- Full name – Olesya Viktorivna Zhurakivska
- Date of birth – August 13, 1973
- City – Kyiv (Ukraine)
- Activity – theater and film actress
Becoming an artist
Olesya Zhurakivska is a Ukrainian theater and film actress, People's Artist of Ukraine. From childhood, Olesya showed interest in creativity. At the same time, she was actively engaged in gymnastics. So at home, she organized improvised concerts with circus acts. And the first fans of the future star of the stage were her parents. After graduating from school, Olesya Zhurakivska received an education in the field of clothing production technologies. This choice was prompted by the fact that her mother worked at a clothing factory. Even while studying at the technical school, Olesya took an active part in the artistic life of the institution. The talented girl was involved in all cultural events.
Olesya did not dare to immerse herself professionally in the art and culture industry for a long time. And a friend convinced her to enter a theater university. The choice fell on the University of Theater Arts in Moscow. During the entrance exams, the applicant performed a Ukrainian folk song and read an excerpt from Gogol's work. The applicant made a bright impression on the commission thanks to her sincerity and natural charisma. So she was immediately accepted into the first year. It was during her student years that her first stage debut took place. And after completing her studies, Zhurakivskaya worked for two years at the Moscow Drama Theater named after. Ermolova.
Creative path
Returning to Ukraine in 2002, Olesya Zhurakivska joined the creative team of the Kyiv Academic Drama and Comedy Theater on the Left Bank of the Dnieper. In 2023, the talented performer of bright roles headed the theater, becoming the director-artistic director of the team. During her career, the actress played dozens of roles in theater and cinema. Among her outstanding works is the film “Donbas”, which was included in the “long list of nominees for the 91st Oscar”. The film was included in the category “Best Foreign Language Film”.
In addition to working in the theater and filming in the cinema, Olesya Zhurakivska has experience working on television. In 2009, the star of the stage took part in the show “Dancing for You”. She also realized herself in the genre of reality shows, becoming the host of the famous project "Weighted and Happy". The actress spent 4 seasons of the show in collaboration with the producers of the program. Zhurakivska did not limit herself to the activities of the host. The actress became an excellent example for the participants of the program, having lost 30 kg.
Playing in theater performances and acting in films and TV series, Olesya Zhurakivska gained wide popularity among the audience. The bright characters, whose images the artist wonderfully embodies on stage and on the screen, brought the performer all-Ukrainian recognition.
Among the most famous film works of the actress are the following films:
- “After Two Hares”;
- “Thank You for Everything”;
- “Lesya + Roma”;
- “The Secret of the Maestro”;
- “The Professor in Law”;
- “Start Over. Martha”;
- “White Roses of Hope”;
- “Female Doctor-2”;
- “The First Swallows”;
- “The Strong” and others.
Theatrical roles:
- Josephine – “The Corsican”;
- Saleswoman – “Cops Against Snails”;
- Aunt Angelina – “The Savage”;
- Nurse – “Romeo and Juliet”;
- Rita – “The Sea… Night… Candles…”;
- Claudine – “Love in the Time of Louis”;
- Patient / Lawyer – “The Rope”;
- Aunt Magda Vrana – "Where the wind blows..." and others.
Social activity
Olesya Zhurakivska takes care of the House of Stage Veterans named after N. M. Uzhviy. This is the only inpatient institution in Ukraine that provides medical and social assistance to lonely stage veterans. First of all, to elderly theater figures who need constant care. In addition, the actress is actively involved in information activities, using social networks to cover events in Ukraine and draw attention to important social issues.
Olesya Zhurakivska spent a month and a half at the beginning of the full-scale invasion in the village of Makariv in the Kyiv region. Almost all this time, the actress was in the basement, where she tried to support and entertain children. The actress read fairy tales to the little ones and even provided the basics of first aid.
Awards and distinctions:
Among the awards and nominations that recognized Olesya Zhurakivska's work and the actress's contribution to the development of Ukrainian culture:
- National Film Award "Golden Spinning Top" (Best Supporting Actress);
- "Kyiv Pectoral" (Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actress, etc.);
- Teletriumph (Actress in a TV Movie/Series);
- National Taras Shevchenko Prize of Ukraine (Cinema);
- Personal Star on the "Square of Stars" (Outstanding Contribution to Ukrainian Theater and Cinema);
- Viva! The Most Beautiful (The Most Beautiful Woman of Ukraine) and others.
Interesting facts about the artist:
- her favorite hobby is traveling. Zhurakivska has visited many foreign countries. She calls Paris, Rome and Barcelona her favorite cities;
- the actress is also involved in equestrian sports and loves dancing;
- one of the brightest roles in the theater is Josephine in the play "The Corsican". Zhurakivska appeared on stage in this image more than 250 times;
- the favorite actress of the Ukrainian star is the Italian Anna Magnani.
