Profile
Name: Meral Okay
Birthdate: September 20, 1959 – April 9, 2012
Birthplace: Ankara, Turkey
Education: Public Administration
Spouse: Yaman Okay (m. 1984 – 1993)
Biography: Meral Okay was born on 20 September 1959 in Ankara. Her name before marriage was Meral Kati. She was a second child of her family. Due to her father’s job, she spent her childhood in different cities. She started her education in Balikesir, and continued her education in Agri, Corlu, Iskenderun, and Ankara. After high school, she studied political science at the university. Before starting her career at entertainment sector, Meral Okay worked as a public servant for 5 years. While working for the government, Meral Okay moved to Istanbul in 1983 to work at Gunaydin Newspaper. During 12 September period of Turkish history, Meral Okay was the member of Turkish Workers’ Party. She wrote the screenplay of Beynelminel movie based on her experiences during that period. Meral Okay got married to actor Yaman Okay in 1984. After then, she started to closely follow cinema and television sector. Meral Okay’s husband Yaman Okay passed away in 19 February 1993 when he was 41 years old due to pancreas cancer. Meral Okay worked at Gunaydin Newspaper, she also worked as journalist, producer, and restaurant manager after coming to Istanbul. She started her acting career in 1992 with her role in movie Seni Seviyorum Rosa. Meral Okay wrote the screenplays of popular Turkish series including Vine Mansion (Asmali Konak) which was a milestone in Turkish television dramas. She wrote the screenplay of Magnificent Century (Muhtesem Yuzyil) which was the first period drama in Turkey. Meral Okay passed away on 9 April 2012 due to lung cancer.
Screenwriter
1997 – Yasemince
2002 – Vine Mansion (Asmali Konak)