Yakov Naumovich Pokhis, better known as Yakov Smirnoff, is an American comedian, actor and writer. He began his career as a stand-up comedian in the Soviet Union, then immigrated to the United States in 1977 in order to pursue an American show business career, not yet knowing any English.
Smirnoff in a promotional image
Smirnoff at a Hands Across America promotional event in 1986
2011 demonstration in Wisconsin, crediting Yakov (Smirnoff) with an example Russian reversal
The Money Pit is a 1986 American comedy film directed by Richard Benjamin and starring Tom Hanks and Shelley Long as a couple who attempt to renovate a recently purchased house. The film is a loose remake of the 1948 Cary Grant comedy film Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, and was filmed in New York City and Lattingtown, New York, and was co-executive produced by Steven Spielberg.
Theatrical release poster