site.btaBulgarian Actor Nikolay Sotirov Turns 70

Bulgarian actor and mime artist Nikolay Sotirov turns 70 on Sunday. "I succeed through wild adventurousness," he says.

Born in Shumen in 1956 and raised in Pleven, Sotirov graduated from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts Krastyo Sarafov in 1980 after being admitted first among more than 2,500 male applicants.

He began his career at the pantomime studio of Salza i Smyah Theatre and later performed with the independent Movement Theatre. In 1991, he founded the private troupe Pant Dance, staging productions that toured countries in Latin America, Asia and North America.

Sotirov gained wide recognition through roles in Bulgarian films and television productions, including The House, Vibrations, Under the Yoke, Seven Hours Difference and 11A. He has also appeared in a number of international productions, including The Shooter alongside Wesley Snipes.

In addition to acting, Sotirov has worked as a pantomime instructor and painter, with proceeds from the sale of his artworks donated to charitable causes.

His distinctions include awards for best mime, the Grand Prix at a festival in Arezzo together with Velyo Goranov, a best young actor award for Vibrations, and a best actor prize at the International Festival of One-Man Shows in Gabrovo in 2018.