Who Is Yakov Smirnoff? Age, Biography and Wiki
Yakov Smirnoff, born on January 24, 1951, is a Ukrainian-American comedian best known for his unique comedic style that combines cultural observations with his own experiences as an immigrant. Smirnoff immigrated to the United States in the 1970s and quickly gained fame for his stand-up routines that often incorporated his catchphrase, "What a country!" As of 2025, Yakov Smirnoff is 74 years old, with a career spanning over four decades in comedy and entertainment.
| Occupation | Stand-up Comedians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1951 |
| Age | 74 Years |
| Birth Place | Odesa, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Yakov Smirnoff's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Yakov stands at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs around 175 pounds (79 kg). Despite his age, he maintains a healthy lifestyle, evident in his physique. His body measurements include a muscular build, showcasing his dedication to fitness, particularly as he continues to perform and engage with audiences.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Yakov Smirnoff's personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. He was previously married to his first wife, who he kept out of the spotlight. In recent years, he has often been spotted with his girlfriend, whom he describes as a great source of inspiration and joy in his life. While specific details about his dating life remain under wraps, it’s clear that Yakov values meaningful relationships and companionship.
After two years of attempting to leave, he came to the United States with his parents in 1977, arriving in New York City. His family was allowed to come to America because of "an agreement between the USSR and America to exchange wheat for Soviet citizens who wished to defect". At the time, neither he nor his parents spoke any English.
On arrival to the United States, he was almost sent back to the USSR when his interpreter mistranslated his occupation, comedian, as "party organizer", which immigration authorities thought meant that he was an organizer for the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Yakov Smirnoff's estimated net worth is around $10 million. His wealth primarily comes from his successful career as a comedian, actor, and author, along with investments in various businesses, including theater productions in Branson, Missouri. His earnings continue to rise as he embraces new opportunities in entertainment and personal endeavors.
Career, Business and Investments
Smirnoff's career took off in the 1980s as he became a regular on television and in films, even appearing in the popular sitcom "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" in a guest role. In recent years, he has embraced social media to reach a wider audience and engaged in motivational speaking, sharing his story of resilience and the immigrant experience. In addition to his comedy career, Yakov has made investments in real estate and entertainment ventures, contributing to his financial success.
Yakov Naumovich Pokhis (born 24 January 1951), better known as Yakov Smirnoff, is a Jewish Soviet-American comedian, actor and writer. He began his career as a stand-up comedian in the Soviet Union, then immigrated to the United States in 1977 in order to pursue an American show business career, not yet knowing any English.
Social Network
Yakov is quite active on social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter, where he shares insights into his life, snippets of his performances, and motivational messages for his followers. With a growing fan base, his social network continues to foster connections with audiences around the world.
* "Like all foreigners, when you start to learn the language, you will begin by speaking pigeon English. You won't mind, because old ladies will feed you bread crumbs. (The really hard part is learning how to crap on windshields.)"
Education
Yakov Smirnoff pursued higher education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a master's degree in Soviet and Eastern European Studies. His education has been a significant factor in shaping his comedic perspective, enabling him to engage audiences with culturally relevant humor.
He was an art teacher in Odesa, as well as a comedian. As a comedian, he entertained occasionally on ships in the Black Sea, where he came into contact with Americans who described life in the United States to him. That was when he first considered leaving the country.
