Jeff Dunham American comedian and ventriloquist Date of Birth: 18.04.1962 Country: USA

1. Biography of Jeff Dunham
2. Early Life and Ventriloquism
3. Early Career and Success
4. Television Appearances and Worldwide Fame
5. Notable Puppet Characters
6. Personal Life

Biography of Jeff Dunham

Jeffrey Dunham, an American stand-up comedian and ventriloquist, was born in 1962 in Dallas, Texas. He is best known for his comedy sketches featuring his puppet named Achmed the Dead Terrorist. Through his puppet, Dunham humorously addresses the issue of terrorism. His very first sketch featuring Achmed has become one of the most viewed videos on the internet.

Early Life and Ventriloquism

Jeffrey Dunham was adopted at the age of three months by Howard Dunham, a real estate appraiser, and his wife Joyce, a homemaker. In 1970, Dunham discovered his ventriloquist abilities and immediately went to the library to learn more about the art. He spent years honing his skills and performing in schools and churches as a teenager. Alongside ventriloquism, Dunham also developed his stand-up comedy routines.

Early Career and Success

Dunham continued performing while attending Baylor University, where he gained recognition for his talent. Even as a student, he earned $70,000 per year through his performances. After graduating in 1986, Dunham moved to Los Angeles, California, where he found abundant opportunities. He became a regular at "The Comedy & Magic Club" owned by Mike Lacey, establishing a loyal audience base. Dunham performed over 200 shows a year and eventually ventured into television.

Television Appearances and Worldwide Fame

Starting in 1988, Dunham appeared frequently on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" and later gained recognition on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Sonny With a Chance," among other popular shows. In 2003, Dunham became a part of the comedy project "Comedy Central Presents," which propelled him to international fame.

Notable Puppet Characters

Dunham's repertoire includes several notable puppet characters. In addition to Achmed the Dead Terrorist, there is Jose Jalapeño, a jalapeño pepper puppet with a strong Spanish accent, and Peanut, a purple-skinned creature resembling a monkey who often teases Jose and Dunham himself. Another character, Walter, is a grumpy old man, a Vietnam War veteran, and a former welder who humorously comments on current issues. However, Achmed the Dead Terrorist remains Dunham's most famous character, with his catchphrase "Silence! I kill you!" eliciting laughter from audiences.

Personal Life

Dunham met his first wife, Paige Brown, during the filming of "Comedy Corner" in West Palm Beach, Florida. They got married in May 1994, and Dunham adopted Brown's one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Bree. They had two more daughters, Ashlyn and Kenna, in 1995 and 1997, respectively. However, Dunham and Brown divorced in November 2008.

In mid-2009, Dunham began dating Audrey Murdick, a Texan dietitian, personal trainer, and bodybuilder. They got engaged in December 2011.