Olesya Zhurakovskaya Movie actress Date of Birth: 13.08.1973 Country: Ukraine

Olesia Zhurakovska: A Biography

Olesia Zhurakovska was born on August 13, 1973, in Kyiv. Coming from a family with no artistic background, her father was a road builder and her mother worked as a seamstress. Growing up, Olesia was a lively and active child who enjoyed playing games and climbing trees. She also had a passion for dancing and reciting poetry and would often perform on stage with her older sister.

Despite her artistic inclinations, Olesia's family didn't place much importance on her talents. Her mother strongly encouraged her to pursue a more practical profession as a seamstress. Olesia followed her mother's advice and enrolled in a technical college specializing in garment production. Although she found her sewing skills useful later in life, she never had the opportunity to work as a technologist in the clothing industry.

During her time in college, Olesia actively participated in all the festive events and creative competitions. It was during this time that she discovered her true passion for performing. When one of her friends decided to try her luck and audition for the famous GITIS theater school in Moscow, she convinced Olesia to join her. Despite their late arrival to the audition and Olesia's disheveled appearance, her talent and charisma captivated the examiners, and she was accepted into the program.

After receiving her diploma in 1996, Olesia Zhurakovska began working at the Yermolova Theater. She got married to a successful businessman, but the marriage didn't work out. Additionally, the mid-1990s were not the most favorable time for theater actors. In 2001, after her divorce, Olesia returned to her hometown of Kyiv. She became an actress at the Drama and Comedy Theater on the left bank of the Dnipro River, a theater she often visited with her sister. Olesia was often cast in roles that required emotional depth and strength.

Olesia's expressive movements, voluptuous figure, and vibrant personality caught the attention of television directors. In 1998, she participated in the filming of the first suspenseful TV series "Den' Rozhdeniia Burzhuia," which gained huge popularity among viewers across the post-Soviet region. She then played one of the central roles in the film "Vse, Chto Ty Liubish" (2001) and showcased her comedic talent in the remake of the famous movie "Za Dvumia Zaitsami" (2003). To date, Olesia Zhurakovska has portrayed more than sixty characters on screen.

One of her most notable roles was Kseniia Pavlovna, an activist for the cosmetic brand "Mary Kay," in the fourth and fifth seasons of the series "Svaty" (2010-2011). She also delivered a captivating performance as Liubasha in the highly-rated series "Poka Stanitsa Spit" (2013). Her latest screen role is Lyuba in the crime mini-series "Horchakov" (2014). Two more series featuring the talented actress, "Dnevnik Mamy Pervoklassnika" and "Posledniaia Elektrichka," are expected to be released in 2014.

Olesia Zhurakovska has maintained her childhood love for sports and an active lifestyle. She enjoys diving, hand-to-hand combat, and equestrian sports. She is also skilled in various dance styles. In 2009, she participated in the show "Tantsuiu Dlia Tebia" (Dancing for You) on the Ukrainian channel 1+1, partnering with Roman Maibenko. However, her invitation to host the show "Zvazheni ta Schaslyvi" (The Biggest Loser) in 2012 created a sensation. Olesia lost 30 kilograms during the show, expanding her creative opportunities and receiving numerous compliments from her fans on social media.

While Olesia enjoys her active lifestyle and the demand for her talent on stage and screen, she dreams of starting a family and having a child with her beloved partner.