Ventriloquist lets his puppets speak out
By Daily Bruin Staff
Jan. 28, 2001 9:00 p.m.
 The Gersh Agency, Inc. Award-winning vantriloquist
Jeff Dunham poses with his puppets, Jose Jalapeno,
Peanut and Walter who are all featured in his comedy act.
By Amy Shen
Daily Bruin Contributor
Comedy comes in many forms ““ sometimes, even in the form
of fuzzy, purple creatures, bald, old men and jalapenos on a
stick.
In his unique and widely acclaimed stand-up comedy act,
ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings such endearing and hilarious
characters to life before the eyes of his audience.
According to Dunham, each one of his characters have a unique
personality. Peanut, for instance, is described by Dunham as a
purple, pot-bellied, furry-type, cuddly creature ““ the wacky,
happy side of comedy.
Then, there is Walter, a cranky, bald, old man who is the darker
side of reality. Jose Jalapeno, on the other hand, is a feisty
jalapeno on a stick, one of Dunham’s most beloved
characters.
 The Gersh Agency, Inc. Jose Jalapeno is regarded as one
of Jeff Dunham’s more endearing characters in his stand-up routine.
Finally, there is Super Guy, the newest addition to the comedic
crew. Dunham said Super Guy is convinced he’s a super hero,
complete with big nose and blue and green costume, but he
hasn’t proven his worthiness yet.
Because his act is a unique blend of stand-up comedy and
ventriloquism, with a variety of characters, Dunham’s show is
more dynamic than a typical comedy club stand-up.
“There’s relationships on-stage ““ it’s a
conversation, it’s a dialogue rather than a monologue,”
Dunham said in a recent interview.
During his show, Dunham and his cast of characters regale the
audience with a certain charming, witty and at times sarcastic
humor. Dunham draws inspiration for his characters from life
experiences.
“I believe there’s some unspoken rule that a puppet
can say outlandish things, insulting things and get away with it
and (the things it says) become humor,” Dunham said.
“That’s what sets me apart from other
comics.”
Dunham said he also has a habit of picking on unsuspecting
audience members to exchange laughs with his irresistible
friends.
“The audience just gets sucked into the world of fantasy
and (they) become a part of it,” Dunham said. “They
suspend their disbelief for a little while, just like in a good
magic show.”
“The one thing I’m most proud of is that there is no
redeeming social value in my show ““ you’re not going to
learn anything, you’re not going to walk away a better
person,” Dunham said. “It’s just a
leave-your-brain-at-the-door kind of show ““ most everybody
just comes and has fun.”
It is such light-hearted content that has audiences and critics
everywhere having fun at Dunham’s shows. Throughout the
years, he’s been honored with countless awards including
“Ventriloquist of the Year””“ becoming the only
person to ever win the award twice, “Best Comedy
Performer,” “1996 Comedian of the Year” and
“1997 Funniest Male Stand-Up Comic” at the 12th Annual
American Comedy Awards.
Dunham has also had his fair share of television spots,
appearing on shows ranging from “The Rosie O’Donnell
Show,” to Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend.”
He even appeared in a Hertz car rental commercial.
His most memorable experience, however, was appearing on
“The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno.
“Those were always fun times.” Dunham said.
“It’s nerve-racking, it’s exciting, it’s
cool, it’s everything.”
“It’s a big goal to be on “˜The Tonight
Show’ and it’s always fun when you do well,”
Dunham continued.
Dunham, currently living in Los Angeles with his wife and three
daughters, said he began his successful career on the playgrounds
and sandboxes of Dallas, teaching himself the art of ventriloquism
from books and records at the age of 8.
It took only a couple months of practice before he nailed the
technique and began making money with his talent, staring at
birthday parties and Cub Scout banquets.
After moving to L.A. in 1988, he decided to seriously pursue
comedy as a career.
“It was something that I was good at and had fun with and
I was able to travel and meet people. There was really hardly any
downside to it,” Dunham said. “I’ve never really
considered doing anything else.”
In the past 20 years, Dunham has toured all over the country,
and his schedule stays pretty full.
“I’ll fly out and do two nights on Long Island, and
fly back to L.A. for three days, and then to Greenbay for a
week,” he said.
He admits that traveling and being away from his family is the
most difficult aspect of his career, but he said that the enjoyment
he gets from doing his shows makes it all worthwhile.
“I do it mainly for the fun of it,” Dunham said.
“Everybody has to have a job and I do it because it’s
the absolute most fun thing I can think of doing for a
living.”
“I think that’s a gift in life — when you can find
something you enjoy and you’re good at,” he said.
COMEDY: Jeff Dunham is headlining at The Irvine
Improv from Jan. 31 through Feb. 4. Performances are Wednesday,
Thursday and Sunday at 8:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday at 8:30
p.m. and 10:30 p.m. For tickets and information call (949) 854-5455
or visit www.onastick.com.
