Yakov Smirnoff

Yakov Smirnoff is a Russian-born entertainer who has had an expansive career on television, the silver screen and on Broadway, most recently starring in the PBS special, “Happily Ever Laughter.” Yakov has also given command performances at the White House for several presidents and honored guests. Yakov’s quest to understand the science of happiness took him to the University of Pennsylvania where he earned a master’s degree in psychology in 2006. Today, in addition to being a comedian, Yakov is also an adjunct professor at Missouri State University where he teaches a course on happiness and laughter.