Kerem Bürsin’s rise to stardom in Turkey wasn’t something he ever anticipated. Born in Istanbul, Bürsin’s early years were spent abroad, and he attended high school in Texas where he first dabbled in theater.
He then moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career, even working with the renowned Roger Corman. However, his nationality kept surfacing as a challenge throughout his journey in Hollywood.
“I was told to change my name by some agents,” Bürsin recalls. “When I asked why, they said, ‘You don’t look Turkish, you don’t sound Turkish, and you’re basically American, so it won’t work in this industry.'”
Returning to Turkey, however, proved to be a game-changer for Bürsin. He soon found himself starring in successful series like Waiting for the Sun and Love Is in the Air, which garnered him a strong fanbase and established him as one of Turkey’s most popular actors.
His latest project, The Blue Cave, a romantic drama he also wrote, premiered on Prime Video in October. Bürsin is also set to appear in Son of Rich, a Turkish remake of the Russian film Holop. The comedy follows Mete, a spoiled young man who believes he’s been transported to the 15th century Ottoman Empire as part of a prank orchestrated by his father.
This film, marketed by Kunay Film at the AFM, marks a serious attempt by Turkish filmmakers to craft a high-concept comedy with international appeal. Bürsin discusses the movie in a candid interview.
He explains that his character in Son of Rich reflects contemporary society: “At its core, the story is like a modern take on The Taming of the Shrew. It’s set in today’s world, where people are constantly obsessed with themselves because of social media. My character is rich and entitled, using his wealth without hesitation. But through his father’s scheme, he’s sent back in time, unaware that it’s all part of the game.”
Bürsin also notes the unique nature of the comedy, saying, “This is something not commonly seen in our region. The concept is similar to The Truman Show, but in Turkish cinema, we’re not used to seeing this kind of humor. It might not rely on cultural jokes but on the absurdity of a man who’s completely out of his element, thinking he’s in the 15th century.”
Reflecting on his path into acting, Bürsin shares, “While I was in Texas, I didn’t take theater too seriously at first. Music was my primary focus. But one day, my teacher, Miss Curzom, encouraged me to audition for a play. I hesitated at first, but when I did, I found out I was good at it, and my school went to Nationals for the first time. That was the moment I realized I wanted to pursue acting.”
His move to Los Angeles brought another opportunity, where he worked with Roger Corman on films like Sharktopus and Palace of the Damned. He recalls, “A friend told me about an audition for Corman’s films.
When I arrived, I was the only actor there, which was odd. I didn’t know who Roger Corman was, but he was kind to me, despite my poor audition. Later, I received a call saying that he liked me. That’s how I started my career.”
The role that solidified Bürsin’s place in Turkish television came with Waiting for the Sun, where he portrayed a rebellious teenager. He explains, “When I returned to Turkey, I wasn’t planning on staying long.
But I met a casting director who pushed me to improve my Turkish. She saw potential in me and advised me to take dialect lessons. One day, she called and encouraged me to audition for Waiting for the Sun, which turned out to be the role that launched my career.”
Another major milestone came with Love Is in the Air, where Bürsin played the role of Serkan Bolat, a rich architect. He remembers, “The show took off just as Instagram was gaining traction. It was unbelievable to be recognized at airports in Spain, Italy, or even small islands. The show’s popularity made me realize how far-reaching Turkish drama could go.”
Looking ahead, Bürsin hopes that Son of Rich will follow the success of Turkish dramas in gaining international recognition. He adds, “While Turkish dramas have found audiences worldwide, comedies are still a new frontier.
I enjoy French and Spanish comedies, even though I don’t speak the languages. I’m excited about Son of Rich, hoping people will recognize it as a great Turkish comedy.”