Terry Fator Net Worth

Net Worth	$ 160,000,000
Real name	Terry Fator
Source of Wealth	Shows
Profession	Ventriloquist, Stand-up comedian, Singer
Date of Birth	Jun 10, 1956
Zodiac	Gemini
Age	66
Height	178 cm / 5 ft 10 inch
Nationality	American

Summary

Terry Fator is an American ventriloquist, stand-up comedian, and talented singer who rose to fame after winning the second season of America’s Got Talent.^[1]

Fator started practicing ventriloquism and singing as a child, eventually perfecting them and becoming a versatile artist who combined singing, comedy, and puppetry in his work.

Terry Fator’s net worth is estimated at $160 million.

An Accidental Discovery that Led to a Successful Career Pat

Terry Fator was born in Dallas, Texas, on June 10, 1956.

When Fator was in fifth grade, he came across a book titled "Ventriloquism for Fun and Profit" by Paul Winchell, which captivated and motivated him to start practicing the “illusion of speaking from a distance.”

When he was ten, Fator purchased his first dummy and entertained his family and friends, advancing his talent further and developing a strong skill for impersonating singers and actors.

Noticing his gift, his mother spent her three-year-old savings and purchased Fator his first puppet when he was eighteen.

Fator stated that learning to sing as a ventriloquist resulted from driving in the car and avoiding moving his lips while singing since he didn’t want to look goofy like the other people singing in their cars.^[2]

Singing in a band and starting a career as a professional ventriquolist

In 1987, Fator became the band "Freedom Jam" leading singer, performing in 200 high schools and middle schools in USA and Canada.

He continued his singing career, and in mid-1988, he became the leading singer of the band “Texas the Band.” The crew managed to attract the interest of a major record label but dropped the plans after Fator was asked to sing in his authentic voice. While part of “Texas the Band,” the artist started incorporating his puppet Walter T. Airedale.

After leaving the band, Fator started pursuing his dream career; however, the path was full of challenges and disappointments for the artist.

During one of his shows, only one person appeared in the theater, intended for a thousand.

Fator also suffered heat stroke while performing on stage during hot afternoons, causing him to almost give up on his work. However, his family kept motivating him, and eventually, Fator started incorporating comedy and the impressions of famous singers in his shows, earning him the attention he deserved.^[3]

Winning America’s Got Talent

2007 was the year when Fator entered the world-famous show America’s Got Talent and got his big break.

Fator stated that a fellow ventriloquist that earned his place in David Letterman’s show after three episodes motivated him to enter the show. The thought of winning the show would never cross his mind.

He also stated that he had to turn down David Latterman fourteen times to be a guest on his show because his schedule was packed.

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Career growth after winning the show

After winning the show, Fator’s shows were sold out and packed. He performed in Las Vegas Hilton and signed a 1.7 million dollar contract to perform three shows monthly from January 2008 to May 2008.

Fator was also featured on Oprah Winfrey Show alongside Simon Cowell, who referred to Fator as one of the two most talented people on the planet.^[4]

The same year Fator’s amazing popularity brought him a five-year, 100 million-dollar contract with the famous Las Vegas casino resort The Mirage. In addition, the theater where he performed was renamed Terry Fator Theatre.

He also published his book “Who is the Dummy Now?” and made several appearances on America’s Got Talent during the span of several years.^[5]

In 2013, Fator also voiced a character on Disney’s Mickey Mouse show.

After an 11-year run, Fator's residency at the Mirage in Las Vegas ended in 2020.

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Fator's Philanthropic Efforts

Fator has been actively involved in various charitable events and fundraisers.

He has performed benefit shows to raise funds for sports complexes, arts councils, and drama clubs.

Fator has also appeared at the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, sang at auctions for charity, and donated proceeds from his original song "Horses in Heaven" to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

In Conclusion

Terry Fator is an American ventriloquist, comedian, and singer born on June 10, 1965, in Dallas, Texas.

He rose to fame after winning the world-famous show America’s Got Talent, thanks to his versatile and unique flair.

His net worth is estimated at $160 million.

References