From stage to presidency: Zelensky's transformative journey
Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine and a key figure in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, initially stayed away from politics. He rose to fame as a comedian and entertainer before leading the nation as president nearly 25 years later. He celebrates his 47th birthday on January 25.
Volodymyr Zelensky's television career began in 1996. At the age of 18, the young actor and entertainer appeared with his team from Kryvyi Rih on the post-Soviet program "Club of the Funny and Inventive," known in Ukraine as "KVN". The show featured competitions in pre-prepared humorous contests.
This experience brought him significant popularity in certain Ukrainian circles, leading to his participation in Russian cinema several years later. There, he demonstrated leadership skills that enabled him to establish the entertainment empire "Kvartal 95." He later ventured into directing romantic comedies such as "8 New Dates" and "Love in the Big City".
Nonetheless, his greatest fame came from his role in the popular Ukrainian television series "In-Laws", which was also well-received in Russia. According to Mediascope, this series remained one of the most-watched Russian-language series in 2021.
Political pressure on Zelensky
Volodymyr Zelensky gained significant favour with viewers owing to his relatable approach to the post-Soviet audience. However, he was less popular in Western Ukraine, where some of his jokes were seen as offensive.
Moreover, it was highlighted that Zelensky, as a Russian-speaking actor, achieved success in the Russian entertainment scene. Concurrently, he earned support in circles where he managed to showcase his leadership qualities. He built a lucrative media business, which politicians eventually began to influence.
His content was subjected to censorship demands. Authorities wanted his programs to present part of the political scene as competent, while portraying others as deceitful. This changed in 2010 when Viktor Yanukovych rose to power. Reportedly, he was not fond of the political satire offered by "Kvartal 95."
Zelensky turns 47. His stage career is not widely known
Volodymyr Zelensky's show was broadcast by the television channel 1+1, owned by oligarch Ihor Kolomoyskyi. His first satirical political project debuted there, specifically, the adult animated series, which humorously targeted 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 production aired, which was considered Zelensky's programmatic manifesto.
During the same period, he formed a team to participate in the presidential campaign. In 2019, he was elected as the President of Ukraine, a position he retains to this day. The 47-year-old Zelensky has become a symbol of resistance against Russia, with his work frequently discussed in the media.
