Biography

Renowned film critic Roger Ebert proclaimed: “on the basis of his work as the brother, Nickolai Stoilov has a future as a Bond villain. He is never less than convincing” and the Chicago Sun Times states: “gifted Stoilov has a searing screen presence.” The handsome actor won the 2005 ‘Best Actor’ TIMMY Award (Best Outstanding Talent of the Year) in New York.

Possessing an innate sense for his craft, classically trained European actor Nickolai Stoilov has successfully used his remarkable talent, irresistible charm and passion for his roles, to create a commanding screen presence. He has the smoldering good looks of Antonio Banderas and effortlessly speaks five languages: English, Russian, French, Bulgarian and Croatian. He became an American citizen in May 2007.

Stoilov, a native Bulgarian who has lived in Los Angeles for years, learned Croatian for his starring role in the acclaimed motion picture LANA’S RAIN. The film premiered at the Chicago Film Festival and received wonderful reviews at the Milan International Film Festival in November 2003.

Nickolai describes his character Darko as “a rich and infamous criminal mobster from the war torn Balkans, who is a street-smart gangster with enemies’ intent on revenge. He and his sister Lana escape to Chicago, and Darko forces her into prostitution to survive.” This powerful, hard-edged crime drama explores the dark side of the American immigrant experience and shattered illusions.

Stoilov also enjoyed playing the role of Lucius Aquarius, the main engineer of Pompeii in the upcoming motion picture, POMPEII, YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW. “My character predicted the famous eruption of the Vesuvius volcano, and desperately tries to save the residents before it is too late,” states the multi-faceted actor.

Nickolai recently completed filming EL PADRINO 2. He stars as “Moustache” a charming, hot-blooded gangster who flees Argentina and gets involved with the Mexican Mafia. Stoilov’s character rescues his severely wounded mob Godfather, transports him to Mexico and they and partner “Tattoo” get involved in the world of drugs and human trafficking. They are wanted dead or alive, by a rival Mexican gang and the U.S. Government.

His other film credits include: THE ASSASSINATION GAME (USA), DAN KOLOFF, VAMPIRES AND GOBLINS, THE BOYS FROM THE SCHOOL FENCE (Italy) and THE OCTUPUS (Italy). LANA’S RAIN marks Nickolai’s debut in the starring role in an American film.

Stoilov has also played an array of roles in Theater and Television. He co-starred in such celebrated plays as: THE RESURRECTION; THE BLOOD KNOT; HAMLET; OTHELLO; A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM; THE COLLECTION; CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF and Dostoyevsky’s IDIOT. His television credits include NCIS: LOS ANGELES, the TV drama series rated number one three years in a row; ALIAS; VIP; SABRINA, THE TEENAGE WITCH; GENERAL HOSPITAL; HELMET HEADS and BRIMSTONE.

Nickolai has also been in several of the top world best seller video games such as CALL OF DUTY 6, 7, and 8; LAFAYETTE; MAG; SOCOM; MEDAL OF HONOR; FIFTY CENT 2.

His eclectic list of role models includes: Charlie Chaplin, Laurence Olivier, Anthony Hopkins, Clint Eastwood, Shakespeare and Beethoven.

His artistic passion includes screenwriting and his first original screenplay, BOMBS, LINGERIE and OMEGA WATCHES is a personal drama set during the Spanish Civil War (1936-37). He describes his work as “a smoldering love triangle that questions traditional views of heroism and the place of the individual in political history. I believe that this topic is as relevant in today’s world as it was 70 years ago.” Nickolai recently finished his second screenplay, A PhD HORROR STORY telling about the hardships of finding realization among the intellectual circles, a drama so real, that calls out for parody.

Nickolai Stoilov grew up in Bulgaria, when cultural exchanges between the East and West were very difficult. The latest Hollywood films and TV programs were not easily accessible. As a young boy, Stoilov saw the BBC TV production of OTHELLO starring Anthony Hopkins and Bob Hoskins, and his life was changed forever. He wanted to pursue his dream of acting.

At the age of 10, he was selected among several thousand boys nationwide, to star in a Bulgarian film highlighting the work of the creators of the Cyrillic and Bulgarian alphabet. He played “Naum” one of the prominent philosophers who created the Bulgarian alphabet as a young boy genius.