Yashar Kafi

Yashar has been making people laugh since he was a little kid in Tehran, where a cast of tough characters and government repression of criticism sharpened his special brand of searing, indirect sarcasm. In high school, Yashar’s playfulness made him both the class clown and an avid student of karate. Like all Iranian men, Yashar did a stint in the Revolutionary Guard. But his sense of humor and independent spirit made him an enemy of the religious state. So Yashar left Iran for college in England before coming to the United States. It was not an easy time.
Then, while earning a master's degree in political science at the University of Oregon, Yashar discovered his ability to entertain large audiences of students even with supposedly dry topics. At a fork in the road, Yashar chose Los Angeles over law school. He drove his old Volvo down the west coast and never looked back.
In southern California, Yashar has performed at the Ice house in Pasadena, the Comedy Store in Hollywood, Hollywood Improv, and numerous smaller venues. In addition, Yashar has done television commercials for the National Football League, the Uniball pen company, and government anti-terrorism efforts. Yashar also has parts in three independent films including Time Machine, The Hook Up, The Casualties, and an internet comedy pilot titled The Loneliest Ultra Conservative Corn Muffin in the World.
Yashar’s real world experiences, cross-cultural journey, academic training, and natural charisma offer comedy lovers a kick in the pants they will not soon forget.