Iossif Surchadzhiev

Yosif Stefanov Surchadzhiev (; 2 May 1945 – 1 July 2026) was a Bulgarian stage and film actor. He appeared in more than fifty films since making his screen debut in 1952.

Life and career Surchadzhiev was born in Sofia on 2 May 1945, to director Stefan Sarchadzhiev, founder of the Satirical Theatre, and Anna Fadenhecht, daughter of lawyer and politician Yosif Fadenhecht. His mother was of Jewish descent. In 1970, he graduated from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts. After graduating, he performed in various stage productions around Bulgaria. His wife Raina Tomova, with whom he had a daughter, is a screenwriter. He had an estranged daughter, Aleksandra Sarchadjieva, from his relationship with actress Pepa Nikolova.

In 2013, he appeared in the TV7 period drama series The Tree of Life.

Surchadzhiev died on 1 July 2026, at the age of 81.

Selected filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes 1971 Wrathful Journey Chavdar 1981 Khan Asparuh Constantine IV 1986 Where Are You Going? Strezov 1988 Time of Violence Kara Ibrahim 2001 Druids Guistus the Roman 2011 Avé Viktor's father 2021 Women Do Cry The Father

Television

Year Title Role Notes 2013 The Tree of Life Asen Vulchev Main role