Yakov Smirnoff is a Soviet-born American comedian, actor, and writer. He tasted great success in the mid-to-late 1980s, participating in big blockbusters, including Buckaroo Banzai (1984), Brewster’s Millions (1985), and The Money Pit (1986).
Yakov Smirnoff is a Soviet-born American comedian, actor, and writer. He tasted great success in the mid-to-late 1980s, participating in big blockbusters, including Buckaroo Banzai (1984), Brewster’s Millions (1985), and The Money Pit (1986).
Early Days
Yakov Smirnoff was born on January 24, 1951, in Odesa, in the Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union (now known as Ukraine). His father is Naum Pokhis, and his mother is Clara Smirnoff. His Zodiac sign is Aquarius. He was an art teacher as well as a stand-up comedian.
Smirnoff moved to Los Angeles, US, in 1977 to pursue an American show business career. He didn’t know how to speak English when he went to the US. He finally became an American citizen on the 4th of July 1986. Before Yakov began working in the comedy circuit, he used to work as a bartender at Grossinger’s Hotel in New York.
Yakov also owns a 2,000-seat theater in Branson, Missouri, where he used to perform year-round, where, over the years, he has entertained more than 5 million people. Occasionally he still performs at his theater in Branson while touring worldwide.
He has two kids, Alexander Pokhis and Natasha Pokhis, from his marriage of 12 years with Linda Dreeszen. In 2019, Yakov married Olivia Kosarieva.
Quick Facts About Yakov Smirnoff
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches
- Date of Birth: 24 January 1951
- Marital Status: Married
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Profession: Actor, Comedian, Painter, Teacher, and Writer
Career as Comedian and Actor
Smirnoff Started Performing as a comedian in 1984 when he got his first break with a small role on “ Moscow on the Hudson.” It is said that on the set, he even helped Robin Williams with his Russian dialogue.
He subsequently appeared in several other motion pictures and slowly became widely recognized in the States after appearing in several films.
During the 1980s, he participated in big blockbusters, like “Buckaroo Banzai,” Brewster’s Millions, with Richard Pryor, “The Money Pit,” with Tom Hanks, and Heartburn with Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep. Yakov has also appeared in several TV shows. In 1986-1987, he finally got his lead role in the sitcom ‘What a Country!’.
What A Country!
Smirnoff played a naïve Soviet immigrant, constantly perplexed and thrilled by life in the United States. The TV sitcom shows immigrants to the United States who are trying to pass the citizenship test with the help of their American teachers. The comedy makes fun of Communism and Consumerism in the United States.
Research Professor
Besides his work as an actor and comedian, Yakov also turned his mind to understanding the mysteries of happiness through academic studies.
In 2006, he earned a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate in psychology and global leadership from Pepperdine University in 2019. He has also taught a course titled “The Business of Laughter” at Missouri State University and Drury University.
Yakov Smirnoff Earning and Net Worth
Yakov Smirnoff’s net worth is around $20 million. A major part of Yakov Smirnoff’s income is influenced by his blockbuster movies and comedy career. His net worth also comes from his earnings as a college professor and his theater.
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