At Each Kilometer, Manly Times, Toplo, Mera Spored Mera (Measure for Measure), are emblematic films for several Bulgarian generations, who associate them with renowned Bulgarian theatre and film actor Grigor Vachkov. He was born in 1932 in the village of Tranchovitsa (Central North Bulgaria). Later Vachkov graduated from the Professional School of Vine Growing and Wine Production in Pleven (Central North Bulgaria). In 1955 Grigor Vachkov graduated from the Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts. Four years earlier he left for Sofia with a suitcase full of….bread. During the preparatory classes director Grisha Ostrovski asked his students why they were there and what roles they wanted to play. Then, Grigor Vachkov said he wanted to play superhuman roles. His eyes were shining bright, his fellow-student Tatyana Lolova said later. Grigor Vachkov's inexhaustible energy and magnetism helped him become a national film star and participate in 44 Bulgarian movies. Grigor was only 47 when he left this world in 1980. However, the celebrated Bulgarian actor managed to leave a rich artistic biography and win the love of Bulgarian audiences.

Some of his most emblematic roles were in Yordan Radichkov's stage plays Sumatoha (Turmoil) and Lazaritsa. Director Metodiy Andonov introduced Vachkov to renowned Bulgarian writer Radichkov and gave the start of their close friendship. I do not know why they got so close: was it due to their rural background, their clear souls, or their exceptional modesty, but it was obvious that they were born to be friends, Grigor Vachkov's wife Silvia Vachkova recalls. The Golden Archives of the Bulgarian National Radio keep an interview with the celebrated Bulgarian actor, where he provides details about his relation with renowned Bulgarian writer and dramatist Yordan Radichkov.

 “My connection with the artistic works of one of the greatest modern Bulgarian writers Yordan Radichkov is strong and long-lasting. I was born with the courage, endurance and the subtlety typical of rural people. I have been trying throughout my whole life to stay closer to my roots. The truth in each art lies at the root of the comedy and dramaturgy. This is what makes me so close to Yordan Radichkov. You are asking me whether Radichkov's artistic behavior and the roles in his stage plays attract the Bulgarian actor. Well, I would never reach a full transformation on stage and deceive the audience that it is not me. However, I feel very comfortable being in the shoes of his characters and this is what links me with Yordan Radichkov's artistic works the most.”

Grigor Vachov's most emblematic role on the theatre stage is associated with Lazaritsa one man show which was written especially for Grigor Vachkov, who performed it over 50 times on stage.

Although Grigor Vachkov suffered a heart attack, he continued to play in Lazaritsa - a theatre performance that lasted for two hours and a half. Grigor Vachkov's multiple roles in Bulgaria's theatre and cinema, bright smile and unabated energy helped him remain in the hearts of the Bulgarian audience for good. Once, Bulgarian film critic Nikola Vandov wrote the following about Vachkov: “He was a man who encourages others to move forward and search for the manly times in their busy daily round, to find the meaning and the beauty in their lives.”

English version: Kostadin Atanasov