Grigor Vachkov

Grigor Vachkov, often called Grishata (Григор Вачков - Гришата; 26 May 1932 – 18 March 1980) was a Bulgarian theater and film actor, honored with the award of "People's actor" in the People's Republic of Bulgaria.

He had more than 41 appearances and leading roles in the Bulgarian cinema.

He was born as Grigor Vachkov Grigorov on 26 May 1932 in the village of Tranchovitsa, Levski Municipality, Bulgaria.

In 1955 he graduated from the Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts.

After the graduation, Vachkov was appointed in the Vratsa Theatre for two years.

In 1957 he joined the troupe of the newly founded Satirical Theatre „Aleko Konstantinov“ in Sofia.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Vachkov starred in classic film productions as Torrid Noon (1965), The Tied Up Balloon (1967) both written by Yordan Radichkov, Whale (1970) directed by Petar B. Vasilev, The Kindest Person I Know (1973), The Last Summer (1974) also written by Radichkov, Almost a Love Story (1980), The Truck (1980) and especially his role as Banko in Manly Times (1977) directed by Eduard Zahariev.

Vachkov is also known for his numerous appearances on the stage of the Satirical Theatre „Aleko Konstantinov“, Sofia.

His debut in films came in 1960.

Vachkov got a broad popularity after the role of Mitko the Bomb in the TV series At Each Kilometer (1969–71).

The TV series Every Kilometer (1969–71), where he plays the role of Mitko the Bomb, brought him a wide popularity.

Vachkov took part in films that gained international success such as The Last Summer (1974) and Manly Times (1977).

His last film was Mera spored Mera.

He died at the beginning of shooting and the script had to be changed so that the film could be finished.

He is the father of the actress Martina Vachkova and was a good friend of the writer Yordan Radichkov.

Despite his death in 1980, he remains as one of the leading actors in the history of the Bulgarian cinematography of that time.