Terry Wayne Fator, born in Dallas, Texas, is an American ventriloquist, impressionist, comedian, and singer. He combined his ventriloquism and singing talents with comedy, gaining national recognition by winning America’s Got Talent’s second season.
This victory led to a five-year multi-million dollar contract headlining shows in Las Vegas. From 2009 to 2020, he performed at Mirage Las Vegas and has been at New York-New York Hotel and Casino since 2021. Known for his charitable contributions, Fator ranks among the world’s highest-paid comedians.
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Table of Contents
Terry Fator’s Net Worth
Terry Fator, with a net worth of $160 million, is one of Las Vegas’s highest-paid entertainers, earning $20 million annually. After his contract with the Las Vegas Hilton, he signed a five-year, $100 million deal to perform nightly at The Mirage, one of the largest comedy deals in history. The theater was renamed the Terry Fator Theatre in his honor.
Early life
Terry Fator, born in Dallas, Texas, began his ventriloquism career in fifth grade after discovering Paul Winchell’s book “Ventriloquism for Fun and Profit.” He bought a Willie Talk dummy from Sears and won $25 at a church picnic.
Fator continued practicing ventriloquism and impersonations throughout his childhood. At 18, his mother bought him his first puppet. Fator honed his singing ventriloquist skills while driving, avoiding looking “goofy” by not moving his lips. He later attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Career
Terry Fator began his ventriloquism career in fifth grade. He toured as lead singer of “Freedom Jam” in 1987-88, later joining “Texas the Band.” After struggling as a solo act, Fator won America’s Got Talent in 2007, leading to a successful career in Las Vegas.
He signed a $100 million contract with The Mirage, performing from 2009 to 2020. Fator, known for combining ventriloquism with singing and comedy, now performs at New York-New York Hotel and Casino and remains a top-earning comedian.
Personal life
Terry Fator’s second cousin is Chris Sligh, an American Idol season six finalist. Fator is known for his charitable work. In 2007, he raised funds for the Kidsports Sports Complex in Kalispell, performed a benefit for families of miners in Huntington, Utah, and appeared on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.
In 2008, he performed at the Palace Theatre in Corsicana, Texas, benefiting local arts. He also contributed to the charity celebrity doodle auction for Neurofibromatosis and donates proceeds from his song “Horses in Heaven” to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
How old was Terry Fator when he won America’s got talent?
Terry Fator was 42 years old when he won Season 2 of “America’s Got Talent” on August 21, 2007. As a ventriloquist and singing impressionist, he has become one of the show’s most successful winners. His act has gained significant popularity in Las Vegas. The runner-up that season was singer/guitarist Cas Haley.
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Conclusion
Terry Fator’s journey from a young boy with a ventriloquist’s dummy to becoming one of the highest-paid comedians in the world is nothing short of inspiring. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the willingness to evolve and adapt one’s talents.
FAQs about Terry Fator’s Net Worth
- Who is Terry Fator?
An American ventriloquist, impressionist, stand-up comedian, and singer. - What is Terry Fator’s net worth?
Estimated at around $160 million. - How did Terry Fator become famous?
He won “America’s Got Talent” in 2007, propelling him to national fame. - Where does Terry Fator perform now?
He performs regularly at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino. - How much does Terry Fator earn from his Las Vegas shows?
He is estimated to earn $20 million annually from his performances in Las Vegas.
