I was not only typecast as a Russian, but I was typecast as Yakov Smirnoff. This is understandable, and I was very happy to get the roles, but it would be nice to be in a movie where I could be someone else.

Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.

Homosexuality in Russia is a crime and the punishment is seven years in prison, locked up with the other men. There is a three year waiting list.

Americans think Soviets are so grim. I want them to see that they can smile.

The reason gas prices are so high is because the oil is in Texas and Oklahoma and all the dipsticks are in Washington.