Though born in Malatya, Turkey, in 1948, he grew up in Antalya. He opened a restaurant in Istanbul where only items from Antalya Cuisine were served. After the restaurant in Istanbul was closed, he devoted his time to her wife's orange farm (Melek's Farm) in Serik, Antalya where he and his wife served local cuisine along with local arts to visitors. His career in acting continued with various television, advertising, film, and stage arts projects.
Tilmaç died of a heart attack at the age of 66.