Photo: Yakov Smirnoff / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Odesa to Branson, Missouri · “What a country!”
Yakov Smirnoff
Stand-up comedian · What a Country! · Night Court · Yakov Smirnoff Theatre, Branson
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure.
Who is Yakov Smirnoff?
Yakov Smirnoff (born Yakov Naumovich Pokhis, January 24, 1951) is a Ukrainian-born American stand-up comedian, actor and writer. Comedian Yakov Smirnoff started out as a stand-up in the Soviet Union, came to the United States in 1977 without knowing English, and became a 1980s star with his naive-immigrant persona and catchphrase “What a country!” He appeared in Moscow on the Hudson, Brewster’s Millions, The Money Pit and Heartburn, starred in the sitcom What a Country! and played Yakov Korolenko on Night Court. Since 1993 he has performed at his own theater in Branson, Missouri. He holds a master’s in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate from Pepperdine University.
Career timeline
- 1951Born January 24 in Odesa, Ukrainian SSR; later an art teacher and Black Sea cruise-ship comedian
- 1977Emigrates to New York City with his parents and $50
- 1984Moscow on the Hudson with Robin Williams
- 1985Brewster’s Millions with Richard Pryor
- 1986The Money Pit, Heartburn and the sitcom What a Country!
- 1993Opens his year-round theater in Branson, Missouri
- 2006Master’s in psychology, University of Pennsylvania
- 2019Doctorate in psychology and global leadership, Pepperdine
Podcast & show guest appearances
10 verified Yakov Smirnoff guest appearances on other shows, newest first, each with an official full-episode link: Joe Rogan, Kill Tony, Your Mom’s House, Nateland and more.
MyShowNotes ✓ full episode notes exist on MyShowNotes · Request show notes tap to ask us to write notes for that episode
Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast
Ep 634 – Department of Jokes (feat. Yakov Smirnoff)
Industry Standard w/ Barry Katz
Yakov Smirnoff: The Story Behind "What A Country!"
Howie Mandel Does Stuff
Russian Through A Great Episode with Yakov Smirnoff
Stand-Up On The Spot
SOTS: Yakov Smirnoff, Ian Fidance, Sklar Bros, Mike Feeney & Jeremiah Watkins | Ep 98
Nateland Entertainment
Ep #258 – From Russia with Love, Psychology & America ft. Yakov Smirnoff
Yakov Smirnoff live in Branson
Yakov Smirnoff Theatre
His own theater in Branson, Missouri, since 1993. yakov.com
Teaching
He has taught “The Business of Laughter” at Missouri State University and Drury University.
Yakov Smirnoff movies and TV shows
- Moscow on the Hudson (1984)
- Brewster’s Millions (1985)
- The Money Pit (1986)
- Heartburn (1986)
- What a Country! (1986–1987), TV series, star
- Night Court, NBC, recurring as Yakov Korolenko
Full credits on IMDb.
People
- Robin Williams, co-star in Moscow on the Hudson
- Richard Pryor, co-star in Brewster’s Millions
- Joe Rogan, who hosted him on JRE #2557
Places
- Odesa, Ukraine (born)
- New York City (arrived 1977)
- Branson, Missouri (his theater since 1993)
- University of Pennsylvania and Pepperdine University (degrees)
Products
- Live show tickets: yakov.com
Yakov Smirnoff FAQ
Who is Yakov Smirnoff?
A Ukrainian-born American stand-up comedian famous in the 1980s for “What a Country!” and his Soviet-immigrant act, who now performs at his own theater in Branson, Missouri.
How old is Yakov Smirnoff?
Yakov Smirnoff’s age is 75. Born January 24, 1951.
What is Yakov Smirnoff’s real name?
Yakov Naumovich Pokhis.
Where does Yakov Smirnoff perform?
Mostly at his own theater in Branson, Missouri, plus touring dates.
Does Yakov Smirnoff have a doctorate?
Yes, in psychology and global leadership from Pepperdine University (2019).
Find Yakov Smirnoff on
On My Show Notes
Episodes that mention Yakov Smirnoff:
Spot something missing?
Know a credit, guest spot, or tour date we missed? Tell us and we’ll check it.
Request show notes
Official links
Disclaimer: Editorial opinions and lists about comedians only. This is not an endorsement of illegal content. Spoilers for specials may appear where marked. We do not fabricate quotes. Support performers via official channels.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Profiles and lists are not paid placements. Read our full disclosure.