today marks the seventh anniversary of the death of Ivan Laskin, a prominent figure in Bulgarian film and theater who died unexpectedly at age 48 following a battle with liver complications [[1]]. Born March 10, 1970, Laskin left a importent mark on the cultural landscape with a career spanning decades and numerous acclaimed performances [[2]]. As colleagues and loved ones reflect on his life and legacy, his impact continues to resonate with audiences throughout Bulgaria and beyond.
Today, January 6th, marks the seventh anniversary of the death of beloved actor Ivan Laskin, who passed away at the age of 48 due to health complications.
Born on March 10, 1970, in Sofia, Laskin graduated from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts (NATFA) in 1994, studying dramatic theatre in the class of Professor Zдравко Mitkov. He made his stage debut as Jimmy Porter in George Osborne’s “Look Back in Anger” at the Small City Theatre.
He began his professional theatre career at the “Tears and Laughter” Theatre in 1991, and went on to perform on the stages of nearly every theatre in Sofia. From 1997, Laskin was a company member of the Bulgarian Army Theatre.
Laskin was known for his roles in productions directed by Krasimir Spasov, Krikor Azaryan, Nikolai Lambrev, Stefan Moskov, Bina Haralampieva, Andrei Avramov, Boris Pankin, and Zдравко Mitkov. He also performed the role of Ivanov in Chekhov’s “Ivanov” at the Anton Strashimirow Theatre in Stara Zagora.
He appeared in dozens of Bulgarian feature films, including “Vasko da Gama from Rupcha,” “Honest Musketeers,” “Wagner,” “Wolf Hunt,” “Danube Bridge,” “Magicians,” “Kolober,” “Friends Call Me Uncle,” “Ruth,” “Church for Wolves,” “The Most Important Things,” “Sin,” and “The Glass River,” as well as in over twenty European and American productions between 1989 and 2007.
Laskin had a daughter, Lyuba, with actress Miroslava Gogovska, whom he was married to before they divorced. From 2006 until his death, he was in a relationship with actress Alexandra Sarchadjieva, with whom he had a second daughter, Sofia.
Sarchadjieva marked the somber anniversary with a heartfelt story, sharing a brief but powerful message:
“Today you left, and it’s been seven years since. I love you very much. I miss you painfully, chillingly.”
Years after his passing, Laskin’s absence is still deeply felt. He was one of the most charismatic, bold, and recognizable actors of his generation. Today, audiences continue to speak of him with respect and affection, remembering his distinctive voice, presence, and character. His work remains a touchstone for Bulgarian film and theatre fans.
“Seven years without Ivan Laskin – the boy with a rebellious but good soul. I liked him. A wild spirit. Headstrong. He said things as they were. He couldn’t stand vulgarity and chalga music. A wonderful boy, a great actor, loved by everyone. A man with a clear civic position. Whatever he said was genuine, unadulterated, and straight to the point. He chose Epiphany and Armenian Christmas to fly away,” television producer Vladina Tsekova said.
