Jeff Dunham was born on April 18, 1962, in Dallas, Texas. At the age of three months, he was adopted by Howard Dunham, a real estate appraiser, and his wife Joyce. Growing up in a loving family, Jeff showed an interest in ventriloquism from a young age.
When Jeff was eight years old, his parents gifted him a Mortimer Snerd dummy for Christmas. This marked the beginning of his ventriloquist career. He quickly developed his skills and started performing for family and friends.
In the early 2000s, Jeff began incorporating satire into his acts, including a character named Achmed the Dead Terrorist. The routine became a viral sensation, with over 200 million views by 2009. Jeff's unique blend of humor and social commentary set him apart in the comedy world.
Jeff's talent and dedication to his craft paid off when he became the first person to win the Ventriloquist of the Year Award twice in 2008. His Christmas special, "A Very Special Christmas Special," broke records on Comedy Central as the most-watched telecast in the channel's history.
Jeff married Paige Dunham in 1994, with whom he had three daughters. The couple divorced in 2010. In 2012, Jeff tied the knot with his second wife, Audrey Murdick. Together, they welcomed twin boys named James and Jack in October 2015.
In 2009, Jeff was ranked as the third-highest paid comedian, following the legendary Jerry Seinfeld. He was dubbed "America's Favorite Comedian" by Slate.com, solidifying his status as a beloved entertainer in the industry.
Jeff Dunham continues to entertain audiences worldwide with his unique brand of comedy and ventriloquism. His versatility and comedic timing have made him a household name, earning him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.