From Russia, With Taste

Shopping and joking at Nadia's European Market with Yakov Smirnoff. (Plus bonus photos.)
By Jeff Houghton
Photos by Kevin O'Riley


Yakov explains to Jeff the finer points of caviar.

I arrive at Nadia’s European Market and Yakov Smirnoff greets me with a hug-hello. He’s affectionate like that. It’s comforting because this was no regular trip to the grocery store. It is my first time going to a Russian grocery store and my first time going to any grocery store with the famous Russian comedian. Before we can make it inside, a woman with her children stops Yakov for a picture, and he gladly obliges. This is not that out of the ordinary for Yakov. Click here to read the rest of the story.

Yakov’s Interview with Andy & Julie on KTTS about TV pilot

Yakov’s Interview with Andy & Julie on KTTS about the taping of his new TV pilot.

Yakov Smirnoff invites Springfield / Branson community to free premiere taping of New T.V. Show

Branson, MO (Thursday, July 17, 2008) - Yakov Smirnoff announced today that he is inviting the Springfield / Branson community to an exclusive premiere filming of the pilot for a new talk television talk show. KY3 will be filming the show at The Yakov Smirnoff Theatre on Saturday July 19th at 6:00 pm. Admission is free but seats must be reserved at the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre box office or by calling 33-yakov (417-336-3838). Audience members are asked to arrive at the theatre at least 15 minutes prior to taping.

The TV show is based on the important role that laughter plays in healthy relationships. The show will offer enlightenment gift-wrapped in laughter. Yakov calls it enlaughter-ment.
Yakov said, “I believe there is a direct correlation between love and laughter.” He addresses the subject of romance and relationships with his signature comedic style. Yakov envisioned the concept for the television show nearly ten years ago and has been developing the pilot for about two years. Yakov describes the TV show as “a cross between Ellen and Dr. Phil”.

Yakov earned his Master’s Degree in positive psychology at University of Pennsylvania which is an Ivy League School. He is an adjunct professor at Missouri State and Drury Universities. The television show has evolved from some of the concepts introduced to his students as well as seminars he has conducted around the world for the past five years.

Yakov arrived in the United States in 1977 with less than $100. In the years that followed he found success as a comedian and came to embrace his new country with contagious optimism. He moved to Branson in 1993 and has continued to amass accomplishments including books, CD’s, movies, T.V. appearances, a successful Broadway show, As Long As We Both Shall Laugh, and is currently working on a humorous self-help book. Yakov is a featured writer for AARP magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine with a distribution of 39 million. Yakov gives readers advice (and a few laughs) in his column entitled, “Happily Ever Laughter”.

Seats for the premiere taping of the Yakov Smirnoff Television Show must be reserved at The Yakov Smirnoff Theatre box office or by calling 33-yakov (417-336-3838).

Ziffs to entertain on Yakov Smirnoff show

By Nancy Needham - A popular Thousand Oaks couple who just celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary are now set to entertain in Branson, Mo., with comedian Yakov Smirnoff.

The Ziffs- Irma, 92, and Ray, 95- attained celebrity status with their May appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." The two are favorites at the retirement community where they live- University Village near California Lutheran University.

For 75 years they've held hands, walked arm in arm and enjoyed life together. Click here to read more about the Ziffs and Yakov