From Comedian to President: The Story of Volodymyr and Olena Zelenskyy
Volodymyr Zelenskyy began as a comedian, became president, and is now one of the world’s most recognized leaders following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Throughout the war, he has remained a symbol of resilience, supported closely by his wife, First Lady Olena Zelenska.
Olena, though less visible than her husband, has been a steady force. She’s worked to bring normalcy to Ukrainian life, recently speaking out about the abduction of over 19,000 Ukrainian children to Russia—only 1,227 have been returned.
Born a week apart in Kryvyi Rih, the couple met in university. Olena, a writer, helped Volodymyr with his comedy career, including the hit show Servant of the People, where he ironically played a teacher-turned-president. The show ended in 2019 when Zelenskyy became Ukraine’s actual president.
As First Lady, Olena has focused on children’s health and school nutrition reforms. Inspired by countries like Japan, she has worked with the Ukrainian Ministry of Health to improve school meals.
When war broke out in 2022, Olena and their two children went into hiding. Though physically apart due to security, the couple remained emotionally close. Olena revealed their relationship was “on pause,” like many Ukrainian families, but their bond has only deepened.
She’s also advocated for women in business and raised international awareness about the war’s human toll. Appearing on Italy’s Quarta Repubblica, she stressed the importance of global support, condemning attempts to legitimize the aggressor.
Olena continues to fight for the return of abducted children through the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, now supported by 41 countries.