Birol Ünel (18 August 1961 – 3 September 2020) was a Turkish-born German actor. Born in Mersin in Turkey, he became known in German and international cinema for intense, often challenging lead performances.
Career
Ünel's first screen appearance came in 1988 with the German drama The Passenger – Welcome to Germany. Over the following two decades he worked regularly in film, earning particular attention for his roles in In July (2000), the critically acclaimed Head-On (2004), Transylvania (2006), and Soul Kitchen (2009). His portrayal in Head-On drew widespread praise and helped raise his profile beyond Germany.
Selected filmography
- The Passenger – Welcome to Germany (1988)
- In July (2000)
- Head-On (2004)
- Transylvania (2006)
- Soul Kitchen (2009)
Illness and death
Ünel had a well-documented struggle with alcoholism. In August 2020 he was admitted to hospital, and on 3 September 2020 he died in Berlin from liver cancer, aged 59.