a mysterious development. A German au pair has disappeared in Istanbul, which puts the investigation on track.

Julia Bischoff, who is at the center of the incident, is missing and her mother is desperate. Özakin is assigned to the case and has to quickly clear things up. The tension remains high: an ex-soccer star and his wife don't seem to be really interested in Julia's fate when her body suddenly turns up. This combination of personal and professional challenges is not without impact on the Commissioner.

Audiences can look forward to an exciting performance - and not just on stage. Erol Sander remains a fascinating topic in the German entertainment landscape, and his story is far from being told to the end. From his beginnings in Turkey to his current role as a family man and acting star, Erol Sander shows that he is ready to take on all challenges.