Terry Fator

It took ventriloquist, singer, comedian and celebrity impressionist Terry Fator 32 years to become an overnight sensation when he won the hearts of America and was selected “America’s Got Talent” 2007 $1 million dollar prize winner on NBC-TV. His key decision to blend those incredible skills with his amazing ability to mimic famous singers won over the judges and millions of fans who voted for him.

He recently performed to rave reviews on ‘THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW” and guest Simon Cowell called him ONE OF THE BEST ENTERTAINERS IN THE WORLD. His May 15, 2008 performance on THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN was a dream come true. Letterman mentioned in his intro that “we tried to get Terry on the show for two years; we finally got him and it- was well worth it.” Dave joined Fator on stage after an exciting performance, shook his hand and exclaimed “Wow that was great. What a job!”

The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas recently held a press conference to announce that Fator signed a five-year $100 hundred million dollar deal beginning February 2009, with an option for an additional five years at $110 million dollars. He will perform 48 weeks a year, 5 nights a week in The Terry Fator Theatre (currently the Danny Gans Theatre). Fator will continue to perform monthly at the Las Vegas Hilton through 2008 and in sold out concerts nationwide. “This is an unbelievable dream come true, and I am looking forward to becoming a member of The Mirage family” states Fator.

The Mirage has been home to Las Vegas’ most celebrated entertainment throughout the years, including world-famous illusionists Siegfried & Roy, The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil and Danny Gans.

The multi-talented Fator believes that he is an illusionist with puppets and his cast of seven original puppet characters is quite unique. He states that, “I look at myself as a talk show host and the characters are my guests. I can guarantee anyone who comes to my show, within a second or two; will feel that the puppet is the real entity. I love creating life out of wood and felt.”

Terry is perhaps the first entertainer to combine the art of ventriloquism with singing celebrity impressions. His puppets, including Cowboy Walter, Emma Taylor and Winston the Impersonating Turtle, effortlessly perform the singing styles of an eclectic group of stars including: Tony Bennett, Elvis, Maroon 5, Garth Brooks, Nat King and Natalie Cole, Roy Orbison, Etta James, Gnarls Barkley, James Blunt, Brooks & Dunn, Louis Armstrong and even Kermit The Frog.

The Dallas native will be prominently featured in the upcoming season of “America’s Got Talent” when it debuts on NBC-TV June 17th from 9-11pm EST/PST. The show’s executive producer, Cecile Frot-Coutaz stated that “We’re absolutely thrilled for Terry’s meteoric success following his victory on ‘America’s Got Talent’ less than a year ago. It is a true testament to his talent as an entertainer, and has really raised the bar for our upcoming third season.”

The long road from a young boy’s dream of becoming a great entertainer to being named America’s top talent wasn't an easy one, but Terry Fator has traveled it faithfully and finally arrived on top!

Fator was 6 years old when he discovered he had a knack for mimicking voices. He began by memorizing Bill Cosby comedy routines. “Friends would come over to the house and they would say ‘Do Cosby,’” he recalls. “It was something I was always able to do, and it would drive my parents, brother and sister crazy.”

When he was 10, he found a library book on ventriloquism and began learning how to throw his voice. He pursued a more conventional performing career in entertainment for 15 years, but in 2001 decided to follow his first ambition: mimicry and ventriloquism.

His career turned a corner in 2004, when his manager heard his Garth Brooks impression and asked if he could do the country star’s voice through his puppet.

Prior to his “America’s Got Talent” win, Fator shared the stage with Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Neal McCoy, Styx, and performed for some of the largest corporations in the United States including: General Motors, AT&T, Midas Muffler, etc.

Terry is currently writing his autobiography, WHO’S THE DUMMY NOW? which will be released later this year.

Terry Fator is truly living the American dream, and has the opportunity to do what he loves each night: entertain audiences of all ages with his wholesome blend of family entertainment and dazzle them with his amazing talent.