Born in 1941 in Balıkesir, Akınlı started his career in City Theaters. The artist took active roles in this institution for more than 35 years. Apart from the theater, Akınlı made voice-overs in many institutions and organizations, especially TRT and private television channels.

Throughout his career, he starred in dozens of performances, including "Tırpan" based on Fakir Baykurt's work, "Sular Aydınlanıyordu" based on Nezihe Meriç's book, and "Hadi Öldürsene Canikom", an adaptation of Aziz Nesin. The artist appeared in many films such as "Yol" directed by Zeki Ökten and written by Yılmaz Güney, starring Şerif Sezer and Tarık Akan, "On Kadın" directed by Şerif Gören, Tunç Başaran's "Uçurtmayı Vurmasınlar" and many others. In 2018, she played a season-long role in "Empatopia" staged by Mam'art.

The artist, who was married to theater artist Hamit Akınlı, was remembered not only for her contributions to theater, but also to cinema and television, and for her genuine acting.

The veteran actor passed away at the age of 78 due to lung disease.