Hristo Shopov
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Hristo Naumov Shopov (Bulgarian: Христо Наумов Шопов) (born January 4, 1964 in Sofia) is a Bulgarian actor. He portrayed Pontius Pilate in Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ. Shopov's father, Naum Shopov, is a famous Bulgarian actor as well.
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.
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 Bulgarian people studying in an English college during the communist rule.