Who are the top ten ventriloquists working in the U.S.A. today?

Dai Bato

I imagine the answers you will get will be subjective. There are a lot of professional ventriloquists out there doing corporate gigs and even those who make a great living performing smaller venues. If we're talking visibility then there are fewer. You have for instance Ronn Lucas, Jay Johnson, Jeff Dunham, Dan Horn and the likes who have had TV air time, thus more exposure. I think Jeff Dunham is right there at the top right now with his recent Comedy Central show. Of course Ronn Lucas does 6 shows a week at the Rio in Vegas so he has constant exposure. So I imagine this is a personal picks kind of thing rather then a definate list of the top 10. Taylor Mason is out there all year long doing Colleges and stays busy. I know there are a lot I am not thinking of right now too, like Mark Wade and Dale Brown who stay very busy and are always in demand. Either way its great that Ventriloquism has had some great exposure in recent months.

Chris Johnson

I agree with Chris, but don't forget Jay Johnson, I saw part of his "Two and Only" show and was just blown away. Also, David Strassman has some new stuff that I saw last year that I thought was great.

Todd Oliver

I thought Kevin Johnson should also be in the list.

For pure stayong power alone Willie Tyler gets a nod.

If you mean the Kevin Johnson that works Legoland...I agree. Excellent.

I'm very excited about Jay Johnson coming to NYC and Broadway!!!

I hear Jay has a great "distant voice" that I can't wait to hear in person.

Well...you may be disappointed Eddie...when he is in NYC you can only hear his distant voice in California.

That's why I'm getting seats at the very back!


Doug, Did you by any chance get my email to you at the grindshow address?

Yes..Willie Tyler is fantastic! had the opertunity to see him live a number of years ago at a comedy club. I would LOVE to see him perform again! His web site didn't have a list of shows the last time I looked though

Let's see... for my money and in no particular order...

Willie Tyler
Jeff Dunham
Jay Johnson
Ron Lucas
Bill DeMar
Dan Horn
David Turner
Sammy King
Kevin Johnson
Joel Leder

Probably some I've forgot, but this is a good start.

Gary

Although he is not American Mike Robinson is probably one of the top vents in the world, he performs the majority of his shows in the USA aboard Holland America ships .If you ever have the chance don't miss this act

I just saw Otto and George at the Improv and it was everything I hoped. They live up to the legend. After the show I was able to confirm a few urban legends.

Yes, Andrew Dice Clay stole "Hickory Dickory Doc" and many other limericks from Otto.

No, it was not a black man that stabbed George (the dummy) in Central park, it was a Puerto Rican.

You either love him or hate him but for my money it was best spent. Otto rocks, who cares what David Letterman thinks.

Otto is a genuis. Such a timid man but his dummy is a filthy mouthed #^**#@

Will

Terry Fator has an excellent show. Watch for him on the "America's Got Talent" show coming on again very soon.

Well, I just had to jump in and Put my Buddies name on the list: David Mitchell
He has a DVD on the Subject and has been a Ventriloquist his entire life. The Guy is Amazing. Not to mention some of the other names posted here are tops in their field.

Just saw Terry Fator do an incredible job on America's Got Talent. I thought Kevin Johnson would be tough to beat from last year, but Terry had the judges and audience eating out of his hand. Incredible talent and he seems to be very humble as well. I hope he can continue to the finals. Loved to see what he could do in the final rounds....

You can watch Terry's performance here. Even Piers is smiling.

http://www.nbc.com/Americas_Got_Talent/video/#mea=133032

Bob

I like Rick Fisher.

If we meant being the best was being the funniest today, then I'd go for Jeff Dunham and Otto & George. If we meant technically perfect, it's Jay Johnson, Ronn Lucas, Dan Horn, and many others.

I'd rather watch the funniest vents than the technically perfect ones. ;o)

Thanks for the link to Fator's performance. That was great!