Yakov Smirnoff Does Command
Performance Honoring Senator John Glenn
Branson, MO - Yakov Smirnoff, famous Russian Comedian, was in Washington, DC, to honor Senator John Glenn at the 42nd Annual Goddard Memorial Dinner. Over 2500 aerospace industry leaders and NASA officials gathered to pay homage to Senator John Glenn for his “courage, dedication, and commitment...to space exploration and scientific endeavors.” The Goddard Trophy, premier award of the National Space Club, was presented to Senator Glenn. Yakov, keynote speaker for the event, said, “I asked Senator Glenn what was the main reason he went up into space the second time. He said, ‘Frequent flyer miles.’”
Yakov said, “The reason I was so excited to honor a famous astronaut like John Glenn was that as a kid in Russia I wanted to be a cosmonaut. The list to get into orbit was a lot shorter than getting an apartment and the space capsule was a lot larger!” During dinner Yakov discussed some of his childhood memories about the Russian space program. “I remember when Russia sent Sputnik out in space. I was so proud that the Soviets were so advanced that eighteen hours of standing in line for bread just flew by.”
“Looking out at all those NASA people reminded me about the space race between the USA and the former USSR.” Yakov said, “Senator Glenn kept poppin’ off one-liners faster than the speed of light. I thought to myself it’s no longer a space race it’s a comedy race! I ended up inviting him to open up a theater in Branson.”
The award also praised Senator Glenn for “helping to refocus American attention on the vast potential of human space flight contributions to science and as a source of national pride.” Smirnoff noted that Russia should also receive an award. “If it hadn’t been for the Russian space program there might never have been a NASA or astronauts or celebrations for John Glenn. So as far as I’m concerned half of the ticker tape John Glenn got in his parades belonged to the Russians. And if your ever used their toilet paper you know they need it! Of course the Sputnik went up and sent back the signal beep, beep, beep. That signal meant the beginning of the space age. Now that same signal...beep, beep, beep...means that the Russian space station MIR’s batteries are low.”
Smirnoff became a United States citizen on July 4, 1986. Yakov reflected on his journey from an immigrant who landed in this country with his parents and less than $100 to a command performer at the White House and top American comedian. “Considering my childhood and the culture I grew up in, it’s always amazing to be a part of events like this. Here I am with a famous American astronaut and Senator sitting on one side of me and the head of the Satellite Spying Administration sitting on the other side. What A Country!”
Yakov Smirnoff performs regularly at his theatre in Branson, Missouri.
For further information on Yakov, call 800-33 NO KGB (800-336-6542) or check out his web site at www.yakov.com
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