Hristo Shopov

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Hristo Shopov
Христо Шопов
Born
Hristo Naumov Shopov

(1964-01-04) 4 January 1964 (age 60)
NationalityBulgarian
OccupationActor
Parents

Hristo Naumov Shopov (Bulgarian: Христо Наумов Шопов, [ˈxristo nɐˈumof ˈʃɔpof]; born 4 January 1964) is a Bulgarian actor. Shopov's father, Naum Shopov, was a famous Bulgarian actor as well.

He is most noted for his 2004 portrayal of Pontius Pilate in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. Shopov revived his role as Pilate in the 2006 film The Inquiry. His dual roles as Pilate make him, along with Frank Thring, one of two actors to twice portray a character directly responsible for authorizing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He has become one of Bulgaria's most successful actors, making his debut in 1981 with Dishay, choveche (Breathe, Man!). His body of work includes many Bulgarian films such as Vchera (Yesterday) and Sledvay me (Follow Me). He has also appeared in several low-budget US film productions including Phantom Force, Target of Opportunity and Alien Hunter. In his homeland, he is best known for his role in the movie Vchera, which became a symbol of several generations. The movie tells the story of young Bulgarians studying in an elite English language school during Communist rule.

Mary Soan, an assistant director of the film I Am David, suggested that he would be suited for the role of Pilate to Shaila Rubin, who was casting the film. After Hristo and Gibson had a brief conversation, Hristo was given the part. Shopov also played the role of Pontius Pilate in the 2006 film The Inquiry, which also cast Max von Sydow as Emperor Tiberius.

Selected filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1988 Vchera Ivan
1989 Margarit and Margarita Margarit
1989 Ochite Plachat Razlichno Vasil
2000 Death, Deceit and Destiny Aboard the Orient Express Chief Du Train
2001 The Grey Zone Halivni
2002 Pythons 2 Doctor
Interceptor Force 2 Commander Gorshkov
2003 I Am David The Man
2003 Dragon Fighter Capt. Sergei Petrov
2003 Marines Vladimir Antonov
2004 Raptor Island Quinn
2004 The Passion of the Christ Pontius Pilatus
2004 Phantom Force Commander Vukorov
2005 Karol: A Man Who Became Pope Julian Kordek
2006 The Inquiry Pontius Pilatus
2007 The Lark Farm Isman
2008 Resolution 819 Momcilo Draganovic
2009 Barbarossa Rinaldo di Dassel
Command Performance President Alexei Petrov
2010 Undisputed III: Redemption Warden Kuss
2011 Love.net Filip Bogatev
Operation Shmenti Capelli Lyubev
2012 Barabbas Kedar
2015 Karbala Getow
2017 South Wind Dmitar Mitevski

External links