Yakov Smirnoff Gets Penn Degree

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - April 27, 2006 -- Standup comedian Yakov Smirnoff is getting a graduate degree in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Smirnoff told The Philadelphia Inquirer he plans to use his newfound knowledge in his act and his books. He hopes to create what he calls the "Age of Enlaughterment" - a period when love and laughter heal psychic scars.

In his Cold War heyday, the Ukranian-born comedian costarred with Robin Williams in the movie "Moscow on the Hudson" and was invited to perform at the White House.

Smirnoff says he plays 230 shows for a quarter (m) million fans a year. Thirteen years ago, he built his own theater in Branson, Mo.

(Copyright 2006 by the Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.philly.com

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•