‘The Passion of the Christ’ actor Christo Jivkov dead aged 48 after long lung cancer fight
‘The Passion of the Christ’ actor Christo Jivkov has died aged 48 after a long battle with lung cancer.
The Bulgarian-born star – best known for his role as John the Apostle in Mel Gibson’s controversial 2004 film about Jesus’ crucifixion, and who starred in Ermanno Olmi’s award-winning 2001 tilm ‘The Profession of Arms’ – passed away on Friday (31.03.23) night in Los Angeles.
A statement released on Facebook by Bulgarian film company Red Carpet Films, co-founded by Christo, said they had “no words” to “describe the pain of this loss”.
The company added: “Today we lost our beloved friend and dear colleague Christo Jivkov, co-founder of Red Carpet.
“Wе are truly devastated by this untimed loss. We will never forget you!”
Christo’s Italian actress friend Maria Grazia Cucinotta, 54, who played a Bond girl in ‘The World is Not Enough’, said on Instagram in a message written in her native tongue: “Still don’t wanna believe you are gone… endless pain. Hello Christo, my friend, gentle soul, your fight for life, was the fight of all those who love you.”
Born 18 February, 1975 in Sofia, Bulgaria, Christo attended the Bulgarian Film and Theatre Academy where he majored in film directing.
Shortly after graduating he was cast in the lead role of Giovanni de Medici in ‘The Profession of Arms’, which swept the 2002 David di Donatello Awards with nine wins, including Best Film.
