Hollywood stars who speak Ukrainian: 5 celebrities with special connection to Ukraine
Milla Jovovich and Katheryn Winnick (RBC-Ukraine collage)
Ukrainian isn't heard only in domestic films. Some famous Hollywood actors grew up in Ukrainian-speaking families and speak the language fluently, while others have learned a few phrases, recited Ukrainian poetry, or recorded messages in support of Ukraine.
RBC-Ukraine takes a look at five celebrities who have maintained a connection to Ukraine and have publicly spoken Ukrainian on multiple occasions.
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Milla Jovovich
Milla Jovovich was born in Kyiv, but her family soon moved to Moscow. When she was five years old, they emigrated first to the United Kingdom and later to the United States.
The actress has performed Ukrainian folk songs on several occasions and has spoken a number of phrases in Ukrainian.
However, it would be inaccurate to describe her as a fluent Ukrainian speaker. In public interviews, she speaks English and Russian far more often.
After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Jovovich said she was devastated by the attack on the country where she was born and shared information about organizations helping Ukrainians.
Milla Jovovich (Photo: instagram.com/millajovovich)
Vera Farmiga
Vera Farmiga was born in New Jersey to a family of Ukrainian immigrants. The future Hollywood actress grew up in a Ukrainian community and, until the age of six, spoke almost exclusively Ukrainian rather than English.
She also studied Ukrainian folk dance from an early age and was immersed in Ukrainian traditions and folklore.
Farmiga has retained her Ukrainian language skills into adulthood. She has spoken Ukrainian on camera, appeared at events celebrating Ukrainian culture, and taken part in initiatives supporting Ukraine.
Among other things, she co-hosted the concert marking the 100th anniversary of the premiere of "Shchedryk" at Carnegie Hall.
Vera Farmiga (Photo: instagram.com/verafarmiga)
Katheryn Winnick
Katheryn Winnick was born in Canada to a Ukrainian family. Until the age of eight, Ukrainian was the only language she spoke. The future Vikings star attended a Ukrainian Saturday school and was a member of Plast, the Ukrainian scouting organization.
The actress continues to embrace her Ukrainian heritage, supports Ukrainian cultural traditions, and actively helps Ukraine.
Winnick became an ambassador for UNITED24 and has taken part in projects aimed at rebuilding homes damaged by the war.
She has also publicly recited excerpts from the poetry of Volodymyr Sosyura in Ukrainian.
Katheryn Winnick (Photo: Getty Images)
Misha Collins
American actor Misha Collins also has Ukrainian roots. His ancestors lived in the Kyiv region before emigrating to Canada.
Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, the Supernatural star has been an outspoken supporter of Ukraine and has visited Kyiv several times.
Although he does not speak Ukrainian fluently, Collins has learned Ukrainian texts specifically for public messages.
In 2023, he recorded a video in Ukrainian for UNITED24, praising the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
Collins has also taken part in a public reading of Volodymyr Sosyura's famous poem "Love Ukraine."
Ivanna Sakhno
Ivanna Sakhno was born in Kyiv and spent most of her childhood in Ukraine.
She moved to the United States as a teenager, so Ukrainian is her native language, which she speaks fluently.
Even after achieving success in Hollywood, Sakhno has continued to speak publicly about Ukraine.
Following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, she returned to her homeland, supported Ukrainians, and said that coming back to Ukraine made her feel an especially deep connection to home.
The actress also took part in a UNITED24 video in which well-known ambassadors recited Volodymyr Sosyura's poem "Love Ukraine" in Ukrainian.
Ivanna Sakhno (Photo: instagram.com/ivannasakhno)
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