Bulgaria

Famous Bulgarian People: Bulgarian Artists, Scientists, Leaders, Musicians, Politicians and Athletes

Bulgaria is home to outstanding individuals who made a difference with their remarkable achievements. The following people made their mark on both the local and international scenes. They are just some of many famous Bulgarians who have lifted Bulgaria’s name worldwide and made a difference in our world. Their purpose and stories inspired awe if not greatness.

:: List of Famous People from Bulgaria ::

Simeon II of Bulgaria
Simeon Borisov of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha is an important political and royal figure in Bulgaria. He was a minor during his reign as the Tsar of Bulgaria from 1943 to 1946, the monarchical authority being exercised over the kingdom on his behalf by the regents, Simeon’s uncle Prince Kiril of Bulgaria, General Nikola Mihov and the Prime Minister Bogdan Filov. In 1946 the monarchy was overthrown as a consequence of a greatly manipulated referendum won by the communist republicans. Simeon went into exile. Fifty-five years later, on 6 April 2001, Simeon resumed the role of leader of the nation upon taking office as Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria from July 2001 until August 2005.

As of 2011, Simeon is one of the last living heads of state from the World War II-era, the only living person who has borne the Bulgarian title “Tsar”, and one of the few monarchs in history to have become the head of government through democratic elections.

Boris Christoff
Boris Christoff was a Bulgarian opera singer. He is considered to have been one of the greatest basses of the 20th century.

Vladimir Dimitrov
Vladimir Dimitrov was a Bulgarian painter, draughtsman and teacher. He is considered one of the most talented 20th century Bulgarian painters and probably the most remarkable stylist in Bulgarian painting in the post-Russo-Turkish War era. His portraits and compositions have expressive color, idealistic quality of the image and high symbolic strength.

Valya Balkanska
Valya Balkanska is a Bulgarian folk music singer from the Rhodope Mountains known locally for her wide repertoire of Balkan folksong, but in the West mainly for singing the song “Izlel e Delyu Haydutin”, part of the Voyager Golden Record selection of music included in the two Voyager spacecraft launched in 1977.

Raina Kabaivanska
Raina Kabaivanska is a Bulgarian opera singer, one of the leading lyrico-spinto sopranos of her generation, particularly associated with Verdi and Puccini, although she sang a wide range of roles. A versatile singer with a beautiful voice and fine musicianship, she is also a singing-actress of considerable ability.