Here are 5 famous actors from Bulgaria were born in 1956:
Valentin Ganev (April 7, 1956 Ruse, Bulgaria-) is a Bulgarian actor.
He is one of the most recognizable faces in Bulgarian cinema, with a career spanning more than 40 years. Ganev started his acting career in the early 1980s and has since appeared in over 100 movies and TV shows, both in Bulgaria and internationally. He is best known for his roles in the films "The Goat Horn" (1981), "Time of Violence" (1988), "The Glass River" (1990), and "Mission London" (2010).
Aside from his work in film, Ganev has also performed in theater and television productions. He has received numerous awards for his acting, including the Icarus Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (2006) and the Askeer Award for Best Supporting Actor (2007) in Bulgaria.
Ganev is also a highly respected acting teacher and has taught at the National Academy for Theater and Film Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria. He continues to be a prominent figure in Bulgarian cinema, and his contributions to the film industry have made him a beloved and iconic figure in his home country.
Valentin Ganev comes from a family of actors- his mother, Maria Nedkova, was a theater actress, and his brother, Stoyan Ganev, is also an actor. He studied acting at the Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts in Sofia and graduated in 1978.
Apart from his successful acting career, Ganev is also a philanthropist and actively supports charitable causes for children with disabilities. He has established and funded several projects, including a theater studio and a children's sports school.
In addition to his native Bulgarian, Ganev is fluent in Russian, English, and German. He has acted in international productions, including the French movie "La Vie en Rose" (2007) and the German-French TV film "Ein Sommer in Kroatien" (2020).
Ganev is considered one of the most versatile actors in Bulgaria, equally comfortable in drama and comedy, and his performances have been compared to those of Hollywood legends like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. He is often referred to by his fans as "the Bulgarian Brando."
Krassimir Dokov (August 2, 1956 Gabrovo-) a.k.a. Krasimir Dokov is a Bulgarian actor.
Dokov graduated from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts in Sofia in 1981. He began his acting career at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre and later worked at the Bulgarian Army Theatre. Dokov has appeared in numerous Bulgarian films and television series, including "The Oil Prince" and "Undercover". In addition to acting, Dokov is also a writer and has published several books. He has been recognized for his contributions to Bulgarian culture and received the Stara Planina Order in 2021.
Dokov's talent as an actor has been praised by audiences and critics alike. He has won several awards, including the Best Supporting Actor award at the Bulgarian Film Awards in 2010 for his role in the film "East, West, East: The Final Sprint". His versatility as an actor has allowed him to play a wide range of roles, from serious dramatic performances to comedic roles.
In addition to his impressive acting career, Dokov is also a dedicated writer. He has published poetry, short stories, and plays. Some of his notable works include "Rambles in Dreams", "The Rose and the Fir Tree", and "Cannibals".
Dokov's contributions to Bulgarian culture have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the Stara Planina Order in 2021. This prestigious award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to Bulgaria's political, economic, cultural, and social development. Dokov continues to inspire and entertain audiences with his acting and writing, and he remains one of Bulgaria's most beloved performers.
Emil Hristow (August 13, 1956 Sofia-) also known as Emil Hristov, Bate Emko or Emil Christov is a Bulgarian cinematographer and actor.
He was born in Sofia, Bulgaria on August 13, 1956, and began his career in the film industry in the early 1980s. Hristow has worked on a number of acclaimed Bulgarian films over the years, serving as cinematographer on features such as "The World Is Big and Salvation Lurks Around the Corner" and "The Color of the Chameleon."
In addition to his work behind the camera, Hristow has also acted in a handful of films, including "The Goat" and "Tilt". He has received numerous awards for his work over the years, including a Golden Rose for Best Cinematography and a Bulgarian Film Academy Award for Best Director.
Hristow has also been involved in several international film festivals, serving on the jury for events such as the Moscow International Film Festival and the Istanbul International Film Festival. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential figures in Bulgarian cinema.
Apart from his work in the film industry, Hristow is also a respected professor at the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts in Sofia, where he teaches cinematography. He has also written several books on the art and craft of cinematography, which have become popular among film students and aspiring filmmakers.
Hristow is known for his unique visual style, which often incorporates elements of magical realism and surrealism. His films are noted for their vivid use of color and imaginative cinematography, which help to create a dreamlike atmosphere.
In addition to his work as a filmmaker and educator, Hristow is also an activist and philanthropist. He has been involved in various humanitarian initiatives, including campaigns to support underprivileged children and promote social justice. Hristow is a vocal advocate for free expression and artistic freedom, and he has spoken out against censorship and political oppression in Bulgaria and beyond.
Despite his many achievements, Hristow remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to inspire and mentor young filmmakers, and his contributions to Bulgarian cinema and culture will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
Nikolai Sotirov (May 31, 1956 Shumen-) otherwise known as Nicki Sotirov, Nicky Sotirov, Niki Sotirov, Nikolay Sotirov, Niky Sotirov or Nikola Sotirov is a Bulgarian actor.
He is one of the most recognizable faces in Bulgarian cinema, having starred in over 70 movies and TV shows. Sotirov graduated from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts in Sofia and began his acting career in the early 1980s. He rose to prominence in the 1990s with his roles in popular TV series such as "The Lodge" and "Captain Petko Voivode". Sotirov has also acted in several international productions, including the Hollywood movies "The Legend of Hercules" and "The Expendables 2". In addition to his acting career, Sotirov is also a successful theater director and has directed numerous productions in Bulgaria and abroad.
Sotirov has received numerous awards for his contributions to Bulgarian cinema and theater, including the prestigious Askeer award for best actor in a leading role for his performance in the play "The Lower Depths" in 2010. He is known for his versatile acting skills and has played a wide range of characters, from historical figures to comic roles. Sotirov is also a vocal supporter of the LGBT community and has been recognized for his activism in this area. Outside of his work in the entertainment industry, Sotirov is an avid traveler and has visited over 50 countries, often documenting his adventures on his social media accounts. He is married and has two children.
Stoiko Peev (November 12, 1956-) is a Bulgarian actor.
He was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, and graduated from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts in 1988. Peev is known for his work in Bulgarian cinema, theater, and television. Throughout his career, he has appeared in over 60 films and television series, including "The Peach Thief," "Chasing the Elephant," and "The Glass River." He has also performed in numerous theater productions, both in Bulgaria and internationally. In 2013, Peev was awarded the Askeer Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the play "The Class Enemy." He continues to act in various Bulgarian productions and is regarded as one of the country's most esteemed actors.
Peev started his acting career in 1980 with minor roles in Bulgarian films and television shows. His breakthrough came in 1992 with his role in the comedy film "Bai Ganio", where he played the lead character. Since then, he has been in numerous notable productions, including "The Golden Axe", "The Seventh K", and "Indictment: The Hope of the Balkans". Peev is also recognized for his voice acting work, having dubbed over a hundred films and television shows into Bulgarian.
Apart from his work as an actor, Peev is a prominent theater director and teacher. He has directed several plays, including "The Master and Margarita" and "The Inspector General". He has also taught acting classes at the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts, where he himself once studied.
Despite his success, Peev is known for his humility and dedication to his craft. In interviews, he often speaks of the importance of hard work and discipline in acting. He is widely respected in the Bulgarian film and theater industry, and his contributions have helped shape the country's cultural landscape.