Smirnoff at Ohio Star Theater March 8
Ohio Star Theater will present comedian Yakov Smirnoff on Saturday, March 8.
Ohio Star Theater will present comedian Yakov Smirnoff on Saturday, March 8 at 7 p.m. The performance is part of Smirnoff’s 2025 Comedy Tour and will include new material.
After escaping the Communist Soviet Union in 1977, Smirnoff came to the United States with nothing but a dream. Before even learning the language, Smirnoff began working as a bartender at the famous Grossinger’s Catskill Resort in New York, where he started telling jokes to his customers each night. As his English improved, he quickly grew in popularity.
He moved to Hollywood, where the owner of The Comedy Store, Mitzi Shore, spotted him and advised him to stay. She told him, “There is always a place for good and different.” His lovable view of life through the eyes of a poor immigrant captured the hearts of America. He soared to the top of the comedy world, performing on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” and countless other television programs including as a regular character on “Night Court.” He became a star of his very own show, named after his famous catchphrase, “What a Country!”
Smirnoff branched out to the big screen, where he starred in movies with Tom Hanks, Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson, to name a few. In 2016 and 2017 his TV special “Happily Ever Laughter” was voted The Best Special on PBS, and he has given command performances for four U.S. presidents.
For tickets visit www.ohiostartheater.com or call the box office at 855-344-7547. The campus is located off state Route 39 west of Sugarcreek and also includes a bakery, market and gift shop. Visit www.dhgroup.com.