Ukraine’s Zelensky: From comedian to conflict leader at 47
Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine and a crucial figure in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, initially had no inclination towards politics. He first gained popularity as a comedian and showman, eventually leading the country as president almost a quarter of a century later. He celebrates his 47th birthday on January 25.
Zelensky's television career began in 1996. At the age of 18, he participated with his team from Kryvyi Rih in the post-Soviet program "Club of the Funny and Inventive," known in Ukraine as "KVN". This show centered around competition in pre-prepared humorous contests.
His participation in KVN gained him significant popularity in Ukrainian circles, and he subsequently became a notable figure in Russian cinema. There, he also showcased his leadership skills, establishing the entertainment empire "Kvartal 95." He later pursued a career as a director of romantic comedies such as "8 New Dates" and "Love in the Big City".
However, his greatest popularity came through his role in the popular Ukrainian television series "In-Laws", which was also highly popular in Russia. According to a study by Mediascope, this series was still among the most-watched Russian-language series in 2021.
Politicians exerted pressure on Zelensky
Zelensky earned viewers' sympathy with his appeal to the post-Soviet audience. He was less popular in Western Ukraine, where some of his jokes were deemed offensive.
It was also noted that Zelensky, a Russian-speaking actor, found success in the Russian entertainment market. Simultaneously, he garnered support in circles where he displayed strong leadership qualities. He established a profitable media business, which eventually came under political control.
His content faced censorship. Authorities wanted his shows to cast parts of the political scene positively, while portraying others negatively. Everything changed in 2010 when Viktor Yanukovych came to power. Reportedly, Yanukovych was not fond of the political satire featured in "Kvartal 95."
Volodymyr Zelensky celebrates his 47th birthday. His stage past is little known
Zelensky's program was aired by 1+1, a television channel owned by the oligarch Ihor Kolomoyskyi. His first satirical political project, namely, the adult animated series featured humorous critiques of both the ruling party and the opposition.
This success extended beyond Ukraine to Belarus and Russia. In 2015, he portrayed the role of teacher Vasyl Holoborodko, who becomes president in the series "Servant of the People". Until 2019, three seasons of this series were broadcast, viewed as Zelensky's programmatic manifesto.
During this period, he assembled his team and launched his presidential campaign. In 2019, he was elected as the president of Ukraine, a position he currently holds. The 47-year-old Zelensky has become a symbol of resistance against Russia, and his initiatives are frequently discussed in the media.
