Maria Bakalova is a talented Bulgarian actress who has made a significant impact in both Bulgarian cinema and Hollywood. Born on June 4, 1996, in Burgas, Bulgaria, she is notably recognized for her role as Tutar Sagdiyev in the 2020 mockumentary “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”, a performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination. Her body of work spans diverse roles in dramas and comedies, and her advocacy for Bulgarian and Eastern European representation in Hollywood marks her as a dynamic force in the industry.
| Name | Maria Valchova Bakalova |
| Date of Birth | June 4, 1996 |
| Birthplace | Burgas, Bulgaria |
| Height | 1.65 m (5 feet 5 inches) |
| Education | National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts, Sofia |
| Parents | Not publicly available |
| Siblings | Not publicly available |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Net Worth | $1 Million |
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Burgas, Bulgaria, Maria Bakalova developed her passion for acting at a young age. She honed her craft at the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts in Sofia, where she laid the foundation for her future acting career.
Career
Bakalova’s career began in Bulgarian cinema, where she impressed with her dramatic performances in films such as “Transgression” (2017), “The Father” (2019), “Last Call” (2020), and “Women Do Cry” (2021). Her international breakthrough came with the role of Tutar Sagdiyev in “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” (2020), which earned her an Academy Award nomination – the first for a Bulgarian actress.
Subsequently, she starred in the comedy “The Bubble” (2022), the slasher film “Bodies Bodies Bodies” (2022), and the coming-of-age drama “Fairyland” (2023). Bakalova also lends her voice to Cosmo the Spacedog in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), voicing the character in “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” (2022) and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” (2023).
Bakalova is a co-founder of the production company Five Oceans, which aims to bring Bulgarian, Balkan, and Slavic stories to international audiences.
Personal Life
Bakalova is passionate about promoting Bulgarian and Eastern European representation in Hollywood. She voiced her support for Ukraine and called for increased cultural and artistic exchange between Eastern Europe and Hollywood at the 27th Critics’ Choice Awards.
Associations
Bakalova has worked with numerous acclaimed actors, including Sacha Baron Cohen in “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”. Her continued involvement in Hollywood productions promises future collaborations with more notable figures in the industry.
