Quick Facts
Summary
Haldun Evecan was a Turkish advertising executive and the biological father of Ayda Field. Born in 1946, he was largely absent from her childhood after returning to Turkey. Ayda reconciled with him shortly before her marriage to Robbie Williams. He died in 2014.Biography
Early life and career
Haldun Evecan was born on 16 July 1946 in Turkey. He worked as an advertising executive and lived primarily in Istanbul. His professional life remained largely private and outside the public sphere, and he was not involved in the entertainment industry.
Marriage and fatherhood
Evecan married Gwen Field in 1978. Their daughter, Ayda Field, was born during their marriage. The relationship ended in divorce in 1982, after which Evecan returned to Turkey. Ayda was raised in the United States by her mother.
Absence from Ayda’s childhood
Following the divorce, Evecan was largely absent from Ayda’s life throughout her childhood and adolescence. Ayda has spoken publicly about the emotional impact of growing up without a relationship with her biological father. During this period, she adopted her mother’s surname, a decision she later described as symbolic of emotional distance rather than rejection.
Attempts at reconnection
Over the years, Evecan reportedly attempted to re establish contact with his daughter, including pursuing legal avenues. These efforts did not lead to reconciliation during Ayda’s early life, and the separation remained unresolved for decades.
Reconciliation before marriage
A turning point came in 2010, on the morning of Ayda’s wedding to Robbie Williams. Ayda and Evecan spoke by telephone for an extended period, during which they addressed the years of absence and emotional distance between them. The conversation marked their first meaningful reconciliation and is often cited by Ayda as a moment of forgiveness and closure.
Later relationship
Following this reconciliation, Ayda and her father remained in contact. Although their time together was limited, Ayda has described the period as emotionally important. Evecan became part of her life shortly before she began her own family.
Death and legacy
Haldun Evecan died on 17 August 2014 at the age of 68, following a heart attack. His death occurred four years after his reconciliation with Ayda. In the years since, Ayda has publicly acknowledged his importance, reflecting on forgiveness, identity and family history.
Extended family
After Evecan’s death, Ayda formed relationships with her half sisters, Ilgi and Oyku Evecan, whom she met later in life. These connections have been described as part of her ongoing effort to understand her paternal heritage.