Smirnoff plans to take stand-up comedy on the road

Yakov Smirnoff announced Monday that he will go back on the road in 2013, ending a 20-year run in Branson.

The comedian said he plans to keep his home in Branson and to be actively involved with the community and the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre, but that he wants to begin a new chapter in his career.

"I've been developing something here," he said in a phone interview. "Branson has been a workshop, a laboratory of laughter."

Smirnoff, 60, said he's been developing a way to help people, not just to laugh, but...

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Yakov Smirnoff, master of comedy, comes to Mabee Center

Saturday's Yakov Smirnoff comedy show at the Mabee Center is one of a handful of live tour dates this year. Back in 2003, the famous Russian comedian experimented with his soon-to-be hit Broadway show in Tulsa.Might he be taking us on another test drive?

"People in Tulsa are totally friendly; the crowds are very nice," he said during a recent telephone interview. So, yes. "You'll laugh your Yak-Off," he said.

Read more from this Tulsa World article.

Comedian Yakov Smirnoff To Stage Benefit Performance in Joplin, Missouri

Brings Comedians Together For STAND UP FOR JOPLIN
Benefiting The Rebuild Joplin Schools Fund
Bill Chott, David Koechner and Michael Jr. Join Lineup

Branson, MO ~ Yakov Smirnoff, America's favorite Russian comedian, has announced he and other nationally well-known stand up comedians will do a show called STAND UP FOR JOPLIN to raise funds for the people impacted by the EF5 tornado that ripped through the small city on May 22. STAND UP FOR JOPLIN will take place on Tuesday July 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the Taylor Performing Arts Center. There will also be special messages from concerned celebrities across entertainment genres. Telethon viewers can call designated toll-free phone numbers to make financial pledges to the Rebuild Joplin Schools Fund and RebuildJoplin.org throughout the telecast. The show is free to the residents of Joplin. No reserved tickets.

Six days after the tornado destroyed 30% of Joplin, Yakov spent time there in make shift shelters, visiting command posts talking to firemen, policemen and volunteers, feeling helpless. His statement to these people was, "I wish I was stronger so that I could lift that car, that house, that tree!" The reply, "But you have lifted our Spirits!" At that moment he knew he had a role. He wanted to bring laughter to Joplin.

The first comedians to jump on board are Missouri natives, Bill Chott (The Ringer, Wizards of Waverly Place) and David Koechner (Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, The Office) and Michael Jr. (Comedy Central, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, BET's Comic View, Jimmy Kimmel). There are many comedians coming forth in hopes that their schedule permits them to participate in the telethon. Additions to the lineup will be announced over the next two weeks.

Please visit www.RebuildJoplin.org. and help us support this important cause.

Network and simulcast information TBA.

To interview Yakov, Bill Chott, David Koechner and Michael Jr. please contact:

Rhonda Boudreaux
913-780-4035
RDBoudreaux1@aol.com

Yakov helps couple celebrate 78 years of marriage

It has become an annual pilgrimage for comedian Yakov Smirnoff to travel to Thousand Oaks to help his dear friends Raymond Ziff, 98, and Irma Ziff, 95, celebrate their wedding anniversary — this year marks 78 years — and it is a tradition he hopes he can continue for years to come. Read more...