[1] He started his studies in the mid-1950s at the Institute of Theatrical and Cinematographic Art, but he was arrested by the Securitate in 1958, allegedly for planning to flee the country, and was sentenced to 3 years of prison.

Upon release, Radu Beligan and Mircea Șeptilici [ro] helped him find a job at Teatrul de Comedie [ro], and in 1963 he resumed his acting studies.

[2] In 2002 he was awarded the National Order of Faithful Service, knight rank.

[3] In 1977, Popescu married the actress Leopoldina Bălănuță, who died in 1998.

[5] He was buried with military honors in the city's Bellu Cemetery, next to his wife.