Simay Barlas is a prominent Turkish actress known for her versatile performances in both television and film. Born on May 7, 1999, in Istanbul, Turkey, she graduated from Istanbul Bilgi University with a degree in cinema and television studies. Since her debut in 2014, Barlas has captivated audiences with her dynamic roles across various genres.
Early Life and Education
Simay Barlas pursued her passion for acting by enrolling in Istanbul Bilgi University, where she studied cinema and television. Her academic background laid a strong foundation for her acting career, equipping her with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the entertainment industry.
Television Career
Barlas began her television career in 2014 with a role in the series Paramparça (Broken Pieces), portraying the character Öykü. She continued to build her portfolio with notable roles in several Turkish TV series:
- Hayat Bazen Tatlıdır (Life Is Sometimes Sweet) (2016–2017) as Gözde Sarıyaz
- Adı Efsane (The Name is Legend) (2017) as Naz Yalınay
- Zalim İstanbul (Cruel Istanbul) (2019–2020) as Damla Karaçay
- Bir Annenin Günahı (A Mother’s Guilt) (2020) as Yağmur Güngör
- Aziz (2021–2022) as Efnan
- Ömer (2023) as Süreyya Kutlu
- Yabani (Wild Heart) (2023–2024) as Rüya
- Shahrazad: Tears of İstanbul (2024–2025) as Shahrazad
Her performances have been well-received, showcasing her ability to adapt to diverse roles and genres.
Filmography Every Film Role to Date
1. Dijital Esaret (Digital Captivity)
- Year: 2019
- Role: Damla
- Genre: Comedy/Sci-Fi/Satire
- Director: Sinan Cetin
- Synopsis
This quirky comedy takes a satirical look at society’s obsession with technology. Simay plays Damla, a young woman who finds herself trapped in a digital reality. The film critiques how people live more in their virtual lives than in the real world. - Reception:
The film received mixed reviews for its unconventional narrative but was praised for its boldness and fresh theme. Simay’s performance was singled out as “the emotional anchor” of the film. - Impact:
It marked her official film debut and showcased her ability to hold her own in a lead role. Despite being a low-budget, indie-style film, Dijital Esaret allowed her to experiment with a more conceptual script.
Upcoming Project: Gölge (Shadow) (Rumored Title)
- Status: Pre-production (rumored for 2025)
- Genre: Thriller/Psychological Drama
- Role: TBA (Possibly a lead character with a dual personality)
- Director: TBA
- What We Know:
Simay is reportedly in talks for a psychological thriller that explores identity and trauma. If confirmed, this would mark a shift from her earlier work into darker, more mature material. Industry buzz suggests she will take on a complex role involving emotional transformation.
Acting Style and On-Screen Presence in Film
Unlike her fast-paced TV roles, Simay’s film performances display more subtlety and internal emotion. In Dijital Esaret, she leaned into physical acting and used facial expressions to convey isolation and confusion. Critics have noted her ability to command attention on screen without relying on melodrama—a skill that makes her well-suited for the more nuanced demands of film.
She brings:
- Authenticity: Natural delivery and realistic emotional reactions.
- Screen Charisma: Even in minimalist roles, she has a compelling presence.
- Versatility: Comfort across genres—drama, comedy, satire, and thriller.
Recognition for Her Film Work
While Simay Barlas hasn’t yet won film-specific awards, her transition to film has been widely recognized in the Turkish entertainment industry.
- Nominated for “Best New Actress in Cinema” at the 2020 Turkey Youth Film Awards for Dijital Esaret.
- Received honorable mention from several Turkish critics for her ability to carry an indie movie despite a modest script.
Her work in cinema, though limited in volume, is seen as high-quality and promisin
Potential and Future in Turkish Cinema
Simay Barlas is still early in her film career, but her trajectory is promising. With streaming platforms like Netflix Turkey and BluTV investing in original film productions, many expect Barlas to land a role in an internationally distributed feature soon.
Industry insiders believe she could
- Headline a romantic drama or historical epic within the next two years.
- Collaborate with major Turkish directors like Çağan Irmak or Ferzan Özpetek.
- Enter the international film scene, especially as Turkish cinema gains more global attention.
Final Thoughts A Film Career on the Rise
While Simay Barlas is not yet a film industry veteran, she has already made her mark with a notable debut and shows signs of becoming a powerful force in Turkish cinema. Her background in television has given her a wide emotional range, and her ability to dive into layered roles makes her an exciting actress to watch on the big screen.
As she continues to evolve and take on more complex roles, fans and critics alike are eager to see her grow into a leading lady of Turkish cinema.
Quick Summary
| Year | Movie Title | Role | Genre | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Dijital Esaret | Damla | Comedy/Sci-Fi | Official film debut |
| 2025 | Gölge (rumored) | TBA | Thriller | Psychological lead (rumored) |
Awards and Recognition
Simay Barlas’s talent has been recognized with accolades, including a Golden Butterfly Award for her role in the series Yabani. Her growing popularity and critical acclaim underscore her status as one of Turkey’s rising stars in the entertainment industry.
Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2025, Simay Barlas’s estimated net worth ranges between $4 million and $7 million. Her income primarily stems from her acting roles in television and film, as well as modeling and advertising engagements. Additionally, her social media presence contributes to her earnings; for instance, her Instagram account (@simaybarlass) boasts over 2.8 million followers, with estimated monthly earnings between $40,000 and $54,800 from sponsorships and collaborations.
Conclusion
Simay Barlas has established herself as a dynamic and talented actress in Turkish cinema and television. With a solid educational background and a series of compelling performances, she continues to captivate audiences and critics alike. Her career trajectory suggests a promising future, with potential for both national and international success.