Boris Cherniak is a Comedy Hypnotist. He was born in Russia and moved to Canada with his family at the age of ten. He has been performing in Kuwait, Qatar and Afghanistan as part of Operation H.O.T. – Honoring Our Troops, bringing entertainment to the soldiers. He also took part as an elite member of inspiring speakers of TED talks.
We had the chance to catch up with him to find out more about his style, influences and projects.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I am a comedy hypnotist – my comedy performance is presented using the hypnosis medium. I am a director of events, creating and interacting with the participants who believe the situations I create in their minds are real.
Who are some of your influences?
I didn’t have many influences, having started performing at a young age and not aware that anyone else was presenting comedy using the hypnosis platform. This helped my presentation style. Instead of emulating someone else’s teachings, I created my stage character from scratch, even though it was always an extension of me. This helped me stand out with unique content and an undeniable persona. However, Johnny Carson, David Copperfield, and the cast of the Carol Burnett Show have influenced my career.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
There were many comedians I looked up to – From Yakov Smirnoff to Steve Martin and Tim Conway. But the one that made the biggest impression was Johnny Carson. I studied everything from his mannerisms to his delivery style. When I was starting out, I spent some time in California, where I attended tapings of the Tonight Show, starring Johnny Carson. This is also where I fell in love with show business.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Having been around comedy for most of my life, I enjoy a comedian who can touch sensitive subjects with grace, a well-constructed one-liner, and delivery to match. The best comedian today is Jimmy Carr. I have also worked with, booked, or enjoyed watching Ralphie May, Wendy Liebman, Dennis Wolfberg, John Pinette, and Mitch Hedberg.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I put together my set list, which I jot down in point form on a piece of paper. Just writing it down helps me remember the bits during the show, rarely needing to glance at the setlist. I regularly write new bits and update my material. The show always has a skeleton of what I intend to do. The new routines are sandwiched between proven bits, giving them the ability to shine. This way, when people see the show again, it always has a mixture of signature bits along with new topical skits.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
My career took me around the world – Japan, Korea, Dubai, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and most of North America. Entertaining troops in Afghanistan and Kuwait was possibly one of the most exciting and terrifying at the same time. I was part of a celebrity team that travelled into the war zone. It was a very gratifying feeling to look into the eyes of soldiers and say thanks for their service and dedication. The soldiers were from the Joint Task Force and encompassed many nations.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
At the beginning of my show, a participant is given a new name – CHIP. Throughout the performance, I constantly get the name wrong, while my hypnotized subject corrects me every time. The interaction with the name Chip is a running gag throughout the whole show and has limitless variations being interwoven into other routines, which I bring back often, and funnier with every new skit. I have written this bit because I had trouble remembering everyone’s name that volunteered to be on my stage. The reason I am proud of that skit is that it is incredibly memorable, to the point that it became my signature bit.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
I find new comedians all over the internet. Specifically, podcasts and social media, which I browse during travel downtime or to occupy my mind while waiting to go on stage.
Tell us a joke about your city.
People from Toronto can only pronounce the first T
Do you have anything to promote right now?
My book “You Can Do Anything” is available on Amazon and was just released on Audible, which I narrated. I am now writing my next book.
I am currently on tour performing at colleges, universities, theatres, and corporate conferences which include a motivational component.
Where can we follow you?
Boris Cherniak | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | LinkedIn
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Nick Wallace is probably one of the best magicians, comedians, and storytellers around. Love his stage persona, no holds barred delivery and dramatic reveals that make you want to say “how is that possible?”
