Assi Cohen
A master of Israeli satire, his sharp impersonations on Eretz Nehederet have shaped political comedy and defined a generation's sense of humor.
Born 1974 (age 52)·Israeli comedian and actor·Birthday: October 10·Generation X
Biography
Assi Cohen emerged from the vibrant Israeli entertainment scene not just as a funnyman, but as a cultural mirror. His career, often intertwined with partner Guri Alfi in the duo 'Assi and Guri,' moved seamlessly from sketch shows to sitcoms like 'Mesudarim' and films. His true impact, however, was forged on the long-running satirical news show 'Eretz Nehederet,' where his uncanny impersonations of figures like politician Avigdor Lieberman became national talking points. Cohen didn't just mimic; he distilled the public personas of leaders and celebrities into biting, insightful comedy, using laughter as a tool for social commentary. His work cemented him as a key architect of modern Israeli satire, influencing how the country views its own political theater.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Assi was born in 1974, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Assi Was Born
The biggest hits of 1974
#1 Movie
The Towering Inferno
Best Picture
The Godfather Part II
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Assi's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1974Born
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1979Started school
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1987Became a teenager
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1990Could drive
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1992Could vote
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1995Turned 21
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2004Turned 30
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2014Turned 40
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 50
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 52 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became a household name through his long-running satirical impersonations on the hit Israeli show 'Eretz Nehederet'.
- Formed the influential comedy duo 'Assi and Guri' with Guri Alfi, popularizing a specific brand of Israeli sketch humor.
- Starred in the successful Israeli sitcom 'Mesudarim,' showcasing his range beyond sketch comedy.
- Appeared in feature films like 'Colombian Love,' expanding his reach within Israeli cinema.
Did You Know?
His impersonation repertoire on 'Eretz Nehederet' included not just politicians but also psychic entertainer Uri Geller.
He is a graduate of the Nissan Nativ Acting Studio, a prestigious Israeli acting school.
Cohen and his comedy partner Guri Alfi also hosted the television show 'Rak BeYisrael' (Only in Israel).
“Our humor comes from the tiny, ridiculous disasters of everyday Israeli life.”
