She recently took home the “Shining Star” award at the 50th Pantene Golden Butterfly Awards. And she truly does shine. Her career is steadily on the rise. She describes herself as a fragile soul, saying, “I used to feel like I had to fight for perfection — and wear myself out doing it. But I’ve stopped putting that pressure on myself.” We sit down with Sümeyye Aydoğan to talk about her family, her discovery, and how her life has changed. “There have been times I saw unexpected moves from friends. But I believe I’m being protected. Evil seems to just brush past me.”
She radiates a genuine energy and lights up every room she walks into. She’s one of those rare people who can blend beauty with charm. She's punctual too — right on time for prep before our shoot. “My brain is just wired to be organized,” she tells me. And she enjoys talking about her inner world and the changes she’s been through. So we begin our conversation...
“You won the Shining Star award at the 50th Pantene Golden Butterfly Awards. For the past three years, your career has really taken off. How does it feel to be ‘shining’?”
Winning the Golden Butterfly — especially the Shining Star award — was something I always dreamed of and wanted deeply. I already had a strong belief that I was starting to shine, but having that recognized with an award made me feel incredibly proud.
“We did an interview when you were just starting out. Now you have more control and a stronger voice. What has this journey taught you?”
When you open a bakery, you need to be able to bake the bread yourself in case the baker leaves. I try to keep that mindset. I have a team and friends I trust, but I should know how to do everything myself too.
“What has surprised you most in the acting world?”
There are disappointments — and we keep growing every day. The journey never really ends. I’m a bit of a sensitive soul. Before I feel surprised, I usually feel a little broken — just a tiny heartbreak. Then I shake it off and tell myself, “No, Sümeyye, don’t let this bring you down.”
“What’s something that really upset you?”
There was a scene I filmed for one of my shows. I thought it turned out beautifully. I was confident and proud. But when it aired, my emotion didn’t fully translate on screen. Some of the comments hurt me. Then I realized — it’s normal. Just as much as being loved, being disliked is part of the job. And that, too, is part of growing. So now I welcome those comments — they have a place, and I’ve made peace with that.
“You’re studying business. Has it influenced your acting?”
I naturally have a very organized mind. From the moment I wake up to when I go to sleep, I usually have a to-do list. I use notebooks and planners. I take notes on everything. If I had continued in business, I probably would’ve blended that structure into it, and it would’ve worked well. Honestly, I still dream of opening a place of my own one day.
“If you had to give your life a title, what would it be?”
A flower that grows by learning, blooming through pain and sweetness.
“We see the sweet moments you’ve lived. But what about the painful ones?”
The pain I’ve felt most deeply came when I started breaking out of my shell — those moments of confronting growth. In the moment, pain feels like just that — pain. But when you look back, you say, “I’m glad I went through that. It brought me here.” I’m open to pain. I open my heart without limits. Good and bad... what’s good, what’s bad — it all shifts constantly. I choose to just let myself flow within it.
“You’re 26. How are your career and personal growth changing you?”
That’s the topic I talk about most with my friends lately. Maybe because of my parents’ careers or the schools I went to — I don’t know — but I grew up programmed to think everything in life had to be perfect. I thought I had to constantly fight for perfection — and burn myself out doing it. I’ve stopped doing that now. I used to think I had to claw my way through everything. Now I see that sometimes I have to dig, but other times I just need to embrace the flow. Accepting that has helped me enjoy the moment more and feel less exhausted.
“Is there room for mistakes in your life?”
I used to think there wasn’t. But now, when things go wrong or I mess up, I count to ten, sit with the feeling, and tell myself,
“What are you most proud of in yourself?”
I’m very consistent. My faith and determination are strong. If something is a goal or a path for me, I don’t turn back. And I put in serious effort. I’d say I’m a hard worker.
“When the cameras are off and the lights go down, what’s left of you?”
I picture myself at home. There’s a nurturing side of me — I love cooking in the kitchen. But sometimes, there’s also a quiet version of me who doesn’t want to talk, just sit still. Overall, though, I’m energetic, fun, and full of life.
“What makes you feel most vulnerable?”
My family and close friends. The idea of the dynamic between us being shaken scares me. And there are moments when I feel like I’ve worked so hard on something but don’t see the return — that can make me uneasy. There’s a part of me that wants to be appreciated for what I give. Those are the times I feel a bit fragile — because I’m a giver.
“I’m a very passionate person”
“You’re great at using Instagram. Is it a showcase or more like a diary for you?”
I try to make it a showcase that reflects my true emotions — a space that doesn’t stray too far from who I really am. And when I say ‘showcase,’ I don’t mean it in a bad way. I try to stay connected to myself, my pets, and my friends.
“You express yourself through acting. But if you had to choose something else, what would it be?”
I’d dance. I had tried tango before, and I’ve recently started lessons again. I realized that modern dance is the foundation of it all. The more flexible I can be physically, the more adaptable I can be in life. I also sing — I’m training for that, too. I’d love to be part of a musical project that brings together voice and body.
“You said you used to do tango. That’s the dance of passion. Are you a passionate person?”
I’m extremely passionate. Even if I’m just picking up a needle and pricking my finger with it, I want to do it with love. That’s what makes it meaningful.
“How’s your relationship with actor Atakan Hoşgören?”
My love life is going well — sweet and steady.
“You’re very beautiful. Have you always been this way?”
I stood out as a kid, but I was a bit chubby before and during puberty. Still, I was always cheerful and full of energy.
“In your latest role, you played a very different character — a mother. What was that like?”
Yes, in “Sustalı Ceylan,” I played a 22-year-old mother. She becomes a mom at 16 or 17 under unfortunate circumstances, but she clings to her child. At first, I thought it would be a tough role, but I had a strong bond with Doruk, who played my child, and it felt very real to me. Believing I could really show my acting skills, playing a woman’s story, and doing a role I hadn’t tried before — all of that was really meaningful.
She radiates a genuine energy and lights up every room she walks into. She’s one of those rare people who can blend beauty with charm. She's punctual too — right on time for prep before our shoot. “My brain is just wired to be organized,” she tells me. And she enjoys talking about her inner world and the changes she’s been through. So we begin our conversation...
“You won the Shining Star award at the 50th Pantene Golden Butterfly Awards. For the past three years, your career has really taken off. How does it feel to be ‘shining’?”
Winning the Golden Butterfly — especially the Shining Star award — was something I always dreamed of and wanted deeply. I already had a strong belief that I was starting to shine, but having that recognized with an award made me feel incredibly proud.
“As your fame grows and you land more leading roles, does the fear or pressure grow too?”
I see it as my responsibility to manage those growing fears. Lately, I’ve been working on that — surrounding myself with groups where I can express myself. But if you ask what it’s cost me the most, I’d say it’s been having to shrink my safe space — the places where I feel secure. I’ve always been very social, so at first, it felt strange. But now I realize what matters most is how I feel and how the people close to me feel. That’s why I’m more comfortable in smaller, safer circles now.
I see it as my responsibility to manage those growing fears. Lately, I’ve been working on that — surrounding myself with groups where I can express myself. But if you ask what it’s cost me the most, I’d say it’s been having to shrink my safe space — the places where I feel secure. I’ve always been very social, so at first, it felt strange. But now I realize what matters most is how I feel and how the people close to me feel. That’s why I’m more comfortable in smaller, safer circles now.
“As the number of people around you grows, has anything in your life changed?”
Yes — I’ve become more aware of how even people I consider ‘good’ can hurt or try to hurt me. My need to protect myself has grown. People aren’t always who you think they are. You find yourself saying, “Okay, people like this exist, but I’m not like that — and I’m not letting you into my space.” My biggest challenge has been protecting myself in that way.
Yes — I’ve become more aware of how even people I consider ‘good’ can hurt or try to hurt me. My need to protect myself has grown. People aren’t always who you think they are. You find yourself saying, “Okay, people like this exist, but I’m not like that — and I’m not letting you into my space.” My biggest challenge has been protecting myself in that way.
“Over the last four years, have you ever felt betrayed, dragged down, or envied?”
Of course, I have. I’ve seen moves from friends I never expected. But I believe I’m being watched over. Evil passes me by.
Of course, I have. I’ve seen moves from friends I never expected. But I believe I’m being watched over. Evil passes me by.
“We did an interview when you were just starting out. Now you have more control and a stronger voice. What has this journey taught you?”
When you open a bakery, you need to be able to bake the bread yourself in case the baker leaves. I try to keep that mindset. I have a team and friends I trust, but I should know how to do everything myself too.
“What has surprised you most in the acting world?”
There are disappointments — and we keep growing every day. The journey never really ends. I’m a bit of a sensitive soul. Before I feel surprised, I usually feel a little broken — just a tiny heartbreak. Then I shake it off and tell myself, “No, Sümeyye, don’t let this bring you down.”
“What’s something that really upset you?”
There was a scene I filmed for one of my shows. I thought it turned out beautifully. I was confident and proud. But when it aired, my emotion didn’t fully translate on screen. Some of the comments hurt me. Then I realized — it’s normal. Just as much as being loved, being disliked is part of the job. And that, too, is part of growing. So now I welcome those comments — they have a place, and I’ve made peace with that.
“You’re studying business. Has it influenced your acting?”
I naturally have a very organized mind. From the moment I wake up to when I go to sleep, I usually have a to-do list. I use notebooks and planners. I take notes on everything. If I had continued in business, I probably would’ve blended that structure into it, and it would’ve worked well. Honestly, I still dream of opening a place of my own one day.
“If you had to give your life a title, what would it be?”
A flower that grows by learning, blooming through pain and sweetness.
“We see the sweet moments you’ve lived. But what about the painful ones?”
The pain I’ve felt most deeply came when I started breaking out of my shell — those moments of confronting growth. In the moment, pain feels like just that — pain. But when you look back, you say, “I’m glad I went through that. It brought me here.” I’m open to pain. I open my heart without limits. Good and bad... what’s good, what’s bad — it all shifts constantly. I choose to just let myself flow within it.
“You’re 26. How are your career and personal growth changing you?”
That’s the topic I talk about most with my friends lately. Maybe because of my parents’ careers or the schools I went to — I don’t know — but I grew up programmed to think everything in life had to be perfect. I thought I had to constantly fight for perfection — and burn myself out doing it. I’ve stopped doing that now. I used to think I had to claw my way through everything. Now I see that sometimes I have to dig, but other times I just need to embrace the flow. Accepting that has helped me enjoy the moment more and feel less exhausted.
“Is there room for mistakes in your life?”
I used to think there wasn’t. But now, when things go wrong or I mess up, I count to ten, sit with the feeling, and tell myself,
“Everything’s fine.”
“What are you most proud of in yourself?”
I’m very consistent. My faith and determination are strong. If something is a goal or a path for me, I don’t turn back. And I put in serious effort. I’d say I’m a hard worker.
“When the cameras are off and the lights go down, what’s left of you?”
I picture myself at home. There’s a nurturing side of me — I love cooking in the kitchen. But sometimes, there’s also a quiet version of me who doesn’t want to talk, just sit still. Overall, though, I’m energetic, fun, and full of life.
“What makes you feel most vulnerable?”
My family and close friends. The idea of the dynamic between us being shaken scares me. And there are moments when I feel like I’ve worked so hard on something but don’t see the return — that can make me uneasy. There’s a part of me that wants to be appreciated for what I give. Those are the times I feel a bit fragile — because I’m a giver.
“I’m a very passionate person”
“You’re great at using Instagram. Is it a showcase or more like a diary for you?”
I try to make it a showcase that reflects my true emotions — a space that doesn’t stray too far from who I really am. And when I say ‘showcase,’ I don’t mean it in a bad way. I try to stay connected to myself, my pets, and my friends.
“You express yourself through acting. But if you had to choose something else, what would it be?”
I’d dance. I had tried tango before, and I’ve recently started lessons again. I realized that modern dance is the foundation of it all. The more flexible I can be physically, the more adaptable I can be in life. I also sing — I’m training for that, too. I’d love to be part of a musical project that brings together voice and body.
“You said you used to do tango. That’s the dance of passion. Are you a passionate person?”
I’m extremely passionate. Even if I’m just picking up a needle and pricking my finger with it, I want to do it with love. That’s what makes it meaningful.
“How’s your relationship with actor Atakan Hoşgören?”
My love life is going well — sweet and steady.
“You’re very beautiful. Have you always been this way?”
I stood out as a kid, but I was a bit chubby before and during puberty. Still, I was always cheerful and full of energy.
“How much of your beauty is natural, and how much is cosmetic?”
I consider myself naturally beautiful. I have deep respect for those who get work done — and I might want something one day too. But right now, I feel like my facial expressions, the lines on my forehead, and the little hollows in my face give me character. I don’t want to blend in. But if one day I feel differently and decide to do something, no one can tell me not to.
“Stay calm and peaceful”
I consider myself naturally beautiful. I have deep respect for those who get work done — and I might want something one day too. But right now, I feel like my facial expressions, the lines on my forehead, and the little hollows in my face give me character. I don’t want to blend in. But if one day I feel differently and decide to do something, no one can tell me not to.
“Stay calm and peaceful”
“In your latest role, you played a very different character — a mother. What was that like?”
Yes, in “Sustalı Ceylan,” I played a 22-year-old mother. She becomes a mom at 16 or 17 under unfortunate circumstances, but she clings to her child. At first, I thought it would be a tough role, but I had a strong bond with Doruk, who played my child, and it felt very real to me. Believing I could really show my acting skills, playing a woman’s story, and doing a role I hadn’t tried before — all of that was really meaningful.
“Did playing a mother awaken anything in you?”
You know how moms say, “My child comes before me”? I used to not really get that. But now I do.
You know how moms say, “My child comes before me”? I used to not really get that. But now I do.
“Your parents are retired police officers. Were they strict?”
They didn’t really bring their work home. But as I said, I’m structured and disciplined — that definitely came from them. From my studies to what time I sat down for dinner — everything had a routine. For example, I always ate at the same time as a child, always woke up at the same time. It made me a bit of a rule-follower, for sure.
They didn’t really bring their work home. But as I said, I’m structured and disciplined — that definitely came from them. From my studies to what time I sat down for dinner — everything had a routine. For example, I always ate at the same time as a child, always woke up at the same time. It made me a bit of a rule-follower, for sure.
“You were discovered while sitting in a café in Beşiktaş. It sounds like a movie scene. Was acting already part of your life?”
At school, if someone had to read a poem or act in a play, I was always the first to volunteer. I loved being in the spotlight. My family supported me too. And now I realize — I was meant to be here. This is why I was born.
At school, if someone had to read a poem or act in a play, I was always the first to volunteer. I loved being in the spotlight. My family supported me too. And now I realize — I was meant to be here. This is why I was born.
“Aside from stepping into different roles, what has acting taught you about life?”
It’s taught me to stay calm — that communication can solve everything. Stop before you act. We’re in a magical world, surrounded by praise and attention — all of which can throw us off track. You need calmness to navigate through it all. I’ve learned patience. But the one thing I keep reminding myself is: stay calm and peaceful.
It’s taught me to stay calm — that communication can solve everything. Stop before you act. We’re in a magical world, surrounded by praise and attention — all of which can throw us off track. You need calmness to navigate through it all. I’ve learned patience. But the one thing I keep reminding myself is: stay calm and peaceful.
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