BIOGRAPHIE

The actor and model Mike Galeli (name at birth Oguz Galeli) was born on October 23, 1967 in Instanbul, Turkey, and was raised in Bludenz, Austria. After finishing an apprenticeship as a car mechanic he completed his studies in Marketing and Communications.

In 1989, Mike started his successful career in modelling when he became ’Mister Austria’. In 1994, he won the title ’Best Photo Model’, followed by the title ’Mister Europe’ in 1995. Campaigns for Hugo Boss, Claude Montana, Tommy Hilfiger, Strellson, Puma, Audi, Spyder and many more followed. In 1991, he shot his first film achieving his ultimate goal.

His big break-through came with the TV series ’Aci Hayat’, which was produced and broadcast in Turkey from 2005 to 2007 and made him a star overnight. The leading role in the TV series ’Pars Narkoterör’, from 2007 to 2008, reinforced and strenghtened his success. More TV series and films in Turkey followed.

In 2008, Mike shot the short film ’Love at War – Al Mahabba’ with Academy Award winner Stefan Ruzowitzky, followed by the Turkish TV series ’Ihanet’ in 2009. Also in 2009, Mike took the plunge with his first stage role, playing the leading male part in the boulevard comedy ’Boing Boing’ at the Vorarlberger Volkstheater.

In spring 2011, Mike returned to Austria when he was invited to join the ORF show ’Dancing Stars’, which he finished at third place as best male participant. This allowed him to continue his successful career in the German speaking area, established by a film in Belgium and his first big productions in Austria and Germany. ’Alles außer Liebe’ (Anything But Love) and ’Ein Sommer in Kroatien’ (A Summer in Croatia) kick-started his career on home soil.

Since 2008, Mike is also a successful entrepreneur. His company produces premium cases for smartphones and tablets and under the brand name MiKE GALELi hand-made leather accessories such as handbags, wallets, wristbands etc.

Awards/Achievements:

2011: 3rd place at the TV show ’Dancing Stars’, Austria

2008: Special Award in recognition of the 163rd anniversary of the Turkish Police, Turkey

1996: Best Model of Austria, Austria

1995: Mister Europe, Germany

1994: Best Photo Model, Turkey

1990: Winner Cinema Talent Contest, Germany

1989: Mister Austria, Austria