Verka Serduchka

Andriy Mykhailovych Danylko was born on October 2, 1973, in Poltava, Ukraine, which was then part of the Soviet Union. He grew up in a working-class family. His father passed away from lung cancer when Andriy was seven years old, leaving his mother, Svitlana Volkova, to raise him. From a young age, Andriy showed a strong interest in the arts, particularly drawing and music. He attended art school in 1984 and later became involved in theater during his school years. He participated in local theater groups such as “Grotesque” and “Compote,” where he honed his performance skills. In 1991, he graduated from Poltava Secondary School No. 27 and subsequently enrolled in the Kyiv State College of Circus and Variety Arts. ​

In 1990, Andriy created the character Verka Serduchka, a flamboyant, middle-aged woman from a rural background working as a railroad car stewardess. The name “Verka” was randomly chosen, and “Serduchka” was derived from a former classmate’s surname, Serduk. He first introduced this character to the public on January 4, 1991, during a comedy competition in Poltava. The character quickly gained popularity for her humorous and satirical performances. ​

Throughout the 1990s, Verka Serduchka became a household name in Ukraine and other post-Soviet countries. Danylko expanded his repertoire by creating additional characters, including a police officer, a soldier, and a ballet dancer. He established the “Danylko Theater,” which toured extensively across Ukraine and Russia, showcasing a variety of comedic performances. In 2002, the troupe toured the CIS and Baltic countries with the program “I Am a Revolution.” The following year, after the “I Was Born for Love” concert tour, Danylko was honored with the title of Honored Artist of Ukraine.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Danylko hosted a talk show called “SV-show” (“SV” stands for “sleeping car”) on various Ukrainian television channels. This show featured Verka Serduchka engaging with celebrities and the public, further cementing her status as a beloved comedic figure. Danylko also ventured into music, releasing several albums under the Verka Serduchka persona, blending comedy with pop and dance music. Notable albums include “Kha-ra-sho!” (2003), “Tralli-Valli” (2006), and “Doremi Doredo” (2008). ​

A significant milestone in Danylko’s career was representing Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest 2007 as Verka Serduchka. Performing the song “Dancing Lasha Tumbai,” characterized by its catchy tune and energetic performance, Verka secured second place with 235 points. The performance was memorable for its flamboyant costumes and infectious energy, making Verka an international sensation. The phrase “Lasha Tumbai” sparked controversy due to its phonetic similarity to “Russia Goodbye,” though Danylko clarified that it was a coined term without political intent. ​After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Danylko decided to sing “Russia Goodbye” from that moment on.

Following Eurovision, Verka Serduchka’s popularity soared. Danylko continued to release music and perform across Europe. In 2015, he made a cameo appearance as Verka in the American comedy film “Spy,” introducing the character to a broader international audience.

Beyond his performances, Danylko has been involved in various charitable activities. Notably, in 2013, he purchased a 1974 Rolls-Royce that once belonged to Freddie Mercury. In November 2022, he auctioned the car, with proceeds going toward building a modern rehabilitation center in Ukraine for those affected by the ongoing conflict. ​