Jeffrey Douglas Dunham, born April 18, 1962, is an acclaimed American ventriloquist and comedian known for his appearances on shows like Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show.
He has starred in seven Comedy Central specials and two Netflix specials, and briefly had his own series, The Jeff Dunham Show, in 2009. Dunham holds a Guinness World Record for the most tickets sold for a stand-up comedy tour and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Forbes ranked him as the third highest-paid comedian in the U.S., earning about $30 million from June 2008 to June 2009. His provocative characters have revitalized ventriloquism, continuing the legacy of Edgar Bergen.
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Jeff Dunham’s Net Worth
While Jeff is among the top earners in the comedy world, raking in between $15-30 million annually, determining if he’s the “richest” comedian depends on various factors and comparisons. However, with a net worth of $140 million, he’s undeniably among the top tier.
Early life
Born on April 18, 1962, in Dallas, Texas, Jeff Dunham was adopted by Howard and Joyce Dunham at three months old. Raised in a devout Presbyterian household, he began ventriloquism at eight after receiving a Mortimer Snerd dummy for Christmas.
He pursued his passion, inspired by Edgar Bergen, aiming to become the best ventriloquist ever. Attending the Vent Haven ConVENTion from the sixth grade, he was eventually declared a “retired champion” due to his unrivaled skill, making others hesitant to compete against him. The Vent Haven Museum now features a section dedicated to Dunham.
Career
Jeff Dunham started ventriloquism at eight with a Christmas gift. He honed his craft throughout childhood, influenced by Edgar Bergen and ventriloquist conventions. In school, Dunham’s talent was so evident that he became known for his performances and was barred from competing further to give others a chance. He persisted in perfecting his ventriloquism, practicing for hours and performing across various venues during his teenage years.
Personal life
Jeff Dunham, an accomplished ventriloquist, married Paige Brown in 1994, adopting her daughter and having two more before divorcing in 2008 due to his touring schedule. He later married nutritionist Audrey Murdick in 2012, welcoming twin boys in 2015.
Dunham restores antique dummies and builds kit helicopters, a lifelong passion. An avid car enthusiast, he owns the original Batmobile from Tim Burton‘s “Batman,” modified with a Corvette engine. H
Where is Jeff Dunham now?
Jeff Dunham is on a tour across two countries, with 46 concerts lined up. His next stop will be the CHI Health Center in Omaha, followed by the Vibrant Arena at The MARK in Moline.
Conclusion
From a young age, Jeff exhibited a unique talent and passion for ventriloquism. His dedication and hard work led to a successful career, making him one of the most recognized comedians globally. With a net worth reflecting his immense success, Dunham’s legacy in the world of comedy is undeniable.
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FAQ about Jeff Dunham
- How did Jeff start his ventriloquism journey?
- At age eight, his parents gifted him a Mortimer Snerd dummy, sparking his passion.
- Has Jeff always been in comedy?
- Dunham’s primary focus has been ventriloquism, but he’s also a stand-up comedian and actor.
- Where is Jeff originally from?
- He was born in Dallas, Texas.
- How many kids does Jeff have?
- Jeff is a father of five children.
- Is Jeff among the highest earners in comedy?
- Yes, he consistently ranks as one of the highest-paid comedians, earning between $15-30 million annually.
