Boris Krystev is quickly becoming a name to watch in Bulgarian television. The young actor is earning praise for his authentic performance in the new bTV series “Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov” (Faith, Hope, Love), which premiered on March 6, 2026. He plays Atanas Dermendzhiev, an obstetrician-gynecologist and the son of prominent hospital figures, Lydia (Nevena Bozokova) and Nikola Dermendzhiev (Robert Yanakiev).
The character of Atanas is described as a successful and attractive man who lives in the shadow of his accomplished father. He similarly harbors resentment towards Bogdan (Antony Penev), a talented colleague favored by his father. The series, set in 1998 Sofia, explores intertwined stories within a hospital setting and a nearby nightclub, reflecting a period of transition in Bulgaria.
Krystev’s own family background mirrors the dynamic of his character. His father is acclaimed actor Malin Krystev, known for his work in productions such as “January,” “Tartuffe,” “The Marriage,” “Calvary,” and “Twelfth Night,” as well as films like “Seven Hours Difference,” “Summer Days,” and “Game of Trust.” Malin Krystev also teaches acting at the Youth Theatre “Nikolay Binev.” He received the “Icarus” award from the Union of Artists in Bulgaria in 2016 for his play “Family Album.” Boris’s mother, Stanka Kalcheva, is also an actress.
Krystev’s passion for performing began at a young age, making his stage debut at just 10 years old in a production of Georgi Gospodinov’s “The Apocalypse Comes at Six O’Clock.” He later appeared in the film “The Only Love Story Hemingway Didn’t Write.” The actor and his father have intentionally avoided leveraging their familial connection for professional advantages in the theater world, preferring to rely on their individual talents.
Despite his parents initially encouraging him to pursue professions like medicine or law, Krystev followed his artistic calling. He studied at the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts (NATFA) in the class of Professor Zdravko Mitkov and was a recipient of the Stefan Danailov scholarship. Father and son even shared the stage in a production of “2084. REX. The Last King of the World,” where Malin Krystev played a king from the distant future and Boris portrayed his cyber assistant.
Krystev has developed a unique pre-premiere ritual: sharing a quote from the play on social media that resonates with him. He describes this as a demonstration of dedication and understanding of the text. In 2020, he adapted “The Tower” into a play that premiered at Theatre 199.
The close relationship between father and son is evident in Krystev’s affectionate nickname for his father: “Tati.” He publicly celebrated his father’s 50th birthday with a heartfelt message and a throwback photo, writing, “Today this man has reached the halfway point of his century. Happy Birthday, Tati!!!”
Beyond his acting career, Krystev is also known for his love of cats, a fondness that dates back to his childhood. “Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov” is currently airing on bTV, offering viewers a glimpse into a complex and compelling world of medical drama and personal ambition.
