The Bulgarian face of Pontius Pilate in latest Gibson's blockbuster has made himself familiar to millions of US fans.
Hristo Shopov, descendant of a well-known film family in Bulgaria, has confessed that on the very first day of The Passion's premier people in the supermarket, post office and on the streets used to ask him for an autograph.
Like most people, the huge success of the movie has surprised him as well, but not as much, he says, as the urgent call in December 2002 to leave for Rome immediately to meet with director Mel Gibson.
Shopov sincerely thought it was "Candid Camera" until he got on the plane.
The controversial movie, with two Bulgarian actors in the star-set crew, triggered hot discussions all over the world.
Besides Shopov, another leading role is in Bulgarian hands with Hristo Zhivkov playing John, Christ's favorite pupil.
Bulgarian movie fans have also enjoyed its premier on April 23.