Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, Film and TV, Entertainment, Politics
Emily Brown
Topics: Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, Film and TV, Entertainment, Politics
Fans of Paddington Bear have been delighted and surprised to learn the beloved character was brought to life in Ukraine by president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy is currently making headlines for his determined response to Russia's invasion of his country, but before moving into politics the 44-year-old was known for being an actor and comedian.
He is perhaps most recognised for playing the role of a president in the television show Servant Of The People, but Paddington actor Hugh Bonneville pointed out he is also responsible for another familiar face.
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While Paddington Bear is voiced by Ben Whishaw in the British version of the film, Bonneville revealed this weekend that Zelenskyy voices the character for the Ukrainian version of the marmalade sandwich-loving bear.
In a post on Twitter, he shared a video of the president giving an interview about his role and wrote: 'Until today I had no idea who provided the voice of @paddingtonbear in Ukraine. Speaking for myself, thank you, President Zelenskiy. #PaddingtonBear.'
The actor also added a link to a UNICEF appeal for donations, 'for those across the world who cherish the values of Paddington'.
Zelenskyy made the switch from acting to politics on New Year's Eve 2018, when he revealed he wanted to bring his on-screen job into real life by announcing plans to run for president. He won the election the following year with a landslide 73% of the vote, Sky News reports, ousting then-leader Petro Poroshenko.
Upon learning the president is the voice of Ukrainian Paddington, social media users praised Zelenskyy's varied and multiple traits.
One person wrote: 'There is no end to this guy's talents, is there?'
Another commented: 'Who knew that #Zelensky gave his voice to #PaddingtonBear? The man gets more amazing with every bit of info surfacing.'
The president has received praise in recent days for rejecting an offer for evacuation from the United States, reportedly responding to say, 'The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride.'
He further assured he was staying in Ukraine in a video posted on Saturday, February 26, when he confirmed he was still in the capital of Kyiv and said: 'I am here. We are not putting down arms. We will be defending our country, because our weapon is truth, and our truth is that this is our land, our country, our children, and we will defend all of this.'
Zelenskyy has also claimed he is the 'number one' target of Russia as it continues its advances into Ukraine.
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information