The Passion of Christ Producer, director and co-writer Mel Gibson is mourning the death of Christo Jivkov, one of the stars of his 2004 hit, who died Friday night in Los Angeles after a long private battle with cancer. He just turned 48.
“My good friend Christo lost his heroic battle against cancer. Until the last moment he was full of hope and his spirit was strong,” Gibson said. “I will miss him, but I know his suffering is over and he has eternal happiness. God protect him.”
Jivkov played John opposite Jim Caviezel and Monica Bellucci in The Passion of the Christ, which grossed $612 million worldwide. He stayed in touch with Gibson after the film was released and the two have met a number of times over the past 19 years. Jivkov is expected to be involved in the long-rumored sequel if/when it comes to fruition.
Actor and producer Jivkov was also known for his starring role as Giovanni de Medici in Ermanno Olmi’s 2001 film the profession of arms, which won the 2002 David di Donatello Awards with nine wins, including Best Picture.
Source: Deadline
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