Kenan İmirzalıoğlu was born on June 18, 1974, in Üçem village of the Bala district in Ankara, Turkey. Originally from Bala, Ankara, he spent his childhood and youth in a rural environment. He began his education in Ankara and graduated from the Mathematics Department of Yıldız Technical University. His background in mathematics played an important role in shaping his disciplined and analytical personality.

Kenan İmirzalıoğlu’s life changed in 1997 when he won the Best Model of Turkey competition. In the same year, he was also selected as Best Model of the World, gaining international recognition. After his modeling career, he turned to acting and quickly attracted the attention of producers with his strong physique and charismatic presence.

He started his acting career in 1999 with the TV series Deli Yürek, where he gained widespread recognition for his role as Yusuf Miroğlu. The series became one of the cult productions in Turkish television history and marked a major turning point in his career. He later strengthened his success with projects such as Alacakaranlık, Acı Hayat, and Ezel.

His portrayal of Ezel Bayraktar in the series Ezel is considered one of the most iconic roles of his career. Thanks to his deep acting performance and strong screen presence, he received great acclaim from both critics and audiences. He later reached a wide fan base once again with his role as Mahir Kara in the TV series Karadayı.

In addition to television series, Kenan İmirzalıoğlu has also taken part in significant film projects. He starred in movies such as Yazı Tura, Son Osmanlı: Yandım Ali, and Ejder Kapanı. His performance in Yazı Tura in particular earned him prestigious awards and confirmed his success in cinema acting.

Since 2018, Kenan İmirzalıoğlu has been hosting the quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Turkey, receiving positive feedback from viewers. With his calm demeanor, clear diction, and strong communication skills, he has become one of the long-running hosts of the program.

Preferring to keep his private life out of the public eye, Kenan İmirzalıoğlu married actress Sinem Kobal in 2016. The couple has two daughters. He prefers a simple lifestyle and values spending time with his family.

Kenan İmirzalıoğlu is regarded as one of the most respected figures in Turkish television and cinema, known for his charismatic roles, powerful acting performances, and consistent career.

 

Kenan İmirzalıoğlu Filmography (Feature Films)

1999
Propaganda – Mehdi
(Director: Sinan Çetin)

2003
Yazı Tura – Musa
(This film earned him numerous awards)

2006
Son Osmanlı: Yandım Ali – Yandım Ali

2009
Ejder Kapanı – Ferman Akın

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Kenan İmirzalıoğlu TV Series

1999 – 2002
Deli Yürek – Yusuf Miroğlu
(His breakthrough TV series)

2003 – 2004
Alacakaranlık – Ferit Çağlayan

2005
Acı Hayat – Mehmet Kosovalı

2009
Ezel – Ezel Bayraktar / Ömer Uçar
(One of the most iconic Turkish TV series)

2012 – 2015
Karadayı – Mahir Kara

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Television Hosting

2018 – 2024
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Turkey – Host

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Highlights

• His performance in Yazı Tura marked the peak of Kenan İmirzalıoğlu’s cinema career.

• Deli Yürek, Ezel, and Karadayı are considered cult classics in Turkish television history.

• He is known for being highly selective in both film and television projects.