Jeff Dunham Bringing His Not-So-PC Humor To Hartford

Ventriloquism supposedly went out with the Nehru jacket and pay phones. But apparently that's not so. Jeff Dunham is the most popular stand-up comic in North America, according to Pollstar. com

"I'm thrilled that people continue to come out and see me," Dunham said. "I don't take it for granted. I work hard to make sure they come back."

According to Forbes.com, Dunham is the third highest paid comedian in the country behind Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock. However, the New York comedy icons make their fortune primarily courtesy of television syndication.

Much of the filthy lucre in the Dallas native's bank accounts has been made courtesy of touring.

Dunham, 51, has single-handedly revived ventriloquism, which appeared to be a dying art a decade ago.

'America's Got Talent' alum Terry Fator, who signed a $100 million deal with the Mirage in Las Vegas, tips his cap to Dunham. It's difficult to imagine Fator, a singing ventriloquist, scoring such an outlandish contract if it weren't for Dunham.

"I have to give Jeff Dunham a lot of credit," Fator said. "He really helped pave the way and bring ventriloquism back. It's an art form. His success is amazing compared to what other comics accomplish."

What other humorist sells out arenas? Dunham packs the airplane hangars thanks to his collection of colorful dummies and a welcomed politically incorrect sense of humor.

"I can get away with things that other comics can't because of the puppets," Dunham said. "It's kind of like working with cartoon characters. With the puppets, I can push it. That's where the fun comes in for me. Some people might think I cross a line but that's apparently a small percentage of people. Most of the people who come out love it."

That's evident. Dunham clearly knows what he's doing. He's not afraid to offend. His fearlessness led to the invention of Achmed the Dead Terrorist, a skeleton puppet with a bad attitude.

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Jeff Dunham Bringing His Not-So-PC Humor To Hartford