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Turhan Bey Obituary
Marita Ruiter, who exhibited Bey's photos in her Luxembourg gallery, told the Austria Press Agency on Tuesday that Bey died in the Austrian capital on Sept. 30 after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease and was cremated on Monday.
While celebrated for supporting roles alongside Flynn, Hepburn, John Wayne, Peter Lorre and other film greats of the 1940s, friends described Bey as a modest, unassuming man who never bragged of his ties with the stars of the era.
"He was a man brimming with humor, with plenty of aplomb and self-irony, and was very popular," Ruiter was quoted as saying. "He wasn't the kind who cared a lot about honors."
Born in Austria as Gilbert Selahettin Schultavey, the son of a Turkish diplomat, Bey assumed his stage name shortly after moving to the United States with his Jewish Czech mother from Vienna to escape the Nazis and being discovered by talent scouts from Warner Bros. studios.
His popular name was "Turkish Delight" — a reference to his suave good looks that made him an ideal partner to exotics like Maria Montez in escapist Technicolor adventure fantasies set in faraway places.
He starred or had major roles alongside the big stars of the era in films such as "A Night in Paradise," "Out of the Blue," and "The Amazing Mr. X" until the popularity of the genre faded in the 1950s.
Moving back to Vienna, he made living as a photographer and occasional stage director, again returning after a brief film and television comeback in the 1990s that earned him an Emmy nomination for his performance as the venerable Turval in the "Babylon 5" space fantasy TV series.
Funeral arrangements were not announced.
GEORGE JAHN,Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
50 Entries
Bonnie
May 18, 2025
What a gorgeous, sexy man. I am 80 years old and I have never found his equal anywhere on the silver screen.
Jane Marie
January 27, 2023
I am a female 84 yrs old and was so fond of Turban after seeing him in a movie when I was a young girl that I have tried to find out all I could about him.
Harry Simpson
September 30, 2018
Rest Turhan, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Harry Simpson
September 30, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
How you can show support
Arlene Amblard.
February 24, 2013
Very sad to learn of his passing. Since I was a teenager, I remained a fan and watched many of his movies. My condolences to his family and friends.
Penelope Pappas
November 6, 2012
Penelope Pappas
I saw an old movie (An evening in paradise) last weekend. It brought back memories of what a crush I had on him. Also think I fell in love with a Greek boyfriend because he looked very much like Turhan Bey!
Ayesha Murady
October 25, 2012
Seviyorum Turhan Bey..salam
Ayesha
Light and peace forever in your sweet heart..
Ayesha Murady
October 23, 2012
Beloved Thurhan
The scent of lotus embalsame your soul with the sweet aroma of peace ..
With love, Ayesha Murady - Brazil
With love forever...
Ayesha Murady
October 21, 2012
Beloved Thuran: I wish that God sustain you and your beautiful soul descanses in flower petals,,, that you can illuminate the universe with eternal li
Ayesha Murady
October 21, 2012
Burton Quartermus
October 16, 2012
I am still so sad for Turhan Bey's passing. Been wondered about his whereabouts for many years. He was my favorite actor since 1950's. My prayer go out to his surviors.
Alice Hughes
October 15, 2012
While a teenager from a small Kentucky town, I thought Turhan Bey quite gorgeous and couldn't wait to see his movies, climbing on board a ship with a knife in his teeth - smiling beguilingly at Maria Montez. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed. Sincere condolences to his friends and family.
KATHY & BUDDY BARNETT
October 15, 2012
REMEMBERING YOU WITH A SMILE:)
joy rezabek
October 14, 2012
I am sad to read of Mr. Bey's passing, but I must say that he brought me a great deal of pleasure in my youth as I watched so many of the movies that he was in. My prayers go out to his family.
Eddye Bexley
October 14, 2012
You brought so much mystery and joy to all, you made the movies scary, and memoriable and you will not be forgotten, thank you, thank you.
elizabeth james
October 12, 2012
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Cindy
October 11, 2012
Such a tragedy,Pray for all.
October 11, 2012
My sincere condolences to the family. It is hard to lose someone close to us.
But please know that God does not forget our loved ones or us as we have to cope with this loss. We are encouraged to throw all our anxieties upon him because he cares for you".
1 Pet 5:7)
October 11, 2012
So sorry for your loss,(matt.5:7)happy are the mericiful,since they will be shown mercy.
g.d.carolina
G. Johnson
October 11, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Marilyn Armlin
October 11, 2012
So sorry for your loss. Fondly remembered seeing him in the movies as a child. Prayers for him and the family will be offered. Marilyn Armlin, Statesville, NC
Mary Moore
October 11, 2012
I always thought he was so good looking, and just different enough to be memorable. My sympathies to the family.
A long time fan....
October 11, 2012
From childhood on....we never forgot you. Happy to know you were Jewish...R.I.P.
CARMEN CLUCK
October 11, 2012
OUR PRAYERS ARE YOU YOUR FAMILY.. I REMEMBER, FROM WHEN I WAS A CHILD.. AND YOU WERE MOST HANDSOME...R.I.P, YOU WILL BE MISSED..... A FAN
petrus schutte
October 10, 2012
May my father in heaven cover you with his great wings and keep you safe where ever you tred in the foot steps of our lord and saviour jesus christ amen
October 10, 2012
Prayers for Turham Bey and his family.
October 10, 2012
I saw him in several films when I was a boy and always found him intiguing.
Virginia Sansone
October 10, 2012
Condolences to the family. I saw him in movies when I was a young girl in Chicago. I had such a crush on him! Sorry for your loss.
October 10, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Bey famiy. May God give you the comfort needed at this difficult time Psalms 55:22.
Jem. Florida
October 10, 2012
To the the family of Turhan Bey - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
October 10, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of grief, may all fond memories stay close to your hearts. Psalms 46:1
October 10, 2012
As a young girl growing up in Michigan, I remember my Dad talking about Turhan Bey, this good looking, talented actor. Sad to hear he has passed away. Love and prayers to his family.
Alberta Salim Issaq
Tami B
October 10, 2012
God has rested a very talented and intelligent man. RIP
Tom Smith
October 10, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with Turhan Bey's family, friends, and fans. We can all look forward to a time when death and tears of sorrow will be no more.
ER
October 10, 2012
Mr. Bey:
I loved your performance in "The Spiritualist" and other films. Thank you. Condolences to your family, friends and many admirers.
October 10, 2012
As a young boy I loved him in a Mummy movie and never forgot him.
richard p neckerman
October 10, 2012
More Important than being a great actor and a turkish delight you were a fine gentleman. R.I.P A fan of yours for 60+years rich
Mrs. Marilyn Neckerman
October 10, 2012
As a teenager I enjoyed your movies verymuch and I even painted a picture of you. Rest in peace.
SHORTY KOPPELMAN
October 10, 2012
WE LOVED YOU!
October 10, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May the peace of God that excels all thought bring you comfort during this most difficult time. Phillipians 4:7
Linda
October 10, 2012
You have my deepest sympathy. May good memories provide solace
for your family during this challenging time;
and may God provide you with the assurance that you will see
your loved one again in Paradise. John 17:3
October 10, 2012
May you find comfort in the Hearer of prayer at this time. Psalm 65:2
michelle plakas-kaiser
October 10, 2012
rip
Robert Vitori
October 10, 2012
I always enjoyed Your appearances in movies I saw as a youngster.
You were a classy actor who added flavor to any role You perfomed.
Rest in Peace, Turhan.
MICHAEL CHERNEY
October 10, 2012
RIP.I REMEMBER HIS ROLE IN "B-5".VERY GOOD ACTOR.MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY.
October 9, 2012
God bless you.
Rest in peace.
CCT
Sheila Smith
October 9, 2012
Farewell to a wonderful actor who lived a good long life. May the angels lead him into paradise.
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