Main points
- Boris Barsky, a famous Ukrainian comedian and actor, remained in Odessa during the full-scale invasion, opening the “House of Clowns” for performances for civilians and military personnel.
- Barsky, who dreams of ending the war, was awarded the “Pride of the Nation” award for his contribution to the victory and assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Boris Barsky / Collage Show 24
Boris Barsky is a Ukrainian comedian, actor, and one of the most famous Odessans. Even the full-scale invasion did not force him to leave his hometown and country. However, the war changed him, as it did many Ukrainians.
- 1 Who is Boris Barsky?
- 2 Boris Barsky's personal life and the loss of his son
- 3 Where is Boris Barsky now?
Boris Barsky was born and studied in Odessa. He received his higher education at the Odessa Polytechnic Institute, majoring in nuclear physics. But at the same time, he attended a pantomime studio and realized that he felt more comfortable on stage. How Barsky's career developed and where he is now – read in the material of Channel 24 .
Who is Boris Barsky?
From physicist to lyricist – not far. I always had a lot of lyricism. I think it was some intelligence from above that redirected me. And in politics I was always kicked out. At every session they said: “You're not doing your job,”
– this is how the artist explained how he chose his profession.
For a while, Boris Barsky worked as an engineer, and later began touring with his colleague Vyacheslav Polunin.
Boris Barsky / Photo from Boris Barsky's Facebook
In 1984, he joined the comedy troupe “Masks Show”. After numerous performances throughout the Soviet Union, the group appeared on television in the program “Around Laughter”. Later, the idea of a humorous series in the style of silent films arose, the first episode of which was released in 1991.
The audience's reviews were mixed: some called the show amazing, while others criticized it. But the popularity of “Mask Show” was unstoppable.
“Masks” collective / Photo from Boris Barsky's Facebook
It should be noted that on March 29, Vladimir Komarov, one of the actors of “Masks Show”, passed away. His farewell took place on April 1. Boris Barsky was also at the ceremony.
“I was 16 or 17 years old when we first met. And for me, he is the closest person. I don't think we are saying goodbye to him. Everyone who comes feels that he is somewhere nearby, smiling somewhere,” the artist said.
In 2003, the group founded the theater “House of Clowns” in Odessa, they focused more on theatrical art. In 2009, Boris Barsky received the title of People's Artist of Ukraine. But he is not only a comedian, but also a writer, having published 7 books.
Boris Barsky's personal life and the loss of his son
Boris Barsky met his wife Natalia at a mime studio, where she worked as a costume designer. In 2025, the couple celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.
Boris Barsky with his wife / Photo from Boris Barsky's Facebook
However, the couple had both happy and tragic periods. In 2010, they lost their son: 25-year-old Konstantin died after an illness.
It is impossible to survive this simply. You live with it, and when they say that time heals, it doesn't heal anything. It always stays with you. You can't get rid of it. And I understand very well the mothers of those boys who defend Ukraine, who die, who return different. You can't survive this, you have to live with it,
– Barsky admitted.
In April 2022, Boris Barsky became a grandfather: his daughter Anastasia gave birth to a daughter.
Where is Boris Barsky now?
Boris Barsky faced a full-scale invasion in Odessa. And although the city often suffers from Russian shelling, the artist decided not to leave his native land.
After some time, Barsky decided to open the “House of Clowns” and return to work on stage. The actors perform not only for civilians, but also for the military and soldiers undergoing rehabilitation. Boris Barsky is convinced that his role during the war is to give a good mood even in difficult times.
Now I understand why I was born. Since 2014, the theater has opened its doors to soldiers, families, children. It was the greatest reward when people came up to us and said: “Thank you, today we smiled for the first time in many years,”
– the artist shared.
Boris Barsky / Photo from Boris Barsky's Facebook
The actor is sometimes criticized because he still communicates in Russian and does not translate the play into Ukrainian. Boris Barsky believes that the language should not be imposed.
“I have a Ukrainian family. And we spoke two languages all our lives and understood each other perfectly. This is not a problem. The problem is a little different. A person should be judged by their actions, not by the language they speak,” the man says.
However, Barsky dreams of ending the war. He would like to dance hopak throughout the theater and throughout Odessa.
I am sure that we will definitely win. That Russia will fall apart into pieces, and we will have incredible economic growth. Everyone will join us, because there will be no NATO, but Ukraine,
– the artist believes.
Now Borys Barsky continues to do what he does best. For his contribution to the victory and assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, he was awarded the “Pride of the Nation” award.