After struggling with lung cancer, Resurrection Ertugrul actor Ayberk Pekcan, aka Artuk Bey, has passed away at the age of 51, his family announced on Monday.
In October last year, he informed his fans about his struggle with the fatal disease, saying: “Dear friends… The process that started with the doctor I went to with a complaint of back pain has come to this point today. I have lung cancer. The tumour has also spread to the liver and adrenal glands. Unfortunately, this disease did not show any symptoms in its initial stages. The first day of chemotherapy… My biggest support is my family. So are my friends nearby… I will do my best to regain my health. Keep your health wishes and prayers with you. Stay well…”
Pekcan was born in 1970 in Mersin Turkey. He graduated from Mersin University Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Theatre. He starred in some of the popular Turkish productions including the Valley of the Wolves (Kurtlar Vadisi) series.
His co-actors and netizens extended their condolences by sharing farewell messages online. Leading Turkish actor Engin Altan Duzyatan, who plays the role of Ertugrul in the historical drama series, expressed sorrow over the death of Pekcan. Sharing a still from the series with Pekcan, he wrote: “RIP Ayberk Pekcan.”
Actor Esra Bilgiç, who plays the role of Halime Sultan, wrote on Instagram: “Today is such a hard day. I am saddened to lose my dear brother Ayberk… Ayberk brother is one of my elders who changed my perspective towards the profession with the valuable advices he gave me in Dirilis: Ertugrul, my first step into acting. He was a very intelligent actor that I had the chance to act with. He was also a very funny and cheerful person.”
Mehmet Bozdağ, director-producer of the blockbuster series, tweeted: “Our beloved Ayberk Pekcan, who added spirit to our project with his acting in our TV series Diriliş Ertuğrul, walked to Haqq. I wish God’s mercy on our brother Ayberk… and I wish patience to his family and fans. Condolences to all of us.”
Alongside multiple pictures of the actor, Ali Sahin, Member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and former Deputy Minister for European Affairs, wrote: “May Allah grant you highest place in Jannah Artuk Bey (Ayberk Pekcan). Pakistan and Turkiye love you a lot. We will never forget you.”
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In another tweet, he wrote: “Too sad to know that Artuk Bey of Dirilis Ertuğrul lost his life. Artuk Bey (Ayberk Pekcan) was hospitalised and received cancer treatment in the hospital for a while. May his soul rest in peace… AMIN.”
