Christo Jivkov is dead. According to media reports, the Bulgarian actor succumbed to a long illness on April 1, 2023. He was 48 years old. Jivkov was best known for "The Passion of the Christ". In 2004 he played John, Jesus' favorite disciple, in Mel Gibson's controversial film adaptation of the Bible.

Hristo Jivkov (also known as Hristo Zhivkov) was born on February 18, 1975 in Sofia. In the Bulgarian capital he studied at the National Academy of Theater and Film Arts.

The actor experienced his breakthrough in Italy. In 2001 he took on the leading role of Giovanni de Medici in the award-winning film "The Profession of Arms" (international title).

In "The Passion of the Christ" Jivkov played a leading role as the apostle John. He was also in talks for the sequel that never materialized. The Bulgarian later played in many European co-productions, for example in "Das Haus der Lerchen" alongside Moritz Bleibtreu.

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