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Terry Wayne Fator (/ˈfeɪtər/ FAY-tər) is an American ventriloquist, impressionist, stand-up comedian, and singer. Born in Dallas he developed an interest in ventriloquism from a young age, developing both this and a talent for singing. After initially performing with two bands, Fator eventually conducted solo performances, combining ventriloquism and singing with comedy. He gained national recognition for his talent when he won the second season of America's Got Talent, which helped to boost his career.[2]

Key Information

His success led to him receiving a five-year multi-million dollar contract to headline shows in Las Vegas[3] From 2009 to 2020, he was the headliner at Mirage Las Vegas. Since 2021, he performs regularly at New York-New York Hotel and Casino. He has used his performances and talent to help contribute to charitable causes. Fator is consistently ranked among the world's highest-paid comedians.[4][5][6]

Early life

[edit]

Terry Fator was born in Dallas. In an audio commentary of Terry Fator: Live from Las Vegas (2009) he said that he went to college at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. In fifth grade[7][8] while looking for a book for an assignment related to Valentine's Day, he came across a book about ventriloquism[8] titled, Ventriloquism for Fun and Profit, by Paul Winchell.[9]

Fator checked out the book and delved into ventriloquism.[7] A few weeks later, he purchased a Willie Talk dummy from Sears[7] and won a $25 prize for a performance at a church picnic soon after that.[8][9] He got his first ventriloquism dummy when he was ten years old.[10] Throughout his childhood, he entertained family and friends with his ventriloquism and did impersonations of singers and actors.[7] Fator's mother saved up her money for three years and bought him his first puppet when he was 18 years old.[11] Fator says he found he had the ability to impersonate singers by practicing ventriloquism while driving his car. "One of the reasons I learned how to sing as a ventriloquist was because I like singing in the car," he says. "I’d see other people singing in the car, and they looked goofy, so I’d do it without moving my lips."[10]

Career

[edit]

Early years

[edit]
Fator at the Poncan Theatre in Ponca City, Oklahoma on May 6, 2008 with Winston the Impersonating Turtle (top), Johnny Vegas (middle), and Walter T. Airedale (bottom)

Fator got his start touring as the lead singer of the band "Freedom Jam" in 1987–88, produced by Young American Showcase, taking part in performances at over 200 high schools and middle schools across the United States and Canada, and averaging around three performances per school day. In mid-1988, he became the lead singer for the showband 'Texas the Band',[12] incorporating his puppet Walter T. Airedale into his shows. The band dropped plans to sign to a major record label, when a representative from the brand asked Fator to sing in his own voice, upon noticing he sang songs by impersonating their original vocalists.[13]

After leaving the band, Fator began doing solo acts that combined comedy and ventriloquism but struggled for several years to achieve success. Alongside having to conduct events at fairs, sometimes suffering heat stroke when assigned to performing routines during hot afternoons,[13] he suffered a setback in one performance when his show in a 1,000-seat theater was attended by only a single person .[8] Discouraged, Fator contemplated pursuing another career but was encouraged by his family not to give up. This led to him expanding his routines to combine singing, ventriloquism and comedy,[14] and sometimes conducting impersonation of notable singers such as Garth Brooks, Etta James, James Taylor, and Dean Martin. Despite this, he remained less than optimistic to maintain a career as a ventriloquist, let alone achieve success:[15]

"It wasn't easy trying to keep going all these years, and by the time I was in my late 30s, I wasn't sure it was ever going to happen."

In 2005, he eventually included impersonations into his routines,[7] when performing on "Friends in Low Places". This decision ultimately proved effective, winning him critical reception from the audience and raising his hopes, with Fator revamping and rewriting his routines to accommodate the elements that made his performance a hit and continued to prove a success in future.[16] His success eventually landed him opportunities to perform at corporate functions for General Motors and AT&T, and serve as an opening act for Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Neal McCoy, and Styx.

America's Got Talent

[edit]

On June 19, 2007, Fator made his first national appearance on America's Got Talent. Speaking on the experience, he said, "Not in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would win that show ... Essentially I auditioned because the guy that was the ventriloquist the first season got on Late Show with David Letterman... So I figured I'd do three episodes like he did and end up on 'David Letterman'."[17] After winning the show, Fator actually had to turn the Letterman gig down fourteen times before his schedule was clear so he could appear. "My schedule got so packed, and it broke my heart every time I had to turn him down," Fator said.[10]

When Fator first came onstage, judge David Hasselhoff said, "Oh, no, a ventriloquist."[15] "I was thinking, there's no way I would win," Fator says. "I gave myself zero percent [chance]." The judges, Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne, and Hasselhoff loved Fator and he won the competition.[8] Morgan told Fator "You're a great impersonator, a great singer and a great comedian."[18] Simon Cowell approved. "Simon Cowell said I was one of the top two entertainers on the planet," says Fator. "Getting a compliment from Simon Cowell, well, not many people get a compliment like that."[17]

Post-America's Got Talent

[edit]

After winnning, it was announced on the show that in conjunction with winning, he was to appear at the Jubilee Theatre at Bally's Las Vegas. However, the spots were only going to be 15 minutes long, and in mutual cooperation with his management team and Bally's, the plan was dropped.[citation needed] Fator performed at Christian singer Larry Norman's 60th birthday party in April 2007.[19] Later Fator flew Larry to tapings of America's Got Talent and also to his debut show at the Las Vegas Hilton as an honored guest.

On October 14 and 15, 2007, after winning America's Got Talent, Fator performed at the Las Vegas Hilton; both shows were sold out. He performed several more shows there in December. That month, he signed a contract for $1.5 million with the Las Vegas Hilton to do three shows a month from January 2008 to May 2008. Also in 2007, Fator became an official supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities and is a member of their celebrity board, called the Friends of RMHC.[20]

On March 17, 2008, Fator appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show along with American Idol judge and AGT creator & executive producer Simon Cowell. To the amazement of Winfrey, Cowell referred to Fator as one of the "two most talented people on the planet." Fator performed with three of his dummies; country singer Walter T. Airedale performed a Garth Brooks song and Winston the impersonating Turtle sang a Bee Gees song. Julius performed a Marvin Gaye song; Julius was a favorite when he appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show.[10] "As soon as I brought out Julius, she had this look on her face, wondering what I was about to do," Fator said.[10] "Once I started into Marvin Gaye, she fell out of her chair."[10] On May 13 of that year it was announced that Fator had signed a five-year, $100 million contract to perform nightly at The Mirage on the Las Vegas Strip.[21] He replaced headliner Danny Gans and the theater was renamed the Terry Fator Theatre. Reportedly, Fator's deal was one of the largest entertainment deals in Las Vegas history.[22]

In 2009, Fator published the autobiography Who's the Dummy Now?.[17] On September 10, 2008, Fator reappeared as a guest on America's Got Talent for their Top Twenty Results Show. He brought back a larger Winston the Impersonating Turtle to sing the Marvin Gaye song "Let's Get It On". Maynard Thomkins was also brought on to sing "Viva Las Vegas". Winston was not the only puppet that was reconfigured, for on an August 1, 2008, ABC News Now interview, he brought a reshaped Emma Taylor to sing "At Last."[9] Fator has fought to be taken seriously as a ventriloquist. "There have been so few good, successful ventriloquists – Edgar Bergen in the 1940s and Paul Winchell in the 1960s were respected and successful," says Fator. "And in the 1970s, I used to watch Willie Tyler and his Lester as well as Jay Johnson and Bob. But over the years, there have been so many bad ventriloquists - and most of them doing corny shows for children - that people began to think of us as a bad joke."[15]

Also, on September 14, 2011, he was invited once again to perform as a guest on the finals of America's Got Talent. This time he brought Julius, the soul singer, and performed "Ain't No Sunshine". In 2013, he voiced a character on the Disney Channel show Mickey Mouse. On May 30 of that year, Fator celebrated his 1,000th show at The Mirage Hotel & Casino and returned to perform as a guest on America's Got Talent during the Top 12 results show four months later on September 11. On September 16, 2015, Fator made a guest appearance on America's Got Talent during the finals show, performing alongside the eventual tenth-season winner, ventriloquist Paul Zerdin. On September 20, 2017, he made another guest appearance during AGT's twelfth-season finale, performing alongside eventual winner Darci Lynne, another singing ventriloquist. In AGT's 17th season he entered the competition, and although he was eliminated before the finals, he performed with Ana-Maria Mărgean another singing ventiloquist on September 27, 2022. In July 2020, Fator's residency at the Mirage in Las Vegas ended after 11 years. On May 26, 2024 he started a new residency at The STRAT in Las Vegas featuring a state-of-the-art theater and combined his natural talent with 21st century technology.[23]

Personal life

[edit]

Fator's second cousin is Chris Sligh, an American Idol season six finalist.[7]

Charitable work

[edit]

In July 2007 Fator appeared in Montana to raise funds for the Kidsports Sports Complex in Kalispel, Montanal and said he wanted to come back in 2008 to do another show. “We thought, we bet he wants to, but we bet he won’t have time,” said Nancy Manning of Rotary Club of Kalispell. “He made time because it’s so important to him.” All proceeds from Fator's show went towards the field.[24] In 2007 Fator performed a benefit for families of miners in Huntington, Utah.[8]

In 2008, Fator performed at the Palace Theatre in Corsicana, Texas. Proceeds benefited the Navarro Council of the Arts and the Mildred Drama Club. He is a native of Corsicana.[25] On September 3, 2007, Fator made a special appearance in the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, thanking the crowd for the support.[citation needed] He brought back Emma Taylor to sing "At Last" and Winston the Turtle to sing "What a Wonderful World".[citation needed] He returned to the Telethon on September 1, 2008 and brought Julius to sing "Only You" from The Platters, Marvin Gaye's song, "Let's Get It On," and "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley. Maynard Thomkins was also brought on to sing "Viva Las Vegas" to finish the show.[citation needed] Fator made his 3rd consecutive telethon appearance (this time via satellite from his showroom during a performance of his show) on September 6, 2009 with puppets The Fifth Beatle and Vikki The Cougar with special guests The Commodores, who joined Fator performing "Brick House".

In 2010, Fator ate a doodle for a charity celebrity doodle auction for Neurofibromatosis, more commonly known as NF. 100% of the profit from all the doodles went to help families with NF. All proceeds from Fator's original song "Horses in Heaven" go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.[26]

DVD

[edit]

On September 1, 2009, Fator's first DVD, Terry Fator: Live from Las Vegas (recorded during a performance at the Mirage), was released shortly after its August 28, 2009 debut airing on CMT. The DVD includes footage not shown on the CMT broadcasting.

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Terry Fator

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Terry Fator (born June 10, 1965) is an American ventriloquist, impressionist, , and singer renowned for his multifaceted performances that combine with vocal impressions of over 100 celebrities, including , , and . Born in , , Fator discovered his passion for in the after checking out a on the craft, which led him to practice and perform locally from a young age. He honed his skills through school talent shows and community events, eventually attending before pursuing entertainment full-time. His early career involved touring with bands and comedy clubs, but it was his appearance on the second season of in 2007 that catapulted him to national fame, where he won the competition and the $1 million prize with acts featuring his signature puppets like Winston the Impersonating Turtle. Following his victory, Fator signed a landmark five-year, $100 million contract to headline in , beginning with sold-out shows at the Las Vegas Hilton before moving to a long-term residency at Hotel & Casino from 2009 to 2020. During this period, he received multiple awards, including Best Show, Best Impressionist, and Best Family Show, solidifying his status as a Strip staple. He later opened Terry Fator: Who’s the Dummy Now? at New York-New York in 2021 and transitioned to in 2024 with One Man, a Hundred Voices, a Thousand Laughs, a production incorporating advanced technology. In September 2025, Fator concluded his 18-year residency era with a final performance at on September 23, shifting focus to national touring with his new 90-minute show, Pure Imagination: Once Upon a Voice. Beyond the stage, Fator has appeared on major television programs such as , , and , and he detailed his journey in the 2008 autobiography Who's the Dummy Now?. Based in Las Vegas, he continues to innovate with characters like Emma Taylor and Maynard Tompkins, blending humor, music, and storytelling to engage audiences worldwide.

Early years

Childhood and family background

Terry Fator was born on June 10, 1965, in Dallas, Texas, to parents Jephtha Fator and Marie Fator Sligh. As the middle child of three siblings—an older brother and a younger sister—Fator grew up in Corsicana, Texas, a small town southeast of Dallas. His family resided in a modest home, where his upbringing was shaped by active involvement in local church activities that provided exposure to community entertainment and gatherings. Fator's early years were challenging, characterized by an abusive and neglectful home environment influenced by his father's leadership of a religious commune that devolved into a cult-like setting, leading to strict control and isolation within the . sing-alongs during this period fostered his initial interest in music and .

Development of ventriloquism skills

Fator discovered his passion for at age 10 after borrowing the book Ventriloquism for Fun and Profit by , a prominent television ventriloquist, from his school library in Dallas, Texas. This discovery came during a challenging childhood marked by his family's janitorial business, which required long hours of work from the children, leaving Fator seeking an escape through creative pursuits. Unable to afford formal lessons or professional puppets, he relied on the book's instructions to embark on a self-directed learning journey. Fator's initial practice was solitary and methodical, focusing on mastering lip control to minimize visible movement and "throwing" his voice to create the illusion of sound emanating from elsewhere. He spent hours each day in his room honing these techniques with a basic, inexpensive puppet, often improvising simple props to simulate performances. His mother provided modest support by saving for three years to purchase his first quality puppet, a Willie Talk dummy, when he turned 18, marking a pivotal upgrade in his practice tools. As a teenager, Fator began experimenting publicly with his budding skills at local school talent shows and church youth events. These amateur outings helped him refine his timing and audience interaction. The supportive environment of , in particular, allowed him to perform without judgment, building his confidence gradually. Fator's skills evolved further as he transitioned into incorporating impressions, inspired by musicians he admired. While singing in his church choir, he naturally began mimicking the vocal styles of artists like , blending these character voices with his to create singing routines through his puppets. This fusion of singing and distinct character personas emerged organically during his teenage years, setting the stage for his unique style without yet venturing into paid opportunities.

Professional career

Pre-fame performances

Fator's entry into professional entertainment began in his early teens, following informal performances for family and friends using a basic puppet purchased from Sears. His first paid public engagement occurred at a church bicentennial picnic, where he earned $25 for a ventriloquism routine featuring simple impressions. By age 18, he expanded to local venues such as churches, VFW halls, and Shriners hospitals, gradually building experience through small-scale bookings that emphasized his developing ventriloquism skills. During his brief college tenure at in , where he studied for about a year before dropping out, Fator balanced academics with sporadic gigs at parties and minor events. These performances, often limited to local audiences, provided modest income but highlighted the challenges of sustaining a career in niche entertainment. He later reflected on this period as foundational, though financially precarious, with earnings insufficient to cover living expenses reliably. In the , Fator transitioned to full-time touring across the , performing at state fairs, schools, casinos, and comedy clubs to refine his act. These road shows, which numbered in the hundreds annually, often drew small crowds and paid minimally, leading to ongoing financial strain; at one point in the mid-2000s, he performed for a single audience member at a county fair near , prompting thoughts of abandoning the profession. Despite these hardships, the tours allowed him to evolve from traditional to incorporating singing impressions, a technique he practiced silently while driving between gigs. This exposure provided incremental validation amid persistent struggles, underscoring the incremental successes that sustained his persistence before national recognition.

America's Got Talent appearance

Terry Fator auditioned for the second season of America's Got Talent in 2007, performing a ventriloquist routine with his puppet Emma Taylor, impersonating Etta James while singing "At Last." The judges—David Hasselhoff, Sharon Osbourne, and Piers Morgan—initially expressed skepticism about yet another ventriloquist act, with Hasselhoff remarking, "Oh no, another ventriloquist," but they were quickly won over by the seamless impressions and vocal quality, advancing Fator to the next round. Fator progressed as an in the competition, relying on fan votes to advance through the quarterfinals and semifinals despite his unconventional act at age 42. In the Top 20 performance at the Gibson Amphitheatre in , he delivered "What a Wonderful World" with a impression, featuring his puppet Winston the voicing . The live shows, also held at the Gibson Amphitheatre, showcased his evolving repertoire of singing impressions, including tributes to artists like , , , , and Roy Orbison, which resonated with audiences and propelled him to the finals. On August 21, 2007, Fator won the season finale, defeating runner-up , securing the $1 million grand prize and a headline contract in . His final performance included a duet of James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend in Me," blending with multiple character voices. The victory sparked immediate media buzz, positioning Fator as a breakout star and leading to his first sold-out national performances, including shows at the Las Vegas Hilton in October 2007 that set the stage for his long-term residency.

Las Vegas residencies

Following his victory on the second season of in August 2007, Terry Fator secured a landmark five-year, $100 million contract with , leading to the debut of his headlining residency there on March 15, 2009. The production, housed in the 900-seat Terry Fator Theatre (formerly the Theatre), showcased Fator's alongside singing impressions of over 100 celebrities, performed through a cast of more than 15 puppets including Winston the Turtle and Walter T. Airdale. Over the next 11 years, the show evolved with updated material and musical numbers, drawing more than 2 million attendees through nearly 3,000 performances before concluding in July 2020 amid the . In August 2021, Fator relocated his residency to the 750-seat Liberty Loft theater at New York-New York Hotel & Casino, premiering Terry Fator: Who's the Dummy Now?, a refreshed production incorporating Broadway-inspired musical segments and occasional guest appearances by musicians such as trumpeter . The intimate venue allowed for enhanced audience interaction, with Fator blending , , and impressions of artists like and , while maintaining the core elements of his act. This phase sustained his Strip presence through early 2024, ending on March 26, 2024, adapting to post-pandemic attendance trends and featuring seasonal specials. Fator launched his final Las Vegas residency on May 26, 2024, at the 600-seat Theater, debuting the all-new production Terry Fator: One Man, a Hundred Voices, a Thousand Laughs. This immersive, show emphasized high-tech staging, parody songs, and Fator's signature ventriloquist impressions across genres, with plans for approximately 200 performances over an extended run. The residency concluded abruptly on September 23, 2025, after just over a year and approximately 200 shows, marking the end of Fator's 18-year tenure that amassed more than 3,500 total performances across venues. Fator cited production evolutions and a desire to pivot toward nationwide touring, symphony collaborations, and television projects as key factors in the decision.

Post-residency touring and projects

Following the conclusion of his long-running Las Vegas residency at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower on September 23, 2025, Terry Fator launched his new touring production, Pure Imagination: Once Upon a Voice, as a 90-minute road show emphasizing , impressions, , and song parodies with classic puppets such as Winston the Impersonating Turtle and Walter T. Airdale. The tour, designed for broader accessibility beyond fixed residencies, debuted on September 5, 2025, at the Theatre in , , with subsequent performances including a show at Westbury Music Fair in , on November 7, 2025, and at Tulalip Resort Casino in Tulalip, Washington, on November 15, 2025. Fator has expressed intentions to expand the tour internationally, taking the production overseas in addition to North American dates throughout 2025 and 2026. Earlier in the year, on June 21, 2025, Fator collaborated with the Philharmonic for In My Own Voice: An Intimate Evening with Terry Fator, a special orchestral performance at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in , where he showcased vocal impressions and singing without puppets, accompanied by live symphonic arrangements. This one-night event marked a departure from his traditional format, highlighting his singing abilities in an intimate setting with the 67-piece orchestra conducted by Ryan Shirar. Post-residency, Fator has shifted focus to mobile performances and family-oriented content, adapting to evolving entertainment industry dynamics by prioritizing versatile, road-ready shows that appeal to diverse audiences, including children through imaginative and elements. He has announced ambitions for further touring expansions and potential television projects to reach global viewers, building on his legacy of over 3,000 performances while embracing non-residency opportunities.

Personal life

Marriages and relationships

Fator's first marriage was to Melinda Fator, with whom he eloped and wed on January 8, 1991, in Denver. The relationship endured for nearly two decades but deteriorated amid the demands of his performing career and the upheaval following his 2007 win on America's Got Talent, culminating in a separation in January 2009 and a divorce finalized in 2010. Fator later reflected that the move to Las Vegas and intensified touring exacerbated tensions, making the partnership unsustainable. Following the divorce, Fator entered a relationship with Taylor Makakoa, his onstage assistant, whom he met in 2007 during auditions for his residency at . The couple married on November 3, 2010, in , but their union ended after four years, with the divorce announced in February 2015. Despite the split, they initially continued collaborating professionally in his show. Fator married Angie Fiore, a former and events manager, on September 4, 2015, followed by a public wedding ceremony on November 28, 2015, at the Hilton. Their relationship, which began shortly after his from Makakoa, has emphasized stability and , with Fiore occasionally joining him in philanthropic efforts related to his performances. As of November 2025, the marriage remains intact, with no children from the union. Fator has noted that fame's pressures, including media over age differences and changes in prior relationships, influenced his approach to this partnership, prioritizing emotional support amid his touring commitments.

Family and residences

Fator and his wife Angie Fiore have no children. Fator maintains an ongoing relationship with his aging parents, Jephtha Fator and Marie Fator Sligh, as well as his sister Debbie. However, the family has faced significant challenges, including the death of his sister Deborah "Debbie" Fator Beard in June 2015, ruled a suicide by multiple drug toxicity after she was found in Fator's Las Vegas home. In 2019, his mother filed a lawsuit accusing him of elder abuse, harassment, and emotional distress, seeking $1.4 million and to sever ties; the suit also raised questions about his sister's death. Fator denied the allegations. Related financial disputes continued, resulting in a 2022 court ruling granting Fator a nondischargeable judgment against his mother. His family, including his parents, attended the finale of America's Got Talent in 2007, marking a pivotal moment of shared support during his career breakthrough. Since relocating to in 2007 to launch his residency at , Fator has established the city as his primary residence, owning a $2 million as of October 2025. Brief moves within the area were tied to his professional commitments, but he has consistently returned to this base, which continues to anchor his lifestyle even after concluding his long-term show at in September 2025 to focus on national touring.

Artistry

Ventriloquism and impression techniques

Terry Fator's relies on precise mastery of lip synchronization and multi-voice modulation, allowing him to perform without visible mouth movement while projecting distinct character voices. Self-taught from a young age using a book by ventriloquist , Fator expanded his skills through daily practice, developing the ability to handle over 200 impressions integrated into his act. This technique enables seamless conversations and songs between himself and puppets, creating the illusion of independent speech from the characters. In integrating impressions, Fator sings in character-specific voices, replicating nuances such as Elvis Presley's signature or Dean Martin's characteristic slurring, all while maintaining ventriloquist lip control. These performances cover a wide spanning five octaves, allowing transitions between high and low registers for male and female impressions alike. He uses puppets as props to provide visual cues that enhance the auditory , syncing character movements with vocal shifts for added realism and engagement. Fator's stage evolution shifted from early solo impression acts to interactive performances, emphasizing humor through witty banter where characters roast each other or the performer. This progression incorporates elements like visuals in live shows, adapting the intimacy of recorded formats for broader interaction. For technical innovations, he collaborates with artisans to create custom mechanisms that boost expressiveness, such as enhanced mouth and eye movements tailored to his style, supporting complex multi-character scenes.

Notable puppets and characters

Terry Fator's act features an extensive roster of over 20 puppets, each designed to embody distinct personalities that complement his ventriloquism and musical impressions. These characters, crafted primarily from foam, fabric, and mechanisms by renowned puppet makers such as those associated with the Muppets and Steve Axtell, enable dynamic interactions in live performances. One of Fator's signature puppets is Winston the Impersonating Turtle, created in the early 2000s out of necessity to showcase versatile vocal impressions during his pre-fame tours. Winston, an innocent and childlike character, impersonates musical icons such as , , , , and , often performing parodies and medleys that highlight Fator's range across genres. This turtle puppet played a pivotal role in Fator's 2007 victory and remains a staple in his Las Vegas residencies for audience engagement. Walter T. Airdale, Fator's longest-standing debuting before his rise to fame, embodies a humorous singer equipped with a guitar for twangy, comedic renditions. Known for and covering classics by artists like , , and , Walter's character draws on exaggerated tropes of rural life, including tales of multiple marriages and wedding mishaps, adding levity to Fator's shows. Crafted by puppet designer Keith Lovik, Walter frequently appears in ensemble segments to deliver folksy humor. Among Fator's other key puppets, Maynard Tompkins stands out as the "world's greatest ," a neurotic and lazy drummer who charmingly but reluctantly performs Presley hits like "Blue Christmas" and "" without fully learning the lyrics. Duggie, depicted as a perpetual and roadie living in his mother's basement, provides nonsensical yet insightful commentary in his late-30s , often as an annoying neighbor figure. Additional recurring characters include Vikki the , a sultry gold-digger who mentors with diamond-loving flair, and Julius, an legend impersonating African American singers associated with and . These puppets, totaling around 22 in Fator's ensemble, rotate in acts to create varied narratives. Fator's impression roster extends to over 200 voices, featuring celebrities such as , , and alongside staples like and . By 2025, his repertoire has evolved to incorporate contemporary figures including , , and , as demonstrated in medleys like a 2024 "" cover impersonating 19 artists such as , , and . These impressions, often voiced through puppets in his Vegas performances, emphasize musical versatility and timely cultural references.

Media and releases

Television specials and DVDs

Terry Fator's foray into television specials and DVDs began shortly after his victory, capturing his live performances for broader audiences through visual media. His first major release was the 2008 DVD Terry Fator: The Million Dollar Voice, featuring highlights from his early shows at the Las Vegas Hilton, showcasing his , impressions, and singing with puppets like Winston the . In 2009, Fator released Terry Fator: Live from , a deluxe edition DVD filmed during a performance at Hotel and Casino, which also aired as a CMT special. This production highlighted his signature acts, including impressions of artists like and , performed alongside characters such as Walter T. Airdale and Maynard Tompkins. The DVD generated an estimated $3.2 million in domestic sales revenue, reflecting strong initial commercial success. Fator produced and starred in three bestselling DVDs overall, expanding his home video catalog with Terry Fator: Live in Concert in 2014, recorded at the Mirage and featuring comedic banter, vocal impressions of stars like Cher and Dolly Parton, and family-friendly segments with his puppet cast. This release earned approximately $1 million in estimated domestic DVD sales revenue. Additionally, A Very Terry Christmas, a Blu-ray capturing his holiday-themed Las Vegas show with seasonal songs and impersonations, became available through his official store, emphasizing festive ventriloquist routines. As of 2025, following the conclusion of his long-running residency, Fator announced plans for new television projects, including an in-development TV special to highlight his evolving act with impressions, comedy, and . This initiative aligns with his transition to global touring and creative endeavors beyond the Strip.

Music albums and recordings

Terry Fator has released a handful of audio and singles, primarily in the genre, which highlight his songwriting and independent of his live and impression performances. These recordings often feature original compositions inspired by personal experiences, with production handled through independent labels or self-release. His debut full-length , Horses in Heaven, was self-released in 2007 as a two-disc set containing 17 tracks, including instrumentals on one disc and vocals on the other. The title track is an original song Fator wrote about the loss of a beloved , with proceeds directed toward equine charities. Other originals on the include "(How Do I Say) Goodbye," blending heartfelt lyrics with straightforward country arrangements. In the same year, Fator issued Lucky Guy (2007 Remix), a remix album featuring updated versions of his early recordings, emphasizing polished production on tracks like the title song. This release served as an extension of his pre-fame musical efforts, prior to his America's Got Talent victory. Fator followed with the holiday single "Christmas in Vegas" in 2010, a festive recording capturing a lighthearted Vegas-themed yuletide vibe through his baritone vocals. Credited to "Terry Fator & His Cast of Thousands," it nods to his puppet ensemble but focuses on solo singing without layered impressions. His most recent full album, It Starts Tonight, arrived in 2013 via Taybebaby Productions, comprising 11 country tracks that mix originals and covers. Standout originals include "Heroes," a tribute to everyday resilience; "Leroy and Me," a narrative-driven duet-style piece; and "Never Comin' Down," showcasing upbeat songcraft. The album's production involved close collaboration with session musicians, allowing Fator to layer harmonies for a fuller sound without relying on ventriloquized characters. A precursor single, "Pass That Bottle" (2012), previewed the project's rowdy, good-time energy. These releases, while not charting on major lists, underscore Fator's roots as a before his breakthrough, with occasional ties to live show inspirations like holiday specials.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2863783/bio/
  2. https://www.celebritynetworth.com/articles/entertainment-articles/terry-fator-the-unlikely-story-of-a-texas-boy-and-a-100-million-puppet-empire/
  3. https://terryfator.com/cast/
  4. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/113988-terry-fator?language=en-US
  5. https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/celebritytalentbios/Terry+Fator/399628
  6. https://www.8newsnow.com/news/terry-fator-suddenly-announces-hes-ending-las-vegas-residency/
  7. https://www.thestreet.com/travel/americas-got-talent-winners-las-vegas-strip-show-closing
  8. https://www.lindenwood.edu/files/resources/terry-fator-program.pdf
  9. https://news3lv.com/news/local/longtime-headliner-terry-fator-ending-las-vegas-residency-run-ventriloquist-the-strat-agt-americas-got-talent
  10. https://terryfator.com/
  11. https://neon.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/fator-unveils-troubled-past-with-father/
  12. https://people.com/tv/americas-got-talent-terry-fator-accused-elder-abuse-mother-sister-death/
  13. https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/richest-comedians/terry-fator-net-worth/
  14. https://northernsentry.com/2023/09/14/terry-fator-my-story-is-one-of-gratefulness/
  15. https://www.forbes.com/sites/darrahbrustein/2019/04/21/ventriloquist-terry-fator-on-why-overnight-success-is-a-myth/
  16. https://windsorlife.com/terry-fator/
  17. https://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/Ventriloquist-Terry-Fator-is-nobody-s-dummy-1636049.php
  18. https://www.jspevents.com/talent/terry-fator
  19. https://www.ocregister.com/2008/05/29/ventriloquist-terry-fator-aint-no-dummy/
  20. https://texaslifestylemag.com/entertainment/txvoices-texas-native-and-ventriloquist-comedian-terry-fator-goes-from-geek-to-guru-as-one-of-the-highest-paid-las-vegas-resident-performers-of-all-time/
  21. https://variety.com/2019/legit/features/terry-fator-celebrates-10-years-with-the-mirage-1203193612/
  22. https://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/features/features/9826-q-a-a-with-the-entertainment-king-terry-fator.html?start=1
  23. https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/terry-fator-now-agt
  24. https://www.billboard.com/lists/americas-got-talent-winners-every-season/
  25. https://investors.mgmresorts.com/investors/news-releases/press-release-details/2008/Americas-Got-Talent-Million-Dollar-Winner-Terry-Fator-Lands-Gig-on-Las-Vegas-Strip-at-The-Mirage/default.aspx
  26. https://neon.reviewjournal.com/kats/terry-fator-leaving-mirage-on-las-vegas-strip-1972229/
  27. https://www.theabroadguide.com/terry-fator-one-man-a-hundred-voices-a-thousand-laughs-2/
  28. https://lasvegasmagazine.com/entertainment/2021/sep/07/terry-fators-las-vegas-new-york-new-york-liberty/
  29. https://terryfator.com/famed-singer-ventriloquist-comedian/
  30. https://news3lv.com/news/local/terry-fator-las-vegas-new-show-new-york-new-york-august-2021
  31. https://neon.reviewjournal.com/kats/veteran-vegas-headliner-fator-getting-a-lift-at-the-loft-2406173/
  32. https://cwlasvegas.com/entertainment/terry-fator-las-vegas-new-show-new-york-new-york-august-2021
  33. https://neon.reviewjournal.com/kats/moving-on-terry-fator-leaving-his-home-on-the-las-vegas-strip-3004732/
  34. https://thestrat.com/media-and-press/news-press/famed-singer-ventriloquist-comedian-terry-fator-to-premiere-all-new-production-ae-terry-fator-one-man-a-hundred-voices-a-thousand-laughs-ae-at-the-strat-hotel-casino-tower
  35. https://www.8newsnow.com/news/las-vegas-now/terry-fator-debuts-new-show-at-the-strat/
  36. https://hoodline.com/2025/09/ventriloquist-terry-fator-ends-iconic-las-vegas-residency-eyes-global-stages-and-tv-projects/
  37. https://www.facebook.com/TerryFator/posts/it-was-a-historic-farewell-but-not-a-goodbye-after-18-incredible-years-and-thous/1334347998056778/?locale=ms_MY
  38. https://www.livenation.com/artist/K8vZ917G80V/terry-fator-events
  39. https://www.ticketmaster.com/terry-fator-tickets/artist/1156260
  40. https://www.facebook.com/TerryFator/posts/im-so-excited-to-bring-my-brand-new-road-show-pure-imagination-to-honolulu-on-se/1295715511920027/
  41. https://lvphil.org/events/lv-phil-pops/
  42. https://1027vgs.com/2025/06/19/terry-fator-to-take-stage-with-las-vegas-philharmonic-no-puppets-in-sight/
  43. https://news3lv.com/newsletter-daily/longtime-headliner-terry-fator-ending-las-vegas-residency-run-ventriloquist-the-strat-agt-americas-got-talent
  44. https://www.fox5vegas.com/2025/09/23/terry-fator-announces-end-las-vegas-residency/
  45. https://neon.reviewjournal.com/kats/las-vegas-strip-headliner-abruptly-closes-16-year-show-3321207/
  46. https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/terry-fator-wife-ending-marriage/
  47. https://www.star-telegram.com/entertainment/living/article135469704.html
  48. https://neon.reviewjournal.com/shows/terry-fator-and-wife-stage-partner-to-divorce/
  49. https://www.today.com/popculture/america-s-got-talent-winner-terry-fator-weds-wbna40055839
  50. https://neon.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/mirage-headliner-fator-wife-will-stay-together-professionally/
  51. https://lasvegassun.com/photos/galleries/2015/nov/28/terry-fator-angie-fiore-wedding-lake-las-vegas-/590483/
  52. https://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/americas-got-talent-winner-terry-fator-on-his-divorce-video_1
  53. https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/entertainer-terry-fator-opens-up-about-painful-past/93851/
  54. https://mabumbe.com/people/terry-fator-age-net-worth-family-career-highlights-more/
  55. https://obituaries.corsicanadailysun.com/obituary/deborah-fator-beard-729050002
  56. https://www.eonline.com/news/1006651/america-s-got-talent-winner-terry-fator-denies-mother-s-elder-abuse-accusation
  57. https://www.txnb.uscourts.gov/sites/txnb/files/opinions/21-3052%252066.pdf
  58. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVRDvR7pjN4
  59. https://mytinypalace.com/terry-fators-house/
  60. https://www.reviewjournal.com/homes/real-estate-millions/home-for-the-holidays-with-terry-fator-photos/
  61. https://spotlightvegas.com/terry-fator-ventriloquism-impressions-las-vegas/
  62. https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/entertainment/local/2013/11/17/terry-fator-s-formula-for/17968529007/
  63. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2012-sep-04-la-terry-fator-20120904-story.html
  64. https://lasvegasmagazine.com/entertainment/2015/may/01/see-whos-pulling-strings-terry-fators-puppets/
  65. https://districtfray.com/articles/americas-got-talent-winner-terry-fator-brings-winston-friends-nat-harbor/
  66. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf-orqed_0c
  67. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLEZdJvKYkQ
  68. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0dkmyf7bGg
  69. https://www.facebook.com/TerryFator/videos/ventriloquist-terry-fator-and-maynard-sing-elvis-presley-blue-christmas/953125075866185/
  70. https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/terry-fator-we-are-the-world-cover
  71. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ISRLOqEt6w
  72. https://www.ebay.com/itm/205619480118
  73. https://intensityadvisors.com/projects/terry-fator-live-from-las-vegas/
  74. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Terry-Fator-Live-from-Las-Vegas
  75. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/The-DVD-Terry-Fator-Live-From-Las-Vegas-On-Sale-Now-Exclusively-At-The-Mirage-20090812
  76. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Terry-Fator-Live-in-Concert
  77. https://store.terryfator.com/collections/dvd-blu-ray
  78. https://www.discogs.com/release/14414201-Terry-Fator-Horses-In-Heaven
  79. https://www.facebook.com/TerryFator/posts/my-song-horses-in-heaven-has-been-getting-a-lot-of-attention-lately-ive-created-/169922286385109/
  80. https://open.spotify.com/album/0YS0rYR0am4srrQFYd3Kjf
  81. https://music.apple.com/us/album/christmas-in-vegas-single/380527999
  82. https://www.discogs.com/release/14055508-Terry-Fator-His-Cast-Of-Thousands-Christmas-In-Vegas
  83. https://music.apple.com/us/album/it-starts-tonight/766214632
  84. https://open.spotify.com/album/4opkktle2Tz0P6MVKi6NtE
  85. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/terry-fator-mn0001481253
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