He already knew he wanted to be a professional ventriloquist when he was in grade 4. Soon after, he took out a book from a local library, Fun With Ventriloquism, which he never returned and is long overdue. Accompanying the gift was a how-to album that laid the foundation for mastering the skill of ventriloquy. Jeff Dunham’s interest in ventriloquism was aroused when his parents gave him a Mortimer Snerd dummy, one of Edgar Bergen’s famed friends. Brought up as an only child, Jeff was lucky to have been raised in an affluent Presbyterian Dallas household – which gave him a good start in life.Ĭhristmas of 1970 was the beginning of a lifetime filled with fantastic art. When he was just three months old in Dallas, Texas, Jeff was adopted by Joyce and Howard Dunham, a real estate mogul. His popularity among fans has helped him bag several awards that he still holds to date. He ranks among the highest-paid comedians in the world. His puppets have been a significant source of humor for over two decades. Jeff’s performances are made possible by a cast of characters that serve as his puppets – Walter, Peanut, Melvin the Superhero Guy, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, Bubba J, Diane, Little Jeff, José Jalapeño on a Stick, and Sweet Daddy Dee, amongst others.
He holds the 2,619th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame plus a Guinness Book of World Record for ‘Most Tickets Sold For a Standup Comedy Tour.’ Jeff Dunham is ranked among the best ventriloquists globally. He was born Jeffrey Douglas Dunham on April 18, 1962, and he is a standup comedian from Dallas, Texas. If you have never heard of Jeff Dunham before, we have you covered. However, before we delve deeper into the topic, it is only fair that we slow down the train for the newbies in the house. You have to give it to him he’s a force to reckon with in the world of comedy. I saw Jeff perform his craft on The Late Show with David Letterman in September 2006. Jeff has been providing comic relief for more than fifteen years and still going strong.Īlthough he’s primarily known for his standup shows, he also has a strong TV presence starring in numerous programs, films, and other ventures.
His is perhaps the most notable name after Edgar Bergen (1903 – 1978) in the industry. Any true fan of standup comedy will recognize the name of Jeff Dunham, the American comedian who is a master of ventriloquism.