Actors of the Golden Age of Bulgarian Cinema

Apostol Milev Karamitev (1923-1973) was a Bulgarian actor, popular throughout the 50-s,60-s and 70-s. He graduated the Italian elementary and the Italian high school "Alfredo Oriani" in his native town Burgas. Very young he was fluent in Italian, French and German languages. He graduated from The National Theater's School in 1948 under the guidance of Boyan Danovski. Later he get higher education in Academy of Theatre and Film Art, Sofia, Bulgaria and became a teacher in acting and directing there. Karamitev also specialized in Moscow, Saint Peters burg, Prague and Warsaw. His debut in cinema was in the movie Utro nad Rodinata(1951)-"Dawn over the Fatherland"(Eng). Selecting his projects with care, Apostol has worked regularly and steadily, mainly in Bulgaria, and rarely abroad, while managing to become a national icon and international symbol of Bulgaria. One of his famous role was that of the twin-brothers Radosvet and Radostin in the B&W classic Lyubimetz 13(1958)-"Favorite 13"(Eng). He is known internationally for Ritzar bez Bronya(1966)-"Knight Without Armor (Eng)-winner of "San Marco" Award in Venice, Italy.For his outstanding performance in Tova se Sluchi na Ulitzata (1956)-It Happened in the Street (Eng.), Apostol won "Best Actor"at Karlovi Vari International Film Festival. Later Byalata Staya(1968)-"The White Room (Eng.) was his top performance in his acting career. This movie won "Best Feature Movie" in Bombay, India in late 60-s. He died during the production of Svatbite na Yoan Assen (1975)-"The marriages of The King Yoan Assen The Second of Bulgaria"(Eng.) at the age of 50, a month after his anniversary.

A willingness to take on risky subject matter and to appear in films that experiment with narrative form and visual style is one of the most striking aspects of his filmography.

Georgi Kaloyanchev "Kalata" was born in the city on Black Sea coast Burgas in 13 January 1925. He was so unique and unrepeatable actor, best known for his appearances in comedy movies but actually he began his career as a stage actor in early 50's. Then he made his cinema debut in 1951.

Stage and film actor, best known for his roles in comedy movies. He was an important figure of the Golden age of Bulgarian Cinema (i.e. 1970s and 1980s). He began his career in the middle of the 1950s and made his feature length debut in 1958. He never got married or had children.

Nevena, born in Dupnitsa on December 12, 1938, is keenly aware of the inequities of the world from a very young age. Her father Bogdan is a military officer in the Kingdom of Bulgaria. When the Communist-led Fatherland Front government takes power in the 40's, it consolidates its victory by persecuting the government and military elite of wartime Bulgaria as "enemies of the people". Her father spends several years in the labor camp. Even after his release, the stigma of being an "enemy's" daughter will haunt her throughout her life. With her family unable to live in Sofia, Nevena spends her childhood in the village of Kumarica, where she draws relentlessly and develops a passion for acting. After being fascinated by tales of a film shoot happening nearby, she is recruited as an extra and given a single line in the 1956 film "Two Victories". The experience is the final push that convinces the 18-year old Economics Institute graduate to audition for the National Institute for Theatrical Art in Sofia. In her audition, she gives a contemporary, unorthodox take on the study "woman sees a mouse in the room", which runs counter to the theatrical dogma of the time. That, possibly coupled with the stain on her father's name, contributes to her rejection. In her moment of discouragement, she received an offer for an apprentice position in the troupe of the country theatre. Nevena begins her stage career with classical ingénue roles, playing a bare-footed Juliet to great acclaim, fascinating critics with her unpolished, organic talent. She is cast in her first major screen role opposite Lyubomir Sharlandziev in the 1957 film "Years of Love". Lyubomir falls in love with her at first sight, and the 19-year old, inexperienced Nevena marries her first on-screen romantic partner. Her husband is not only an actor, he's a director. He directs Nevena in a multitude of plays, first in Gabrovo, then in Ruse, all the while acting as her unofficial acting tutor, constantly honing her skill. The screen adaptation of the novel "Tobacco" is a long and dramatic story. Author Dimitar Dimov is under tremendous pressure to rewrite portions of his work, to soften the impact of the characters within, while director Nikola Korabov has the uneasy task of reducing a 1500-page novel to a 150-page script. Kokanova has been in a few films already and Korabov hopes to have her play Irina, the female lead - a strong, independent, self-aware and ultimately self-destructive character. There is pressure from the Artistic Council of Cinematography to have another actress cast. Nevena is young, inexperienced, unschooled, provincial, and an undesirable to the Communist Party, which at the time exerts a tremendous amount of censorship and influence over anything produced in the country. There is even talk of bringing in a foreign actress to play Irina, but Dimov is against it. In the end, despite a tremendous amount of difficulty and at great risk to his career, Korabov secures Kokanova for the role. She has reservations herself, feeling unequal to the task of filling the shoes of the strong and experienced literary character that is Irina, but she is made for the screen and she becomes more confident with every shooting day that passes. "Tobacco" is presented at Cannes in 1963, with giants such as Federico Fellini, Alfred Hitchcock, Gregory Peck and Burt Lancaster in attendance. French poet Andre Morois kisses her hand on the red carper with the words "You affected me!" The criticism and envy leveled at her is quelled. The tremendous success of "Tobacco" makes her a household name in Bulgaria. Her second iconic film role will be anything but effortless. Vulo Radev, having been director of photography in several of her films, makes his directorial debut with a film version of Emilian Stanev's novel "The Peach-Garden Trespasser". Set just after WWI, the film is about a Serbian prisoner of war who sneaks into a Bulgarian colonel's private garden, meeting his wife there by chance and starting a torrid love affair with her. Nevena's beauty and her recent success fan the flames of envy and Radev has to put his reputation on the line and assume a tremendous financial risk to cast her. Moreover, she is in the middle of a theatrical engagement in the Satirical theatre in Sofia under director Metodi Andonov, at the same time that she is desperately needed to film "The Peach-Garden Trespasser" in Veliko Tarnovo. With Andonov's help, Kokanova manages to shoot for the film while still performing nightly in Sofia. Despite the tremendous risk of her being fired from the theatre, she is driven by car to Veliko Tarnovo (some 4 hours) after every performance in Sofia. She is filming until noon the following day, when she is driven back to be on stage again at 8 pm. Needless to say, this puts a tremendous physical strain on the young actress, who has very little time for sleep. By the end of the 60's, Kokanova is the most prolific Bulgarian film actress and a fashion icon. She's offered four roles in East Germany and accepts a terrific role in Italian director Liliana Cavani's "Galileo" in 1969. The next decade, spent on stage and on screen, is a happy one for Kokanova, resulting in some of her best work. She appears in films such as "The Boy Turns Man" (1972) opposite Filip Trifonov, "The Weddings of King Ioan Asen" (1975), the last film appearance of Apostol Karamitev and "Ladies' Choice") (1980), an ensemble comedy alongside Stefan Danailov, Tzvetana Maneva, Doroteya Toncheva and Maria Statulova. However, this decade ends with a crushing blow. In July of 1979, while directing "Three Deadly Sins", her husband Lyubomir dies of a heart attack. Devastated, she occupies herself with caring for their daughter Teodora and completes the film in his stead. In the stagnation and standstill that descends on the arts after the fall of Communism in 1989, and without any work prospects, she retreats to a village in the Balkan Mountains, rebuilding a small cottage and claiming sanctuary there. Kokanova continues to act, marking a belated 60th birthday in 1999 with a performance in the theatre "Revival". Days later, she is honored in the Hall of Cinema by a concert in her honor. Highlight reels of her great movie roles are shown and toasts are made to her health. Unbeknownst to everyone except her, these toasts are futile. She has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer several years earlier. By the end of 1999, she is a shadow of her former self, but ready to face her final challenge, her ultimate role, with grace and resolve. Nevena Kokanova, the radiant, lovely, loved, irreplaceable first lady of Bulgarian cinema, died on June 3, 2000 at the age of 62, immortalized on the silver screen and in the heart of a nation.

One of the most talented actors from Bulgaria. He was born in Sofia in 1942. In 1962 he graduated from famous Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts as an actor. His first appearance in the movies was in 1956 when he was a only a teenager. With the well known series Na vseki kilometar he gained international reputation.

Vasil Mihaylov was born on April 6, 1938 in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. In April 2008 Vasil Mihaylov celebrated its 70th anniversary, and more than 40 years of acting career. His career he divided between theater, film and television in more than 200 roles. It all began in his high school years. There hiding body and face behind the robes of Santa Claus with his characteristic timbre asked children whether they have been good during the year. After graduating from high school he worked two years as a machinist in a factory in Stara Zagora. Then apply at National Academy for Theatre and Film Art, Sofia, Bulgaria in class of Professor Zhelcho Mandadziev. He graduated in 1964. There after began the proposals for stage and screen. He began work in 1968 in Sofia. His first role in the Theatre of the Bulgarian Army was Boyan in "Boyan Wizard" by Kiril Hristov, directed by Atanas Mihailov. He landed his first film role in more 24 years in the "Chronicle of feelings" , directed by Lyubomir Sharlandziev. He appeared regularly in TV Theater. In his film biography predominant roles are these of strong characters with unyielding character, left a deep mark in history or literature. Khan Kubrat in "Khan Asparuh", Khan Krum in the "Day of the Rulers", Stefan Stambolov in" The greatness and fall of Stefan Stambolov ", Petko Karavelov in" The Dreamers ", Suleiman Aga in" Time of Violence ", Valkadin in" Valkadin talks to God " and, of course, the role that brings him the greatest popularity and reach many generations of viewers thanks to the eponymous series - that of Captain Petko Leader. For his portrayal Vasil Mihaylov won Best Actor at the Festival of Bulgarian Feature Film in Varna in 1982. Since then begins his passion for collecting weapons. In recent years, the actor worked in the theater troupe Bulgarian army - in the play "Charm to the flees", The Elder son" and played in the performances of Ivaylo Hristov" Gossip from hell "and" Barefoot in the park "(in Theater "Tears and laughter "). He is continuing to shoot both in Bulgarian and in foreign productions. Vasil Mihaylov loves to be the center of attention. This probably has not objected when Stara Zagora decided to name a star on his behalf. He is also an honorary citizen of his hometown. On a personal level also did not waste time. Despite rumors linking it with very gentle names, he is inseparable from his wife Gergana Mihaylova, which have two sons. Alexander graduated puppet directing at the National Academy for Theatre and Film Art, and Assen is a lawyer. His grandson Vasil is 20 years old.

Georgi Rusev was born on May 7, 1928 in village Kostenetz bathroom , Bulgaria. He is the son of a priest, a settler from Macedonia . In 1952 he graduated from National Academy for Theatre and Film Art, Sofia, Bulgaria with a degree in acting in the class of Professor Filip Filipov . He began his acting career at the Plovdiv Drama Theatre ; continued for several years in Sofia Youth Theatre and finally settled in Pernik Theater between 1966 and 1990. Since 1977 he had been a Chief Manager of the Pernik Drama Theatre "Bojan Danovski". Georgi Rusev was among the founders of the Little City Theatre "Off the Channel" in 1990. In recent years, he had taken roles in Theatre 199 , in the private theater "Alternative" and in the National Theatre . Besides the theater, Rusev played in the cinema. He debuted in 1966 in the movie " The beginning of a vacation ." His interest in the cinema ignited the scripts by Georgi Mishev . He had involved in many of the emblematic Bulgarian movies from the 1970th and 1980th . Unforgettable by their color are his roles (usually negative characters) in the movies "A Peasant on a Bicycle " and " Matriarchy ", directed by Lyudmil Kirkov; " Ladies Choice ", "Dangerous Charm ", and " Yesterday ", directed by Ivan Andonov; " The Hare Census ", directed by Eduard Sachariev; " Examinations at any time "," 13th bride of the prince ", directed by Ivanka Grybcheva. In 1977, he was awarded with the title " People's Artist "; in 2006 he was awarded with the honorary award " Asker " for Lifetime Achievement; in 2008 he was awarded with the Order of " St. St. Cyril and Methodius "with the necklace. He died in Sofia on 1 April 2011 after a serious illness, aged 82.

Grigor Vachkov, often called Grishata (26 May 1932 - 18 March 1980) was a Bulgarian theater and film actor, honored with the award of "People's actor" in the Bulgaria. He had more than 41 appearances and leading roles in the Bulgarian cinema. Vachkov got a broad popularity after the role of Mitko the Bomb in the TV series At Each Kilometer (1969-71). Vachkov is also known for his numerous appearances on the stage of the Satirical Theatre "Aleko Konstantinov", Sofia. Despite his death in 1980, he remains as one of the leading actors in the history of the Bulgarian cinematography of that time. Vachkov starred in classic film productions as Torrid Noon (1965), The Tied Up Balloon (1967) both written by Yordan Radichkov; Whale (1970) directed by Petar B. Vasilev; The Kindest Person I Know (1973), The Last Summer (1974) also written by Radichkov; Almost a Love Story (1980), The Truck (1980) and especially his role as Banko in Manly Times (1977) directed by Eduard Sahariev. The last character played by Grigor Vachkov was Postol Voevoda in "Measure according to Measure" (1981), directed by Georgi Djulgerov. During the shooting of this film, Grigor Vachkov died, but the authors did everything to keep his performance.

Petar Slabakov was a Bulgarian Theatre and Film actor. He was born at April 23, 1923 in Lyaskovetz, Bulgaria. He studied by correspondence industry economics in Varna. He had worked as tractor-driver and founder. He joined up Bulgarian army against German troops in World War II as volunteer. He had worked in the troupes of the country theaters as an apprentice in the beginning, and after an exam - as a professional actor. He played many roles in the theaters of Varna (1953 - 1957), Burgas (1957 - 1960), Plovdiv (1960 - 1963), and then in the Sofia's theater "Trudov front" (1963 - 1965), in Pernik's theater (1965 - 1966). He was an actor in Boyana Film Studio two years (1966 - 1967). After that, he played in "Sofia" theater (1972 - 1979), and in Satirical Theater (1980 - 1991). On the theatrical stage Petar Slabakov will be remembered best for his memorable appearance in The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare (Lanes), The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov (Lopahin), The Lower Depths by Maxim Gorki (Luka), etc. Petar Slabakov was one of the most important Bulgarian cinema actors. He appears in films such as Captive Flock (1962) by Ducho Mundrov, "Shibil" by Zahari Zhandov, "Tsar and General" by Vulo Radev, "Stars in Her Hair, Tears in Her Eyes" by Ivan Nitchev, "Eternal Times" by Asen Shopov, "A Roof" by Ivan Andonov and many others. He was one of the initiators of the establishing of the "Ecoglasnost" in 1989, which were one of the first opposition societies against the communist regime in Bulgaria. He was elected to the National Assembly of Bulgaria twice - in 1990 - 1991 and in 1995 - 1997.

Tatiana Lolova was born on 10 February 1934 in Sofia. She graduated in Acting from National Academy for Theatre and Film Art, Sofia in 1955, then played a year at Ruse Drama Theatre and became one of the founding members of the State Theatre of Satire (1956-1978). In 1978-1989 joined the company of Sofia Theatre. In her early career she was more popular for her radio than her stage performances, but the advent of TV made her a real celebrity. Starring in over 50 features and TV series with, among others, An Incredible Story (1964); Birds and Greyhounds (1969); The Five of the Moby Dick (1970); Indian Summer (1973); Stars in the Hair, Tears in the Eyes (1977); Warmth (1978); Good Luck, Inspector! (1983); Dangerous Charm (1984); After the End of the World (1998); The English Neighbour (2011); House Arrest (2011).

Stoyanka Mutafova was born on February 2,1922 in Sofia . Her father , Constantine Mutafov was a playwright at the National Theatre "Ivan Vazov" . In 1941, she graduated from the First Sofia Girls' High School . Then she graduated from Classical Philology in Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and the State Theatre School in Sofia. From 1946 to 1949, she worked in Theater in Prague , and from 1949 to 1956 at the National Theatre. She is a founding member of the State Theatre of Satire "Aleko Konstantinov" , where she worked from 1956 to 1991. Mutafova has 3 marriages. In 1946, she married her first husband, the Czech director Robert Rosner, when she was 23 years old, and he - 51. After marriage she went to live in Vienna , and then moved to Prague . In Prague Mutafova finishes second higher education at the theater department of the Prague Conservatory. Her second husband was Leonid Grubeshliev , by profession a journalist and translator. From this marriage is the only daughter of the actress - Maria Grubeshlieva - Muky. The third husband of Mutafova was the actor Neycho Popov. About him she says that he is the big love of her life. They have seen each other for the first time at the National Theatre, where she began to work as an actress, and he was a student at the National Academy. Stoyanka Mutafova is awarded with the order " St. St. Cyril and Methodius ", I grade in 1962; with the Honorary title "Honored Artist" in 1963; with the "National Order of Labour" , gold in 1972; with the Honorary title " People's Artist " in 1977; with the title Honorary citizen of Sofia in 2000; with the Order " Stara Planina " - 2002; with the title Honorary citizen of the town Burgas in 2002; with the Theater Award " Asker " in 2002; with the Sign " Golden Age " in 2012; with the title Honorary citizen of the town Sredets in 2012; With the Award "Golden Kukerikon" on the name of Georgi Kaloyanchev in 2013; with the Award "Golden blend" of "Jameson" for the role of grandmother Mariyka in the series " Capital citizen more" 2013; with the Award "Bulgaria You" in 2015; with the Citation for "Contribution to the culture and the enrichment of world theater" in 2015.

Bulgarian stage and film actor, singer and showman. He graduated from "Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts" as an actor, just as many talented actors from Bulgaria did. Began his career in 1965, Kolev was best known for his roles in comedies like "Opasen Char", "Gospodin Za Edin Den" and "Dvoynikat" as well as for his songs and shows. His unique kind of acting won general approval in his country. In some ways, pretty much reminds Charlie Chaplin.

After the collapse of communism, he get involved in politics for a while and was a Member of Parliament.

Todor Kolev suffered from Lung Cancer for several years and died at the age of 73.

Itzhak Fintzi is a Bulgarian film and stage actor. He graduated from the Bulgarian National Academy of Theater and Film Arts in 1955, and made his debut in the movie "Stars" (1959). In the following years, he played in a number of theaters, both in the capital city and in other places throughout the country, as well as in many feature films. He is winner of the best actor award of the "Golden Prague" TV films festival (1982). His best loved character on the scene and in movies is the Big Little man - a human being incessantly trampled by life and the high and mighty, who frequently evokes laughter, but more often the sympathy and compassion of the audience - because of the nobleness, dignity, modesty and selflessness always helping him managed and overcome the vicissitude of his destiny. Undoubtedly, the unusual popularity of Itzhak Fintzi, called by his friends and public by the intimate name of Itzko, is because a good number of Bulgarian people identify, consciously or unconsciously, with his characters. He is known as an actor in The End of the Song (1971), The Hare Census (1973), Vila Zone (1975), A Cricket in the Ear (1975), Elegy (1982), and Belated Full Moon (1996).

Georgi Georgiev-Getz (Georgi Ivanov Georgiev) was born in the village Razpopovtsi, today the town of Elena, Bulgaria. He graduated in "acting" in the class of Professor Filip Filipov at National Academy for Theatre and Film Art, Sofia, Bulgaria (1949-1953). He has made a theatrical specialization in Moscow (1955-1956). He was a construction worker and contributor to newspapers. In 1953-91, he was at the National Theater in Sofia. He was a board member of Union of Bulgarian Filmmakers. He created bright images drawn from classical and contemporary Bulgarian dramaturgy. Part of his movies are "We Were Young", "Eighth", "A Peasant on a Bicycle", "Matriarchy", "Father". One of his best and well-known film roles is the role of Jordan in "A Peasant on a Bicycle." For this role he was awarded at the Varna and Moscow International Film Festivals. Nickname "Getz" was acquired by his colleague Dimitar Bochev (so called men named Georgi). After he retired, he continued to play with traveling theaters. He obtained stroke during a performance in Stara Zagora Drama Theater. He was rushed to a local hospital. His condition was deteriorating. After three days they operated him in Sofia, but it was too late and Getz died without regaining consciousness. He died on September 2, 1996 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Kiril Gospodinov is a Bulgarian actor . He was born on May 24, 1934 in Grozdyovo, Varna, Bulgaria. He worked 35-40 was successfully in theater and in cinema . He had applied (together with the future great Bulgarian cinema star Nevena Kokanova) in National Academy for Theatre and Film Art, Sofia, Bulgaria , but did not accept , because he had not a high school diploma. 30-year-old he was invited in Yambol Drama Theater. Kiril Gospodinov will be remembered with great performances in the films " Monday Morning " (1966), " Swedish kings " (1968), " Birds and Hounds " (1969), " Night of the White Horses ," " Three Reservists" (1971) " Bon Chance, Inspector! ", " Friday night " (1986), " The boy is going ." By far the most famous is his starring role in the movie " Past-Master " and its sequels. He had won many awards, including "Golden Rose" for the film " Three Reservists " (1971) and Best Theater Actor in the play "Man -eater" by Ivan Radoev. He died on April 17, 2003 in Varna, Bulgaria.

Konstantin Kotsev is famous Bulgarian actor , a favorite of several generations. He was born on June 4, 1926 in Istanbul, Turkey. He graduated National Academy for Theatre and Film Art, Sofia, Bulgaria in 1957. A year earlier he starred in the film "Two Victories." Then he played in " On a Small Island ", " Inspector and the Night ", and "Escape to Ropotamo", directed by Rangel Vulchanov, " The Penleve Case ", directed by Gueorgui Stoyanov, " White Room " and "There is Nothing Better Than a Bad Weather", directed by Metodi Andonov, " Heat ", directed by Vladinir Yanchev, "The Swedish Kings", directed by Lyudmil Kirkov, " The Tied Balloon ", directed by Binka Zhelyazkova and others. His last cinema role was in "Rhapsody in White", directed by Tedi Moskov. He was one of the founders and longtime actors of Satirical Theater "Aleko Konstantinov" . He had played in the Burgas Drama Theater "Adriana Budevska"(1958-1959) and in the Theatre "Sofia" (1984-1990). Among his stage performances are one-man show "Diary of a Madman" by Gogol ; Zhevakin in "Marriage" by Krutitski; "Enough Stupidity in Every Wise Man" by Alexander Ostrovsky; Tartuffe in "Tartuffe " by Moliere . He had played in the plays by Yordan Radichkov: "January" and "Turmoil" and in the play by Nikola Rusev "The Old Man and the Arrow", directed by Metodi Andonov . In the last years of his life he had fall ill with Alzheimer's disease and died on August 4, 2007 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Georgi Cherkelov was a Bulgarian stage and film actor. He is one of the most prominent names in the Bulgarian theater and cinema in the last decades. Born as Georgi Ivanov Cherkelov on June 25, 1930, in the city of Haskovo, Bulgaria, he initially began studying law at the Sofia University, where he remained for three years before transferring to the National Academy for Theater and Film where he graduated in 1956. Cherkelov started his stage career in the Vratza theater. His film debut was in the 1961 film The Last Round. During the fifty years of his career, he has appeared in more than 100 roles on stage and in about 70 films. He became widely popular after the role of the anti-communist police inspector Velinski in the TV series At Every Kilometer (1969). Cherkelov appeared in many of the major Bulgarian film productions. He played the leading roles in Men on a business trip (1969), Warmth (1978), The Judge (1986). He was also in many German and Italian film co-productions. He has directed the TV film "Last Stop - Berlin" (1983). While continuing to perform on the stage of the National Theater where he has worked for decades, Cherkelov was also the artistic director of the Dramatic Theater in Pleven (1985-1990). Georgi Cherkelov was one of the most prominent Shakespearean actors in Bulgaria, with memorable performances as King Lear, Richard II, Mercutio, Banco and many other major roles. He has played almost the entire repertoire of the British bard - a privilege many actors dream of, but only a few are given. Cherkelov's style was intelligent, with expressions based on subtle nuances, heavy pauses and solidly spoken phrases. His trademark was inborn dignity, loaded calm and incredible presence - unique personal characteristics of this great actor, which he infused into the characters he played. In addition to being an extraordinary actor, Georgi Cherkelov has also staged a number of plays. Among the plays he directed are "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1982), "Wrestlers" (1981), "Huckleberry Finn" (1985), "Catcher in the Rye" (1998). Some of the adaptations for these plays he had written himself. In 2010 his book "Stories and emails" was published by Locus Publishing. In 2001, Georgi Cherkelov was decorated with the highest government prize, the Order of the Balkan Mountains, awarded to Bulgarian citizens with particularly great merit to Bulgaria. In 2009, he received the award Asker for lifetime achievement. He died on February 19, 2012.

Kosta Tsonev was a Bulgarian actor of Greek heritage starring in theatre, TV and cinema. He was born on 10 June 1929 in the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia. He studied at the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts. He has been married three times: twice to Anahid Tacheva and then to his present wife Elena. He has a son, famed newsreader Dimitar Tsonev, and a daughter. His second oldest brother was the late Vasil Tsonev, a dry witted satirist who wrote many books, which have been published in several languages. His oldest brother was the late Iwan Tsonev (Iwan Zoneff) who moved to Australia in 1950 where he became one of the biggest property developers in South Australia during the mid 60 showing the diverse talents of the 3 brothers in each of their chosen fields. The father of the three brothers was a simple house painter. In 2001, Tsonev turned to politics and was elected to the National Assembly of Bulgaria as a representative of the former National Movement Simeon II. He was reelected in 2005. He is known for The Commander of the Detachment (1959), Freedom or Death (1969), The Indispensable Sinner (1971), The Weddings of King Ioan Assen (1975), The Swimming Pool (1977), The Conversion to Christianity & Discourse of Letters (1982), Crazy Day (2004) and My Father the House-Painter (1974). He died on January 25, 2012 in Sofia.

Pavel Popandov was born in Sofia. He graduated in "acting" in the class of Professor Boyan Danovski at National Academy for Theatre and Film Art, Sofia, Bulgaria (1975). He worked as a locksmith (1962-1965), driver (1967-1969), as an actor in "Boyana" Film Studios (1976-1990), and in municipal theater "Renaissance" (1992-). He is a member of the Union of Bulgarian Filmmakers (1979). Popandov is best known for her roles in movies "Nameless Band", "13th fiancée of Prince" and "Vasco da Gama from the village Rupcha." Pavel Popandov, Georgi Mamalev and Velko Kynev created the popular UFO project in 80th (until 1997). Later they created and TV show UFO Club.

Nikola Anastasov was born on 22 April 1932 in Sofia. He graduated in Acting from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts in 1955. He was part of the companies of the Drama Theatres in Vratsa (1955-1956) and Varna (1956-1957), as well as the Theatre of Satire, Labour Front Theatre and Small Theatre off the Canal in Sofia. He made his debut in film in The Last Round in 1961. He has acted in nearly 20 feature and TV films, With the Devil's Shoulder Straps (1967), Mister Nobody (169), The Phoney Civilization (1974), Nako, Dako and Tsako (1974-1976), Unexpected School Holidays (1981), and Only You, My Heart (1987), to name but a few.