The Comedian, Artist–and now Doctor–sat down for a revealing interview about his life’s amazing journey.
Yakov Smirnoff has been entertaining Americans for more than 5 decades on film, TV, and live on stage. From his breakthrough success on Night Court to performing for Presidents Reagan and Bush, Smirnoff has become synonymous with the Immigrant reaching the pinnacle of the American Dream.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Smirnoff at his theater in Branson, MO in November. We had a wide-ranging chat that discussed everything from his experiences fresh off the boat in the U.S. Smirnoff even spoke candidly about his career struggles after the cold war ended and Anti-Soviet humor fell out of fashion. We also discuss his passion for art and his paintings that adorn his theater lobby.
“I fought tooth and nail not to come here,” Smirnoff said of setting up shop in Branson, Missouri. But Smirnoff has maintained the most successful presence of any entertainer in town, continuing to own and perform at his own theater to rave reviews.
Dr. Smirnoff completed his doctorate in psychology and global leadership from Pepperdine University in 2019. Now, he focuses on sharing his story in the hopes of bringing Love and Laughter to couples and families everywhere.
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