**Birol Ünel (1961-2020)** was a Turkish-German actor, known for his intense and visceral performances. His cinematic career peaked with the role of Cahit Tomruk in Fatih Akin's **Gegen die Wand** (Head-On, 2004), a film that won the Golden Bear and earned him numerous accolades.

Ünel excelled at portraying complex characters, often marginalized, rebellious, or tormented by existence. His acting style was characterized by raw authenticity and a magnetic stage presence, which made him perfect for "outsider" roles. He collaborated again with Akin in **Im Juli** (In July, 2000) and **Soul Kitchen** (2009), solidifying his image as an unconventional actor. His passing in 2020 left a void in international cinema.