Yakov Smirnoff

Date of Birth: January 24, 1951

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Biography

Yakov Naumovich Pokhis, known professionally as Yakov Smirnoff, is a Soviet-born American comedian, actor, and writer. Born on January 24, 1951, in Odessa, Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union), Smirnoff emigrated to the United States in 1977. He quickly became known for his comedic take on life in the Soviet Union and his observations on American culture, often using the catchphrase, “What a country!” His humor often highlights the contrasts between life in the U.S. and the USSR, endearing him to American audiences. Smirnoff gained prominence during the 1980s, performing on television shows, in films, and in stand-up comedy venues across the country. He appeared in movies like “Moscow on the Hudson” (1984), “Brewster’s Millions” (1985), and “The Money Pit” (1986). He also had a role on the television sitcom “Night Court.” In the late 1990s, Smirnoff shifted his focus to Branson, Missouri, where he opened his own theater, the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre, and has been performing regularly ever since. In addition to his comedy career, Smirnoff is a painter and holds a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. He has also taught a course on the psychology of happiness at Missouri State University and Drury University.

5 Interesting Facts about Yakov Smirnoff

1. Yakov Smirnoff served as an art teacher in Odessa before pursuing a career in comedy.

2. He performed at the White House at the personal request of President Ronald Reagan.

3. Smirnoff became a U.S. citizen on July 4, 1986, during a ceremony at the Statue of Liberty.

4. He holds a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.

5. Yakov opened his own theater in Branson, Missouri, where he performs regularly.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Yakov Smirnoff

1. “America: What a country!”

2. “In Russia, we have only two TV channels. Channel One is propaganda. Channel Two consists of a KGB officer telling you to turn back to Channel One.”

3. “We have a saying in Russia: If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem, but if you’re not part of the problem, you’re probably a newspaper editor.”

4. “In America, you can always find a party. In Soviet Russia, the Party always finds you!”

5. “Everybody laughs the same in every language because laughter is a universal connection.”