Yuriy Gorbunov Ukrainian TV presenter and actor. Date of Birth: 24.08.1970 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Education
2. Television Career
3. Notable Projects and Achievements
4. Personal Life and Interests

Early Life and Education

Yuriy Gorbunov, a renowned Ukrainian television host and actor, was born on August 24, 1970, in Novyi Rozdil, Ukraine. Raised in Ivano-Frankivsk by his mother, a kindergarten teacher and bandura player, and father, Nikolai Gorbunov, a construction worker, he completed his schooling at Ivano-Frankivsk School No. 17 in 1986.

Growing up, Gorbunov developed a passion for music and driving, learning to play the guitar and accordion, and mastering the art of driving his father's "Moskvich" car. In 1992, he graduated with honors from the Kyiv Theater Institute and worked for three years as an actor at the Ivan Franko Drama Theater, where he met his wife, Lyudmila.

Television Career

In 1997, Gorbunov began his television career, moving to Kyiv and working as a director at the "Hollywood" club. His breakout came in 1998 when he hosted "Tri Tochy" on UT-1. He continued to make his mark on Ukrainian television, hosting shows on Novyi Kanal, including "Pidyom," "Ulybnites, Vas Snimaut," and "Hotov na Vse."

In June 2006, Gorbunov joined the 1+1 channel, where he became a household name as the host of the morning show "Zavtrak s 1+1" alongside Marichka Padalko. He has since become synonymous with the channel, hosting countless popular shows, including "Tantsi z Zirkamy" (Dancing with the Stars), "Smakoyem," "Zvezda + Zvezda," and "Superzvezda."

Notable Projects and Achievements

Beyond his television hosting roles, Gorbunov has also anchored experimental comedy shows like "GPU" and led primetime shows such as "Krasotka po-Ukrainski," "Ya Lyublyu Ukrayinu," and "PROSTO Show." In 2012, he held the distinction of being among the eight Ukrainians entrusted with carrying the Olympic torch in London.

Gorbunov's accomplishments have been recognized with numerous awards, including two "TeleTriumph" awards for "Tantsi z Zirkamy" in 2007 and 2008. He is known for his versatility, seamlessly transitioning between hosting entertainment programs and engaging in political commentary.

Personal Life and Interests

Yuriy Gorbunov is married to Lyudmila, a dancer born in 1958, and together they have a daughter, Ksenia. They welcomed their granddaughter, Polina, in February 2011. Gorbunov is an avid hunter and enjoys spending time with his family.

He is a strong advocate for the promotion of Ukrainian language and culture on television, having voiced his support for Ukrainian-language broadcasting in 2011. Gorbunov holds the ambition of hosting a large-scale primetime show that combines entertainment and thoughtful political discourse with live music.