Text size

Mel Gibson honors ‘The Passion of the Christ’ Bulgarian star Christo Jivkov after his death at 48

published on 4/6/23 2:12 PM

Hristo Zhivkov, 48, died April 1 2023.

Photo: Facebook/unionofactorsbg

Mel Gibson has expressed his condolences for Hristo Zhivkov, one of the stars of Gibson's 2004 hit film "The Passion of the Christ".

Hristo Zhivkov, 48, died April 1 in Los Angeles after a long battle with cancer.

“My dear friend Christo has lost his heroic battle with cancer. Right to the last moment he was filled with hope and his spirit was strong,” Gibson said. “I'll miss him but I know his suffering is over and he has eternal bliss. God keep him," the actor wrote in a statement.

Jivkov starred as John the Apostle in Gibson’s epic "The Passion of the Christ," alongside Jim Caviezel as Jesus Christ and Italian star Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene.

Gibson, who produced, directed and co-wrote the film, has kept in touch with the Bulgarian for 19 years and the two have not lost hope that there will be a sequel.

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria Culture condolences Hristo Zhivkov Mel Gibson The Passion of the Christ

More from category

Stage at a Crossroads theatre festival kicks off in Plovdiv

The 29 th edition of the Stage at a Crossroads theatre festival is taking place in Plovdiv as of today until 21 September. The festival programme includes 18 stagings, among them classical as well as modern works like Hamlet, Cat on a Hot Tin..

published on 9/10/25 6:35 AM

The Bulgarian Library “Magura” in Chicago now has a new address

The “Magura” Bulgarian Library in Chicago, USA, now has its new home in the Vivanov Art Club. This was announced on its Facebook page by the Magura Bulgarian Cultural Center, at which the library operates. The center expressed gratitude to the club’s..

published on 9/9/25 11:32 AM

Prestigious Book Alley opens in the heart of Sofia

There is a popular literary event where visitors – young an d old alike – can become part of the literary life of the capital city Sofia, find different books and meet new authors: Book Alley, organized by the Bulgarian Book Association...

published on 9/8/25 7:05 AM

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Clear
Min: 11 | Max: 28

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?

Exhibition of Bulgarian-Turkish artists builds cultural bridge from Sofia to Istanbul

The exhibition “Sofia - Istanbul: Bridge of Art” will be presented from December 4 to January 3, 2026, at the gallery of the Union of Bulgarian Artists in..

published on 9/16/25 2:13 PM

Share