“I wanted a challenge”: Iryna Soponaru explains why she left Kvartal-95 after nearly ten years

Ukrainian actress and comedian Iryna Soponaru has spoken candidly about her decision to leave Kvartal-95, a project where she worked for nearly ten years. In an interview with the entertainment show “Ozhyne Morozhyvo” (a Styler project by RBC-Ukraine), the artist explained that the departure was not impulsive but the result of long inner reflection. According to her, at some point, she wanted to try something new, and she understood that while she remained in her familiar “comfort zone,” she was unlikely to start her own business.

A year of contemplation and support from loved ones

Soponaru emphasized that the decision had been forming for about a year, perhaps even longer. Before making her final exit, she consulted with her husband and mother. Both, she says, supported her choice but did not try to hold her back: “I don’t remember anyone saying no directly. Everyone told me: ‘Decide for yourself. It’s your decision. We will support you in any case.’” She first shared her intention to leave the show with the women in the group, though she admits it took her a long time to commit to the final step because working at Kvartal had become a habitual part of her life.

“A desire to reset”: leaving more than just the show

Importantly, Soponaru decided not just to leave Kvartal-95, but to completely change her usual work rhythm. “I left everything. I left not only Kvartal. I left all the plays. It was a desire to reset. I wasn't getting pleasure anymore. I wanted new material, some kind of changes,” she explained. According to her, the familiarity and predictability of the previous format stopped providing a sense of growth, and she wanted “something new, some kind of challenge.”

A peaceful parting and no regrets

In another interview — for the program “Naodintsi z hlamurom” (published by my.ua) — Soponaru confirmed that the parting with the team went peacefully and without scandal. “I don’t regret my decisions at all. You can’t step into the same river twice... Nothing bad happened, no one offended anyone, I hope. The moment came, that’s all. I made this decision, and I wasn't the only one, so I think it’s normal,” she stated. The artist recalls her years with the team warmly, calling them “excellent,” but she does not plan to return to the former format of work. She officially announced the decision at the end of the year, after the final concert; according to my.ua, this occurred in December 2025.

From KVN to cinema: career context

Leaving Kvartal-95 is not the first pivot in Soponaru’s career. She started in humor projects and KVN, specifically as part of the team “Vinnytski Pertsi.” She gained wide popularity for her roles as Yaryna in the comedy series “Kraina U” and “Odnoho razu pid Poltavoyu.” The actress worked at the “Chornyi Kvadrat” theater, participated in the shows “Liha Smikhu” and “Ihry Prykoliv,” and later became a member of “Zhinochyi Kvartal,” where she performed for nearly eight years. Among her film credits are the comedies “Korporat” and “Pesyky.” Thus, over her career, she has gone from television humor and theater productions to feature films, and she views leaving Kvartal as a logical next step rather than a break from the profession.