Ukrainian Comedians and Humorists: Famous and Modern Talents.

Humor has always been important for Ukraine. It is a field that has rapidly developed in Ukraine. Ukrainian humorists have always raised the bar: modern Ukrainian humorists also set trends. 

Additionally, each Ukrainian humorist cultivates a unique culture. Notably, famous Ukrainian humorists are also popular around the world, and one of them became the president of the country. Furthermore, Ukrainian male comedians actively support the nation during these challenging times. 

The Best Ukrainian Comedians

Ukrainian humor is not just a means of entertainment; it is part of our national identity. In the toughest times, laughter helped people stay afloat, endure hardships, and maintain humanity. Ukrainian humorists are not just artists who can make people laugh; they are true masters capable of sensitively feeling the mood of society, aptly noting the details of life, and transforming them into sketches, jokes, or parodies. Over Time, domestic humor has evolved from folk anecdotes to complex stand-ups and political satire. And now we have a whole array of famous comedians we can be proud of.

In Ukraine, a comedian is not just a profession but a social phenomenon. Sometimes they become thought leaders, sometimes politicians, but they always remain the voice of the people. Humorists work in various genres—from classical variety shows to modern stand-up, improvisational shows, online memes, and even dramatic roles with comedic undertones.

Overall, the Ukrainian humor scene is now multifaceted: some have gone to television, some to TikTok and YouTube, while others create new genres at the intersection of comedy and social activism. And although many young names have emerged among them, some classic figures continue to be authorities to this day. 

Volodymyr Zelensky 

When we talk about Ukrainian humor, it's hard not to mention Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelensky. His name has long been synonymous with Ukrainian comedy of the 2000s and 2010s. He began his star path as an actor and screenwriter of “Kvartal 95” – a comedy studio that provided Ukrainians with dozens of hours of laughter. The show “Evening Kvartal” became a platform for candid and often bold jokes about politics, everyday life, stars, and society at large.

Zelensky not only joked from the stage but also wrote scripts and starred in films, including titles like “8 First Dates” or “Servant of the People,” where he played the president—a role that later became a reality. His transition from comedian to president became a unique global case, showing the importance of trust, charisma, and the ability to feel the mood of the people.

Although Volodymyr Zelensky no longer performs on stage, his influence on Ukrainian humor is hard to overestimate. He changed the format of political satire in Ukraine, making it mainstream and accessible, and proved that humor can be a serious force.

Sergiy Prytula 

Sergiy Prytula is another bright example of how a comedian can grow into a national leader. He began his career as a host and actor of humorous shows, notably in the legendary project “Comedy Club Ukraine” and later in the show “Faina Ukrayina,” where, together with Volodymyr Zelensky and other colleagues, he created vibrant characters and sharp sketches.

Prytula has always stood out with his intelligent humor, subtle irony, and love for the Ukrainian language. He hosted morning shows, humorous programs, and was an MC at festivals and corporate events. However, over time, his activities transcended humor, especially after 2014 when he became actively involved in volunteer work, and since 2022, he has been one of the largest coordinators of aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Despite this, the humorous vein in Prytula has not disappeared. His performances, even in the format of appeals to benefactors, often contain irony, self-irony, and healthy laughter through tears. His image exemplifies that humor can be noble, intellectual, and not necessarily coarse.

Oleksandr Pedan 

Oleksandr Pedan is known and loved by audiences of different generations. His humor is light, youthful, and energetic. He began his star journey in the KVN team “Three Fat Men” from Khmelnytskyi, and later gained popularity as the host of iconic shows such as “Pidhyom,” “Make Me Laugh,” “ShowmaStgoon,” and many other projects on the Novyi Kanal.

Pedan has a unique style: he is always positive, with self-irony and without excess pomp. His humor inspires rather than offends. He knows how to work with youth, actively supports educational initiatives, and participates in patriotic actions.

Interestingly, despite his long career, he does not stop: he participates in travel shows, YouTube projects, and hosts podcasts. He has an impeccable sense of rhythm and pace, which makes his jokes always “on time.” This is humor without malice but with a precise hit to the core.

Yuriy Koryavchenkov (Yuzik)

Yuriy Koryavchenkov, known to most as Yuzik, is one of the most charismatic participants of the “Kvartal 95” studio. His persona—a giant with childlike innocence—has long been a favorite among viewers. His distinctive voice, facial expressions, and awkward yet sincere movements are part of the comedic DNA of modern Ukrainians.

Yuzik skillfully combined folk humor with light grotesque. In his performance, even an ordinary everyday situation could become a joke. His jokes are simple yet very relatable. Such actors create comedies in which every viewer can recognize themselves.

In 2019, Yuriy decided to enter politics, becoming a people's deputy of Ukraine. Although his acting career has taken a backseat, Yuzik has left a noticeable mark in the world of Ukrainian humor. His characters are still remembered fondly and with a smile.

Volodymyr Komarov

Ukrainian comedians are not just funny people with a microphone. They are carriers of national spirit, our modern day jesters and sages at the same time. They can laugh in the darkest times, help others not break, and show society its strong and weak sides through the lens of irony. From Zelensky and Prytula to young stand-up comedians and online humorists, they all create a unique space where laughter is both medicine, weapon, and therapy. 

Volodymyr Komarov is a bright representative of the modern Ukrainian comedy scene, known for his participation in the “MaxiShow” project. His style combines intelligent humor, charisma, and sharp observations of the mundane. In his performances, he easily merges irony and self-irony, touching on topics relatable to everyone—from family life to everyday situations on the street. Komarov stands out for his ability to be sincere, lively, and natural, which wins over the audience. His image is always warm and witty humor without vulgarity, which is equally well received by both youth and older generations. As a resident of a popular show, he continues to create quality Ukrainian humorous content, adding unique color to the stage.

Yevhen Koshovyi

Yevhen Koshovyi is one of the brightest faces of the Ukrainian scene. He became famous as one of the main actors of “Kvartal 95” and won the hearts of viewers with his charismatic persona, flexible voice, expressive facial expressions, and ability to adapt to any stage situation instantly. Koshovyi is known for his self-irony; he is not afraid to laugh at himself, which only adds to his popularity. After Volodymyr Zelensky became President of Ukraine, Koshovyi partially assumed the role of public representative for the humorous brand “Kvartal 95,” maintaining a high level of jokes and constantly refining the format of the show. His comedic plasticity and improvisational abilities have made him indispensable in the world of Ukrainian humor.

Ihor Lastochkin

Ihor Lastochkin is one of the most talented representatives of modern Ukrainian humor. His career began in the KVN team, but he gained real recognition as a participant and coach in the television shows “League of Laughter” and “Improvisation.” Lastochkin has a unique performance style, combining intellectual humor with everyday observations. His jokes are often based on wordplay, unconventional thinking, and social satire. Additionally, he is a skilled impersonator, able to imitate dozens of voices and characters, which elicits sincere admiration from the audience. Ihor is also actively involved as an actor and screenwriter, bringing a new quality—depth and substance—to Ukrainian humor.

Marina Poplavska

Marina Poplavska is a name that has left a bright mark in the hearts of Ukrainians. She became a true legend due to her participation in the “Diesel Show” collective, where her acting talent and unique image of the “Ukrainian mom” evoked both laughter and tears. Poplavska is unique in that her humor was simple, folk, yet deeply human. She did not play roles; she was herself—sincere, straightforward, and kind. Her characters always conveyed a piece of real life in which the viewer recognized themselves or their loved ones. Her tragic death in 2018 was a great loss for the entire country, but the memory of her lives on in the hearts of fans and colleagues. Poplavska proved that humor can be not only funny but also healing.

Dmytro Tankovych

Dmytro Tankovych is Belarusian by origin but a true Ukrainian at heart. Known as a host of the shows “Taxi” and “Pidhyom,” as well as a regular participant in humorous shows. His style is intelligent, sarcastic, and sometimes philosophical. He combines the energy of a television host with acting mastery, making him interesting to a wide audience. Tankovych is not afraid to address complex topics, using humor as a tool for understanding and reconciliation. His participation in societal and volunteer initiatives further showcases his active life stance, which enhances the respect he garners from Ukrainians.

Volodymyr Shumko

Volodymyr Shumko is a relatively new but already well-known name in the Ukrainian humor space. He gained popularity through his work in the duo “Shumakher” and performances in the “League of Laughter.” His signature style is light, entertaining humor with vivid imagery and precise language. Shumko particularly excels in sketches about everyday life—viewers easily recognize their daily lives in his humorous situations, evoking genuine admiration. Offstage, Shumko is active on social media, where he demonstrates his comedic talent, appealing to a young audience. Volodymyr is an example of a new generation of comedians who blend classic comedy schools with contemporary themes.