Jeff Dunham interview for Philips Arena show December 28
Four years ago, Jeff Dunham was a working standup comic, headlining the Punchline with his cast of puppets. Then he nabbed a Comedy Central special that struck a chord. He released a DVD that sold millions. His audience grew exponentially larger.
YouTube came along and video of his dead terrorist Achmed character (”Silence! I keel you!”) in 2007 has since received a whopping 101 million page views:
Soon, he was doing 2,500 seat theaters, now 12,000-seat arenas. He even has his own Comedy Central show. It’s been quite a ride for a ventroliquist who struggled for years to break it big.
Now Dunham is so busy, his most valuable commodity – his voice – is being rationed. In fact, I couldn’t do a phone interview with him. The man’s too busy even for a live online chat. So I got an email interview. And even then, I was limited to four questions.
So this is it. It’s not nearly as interesting as a real interview would have been, but it’s the best I could get:
You were doing the Punchline (capacity: 250 people) four years ago. Now you’re doing Phillips Arena (12,000-plus).
When we first started doing these huge arenas, I was concerned that the intimacy of the 300 seat clubs that I had grown to know so well would be missing. On the contrary, the audiences stayed right with what I was doing… The only thing missing is being able to pick on some poor schmoe in the front row and everyone being able to see him.
Ventriloquism and puppetry have been bastardized and mocked for so many years. How did you get into it as a kid and did you endure a lot of abuse for what you did while growing up in Dallas?
I was just a little kid in the third grade and I got a plastic Mortimer Snerd dummy one year for Christmas. In the 60’s and 70’s there were a lot of those vinyl ventriloquism dummies – just about every toy store had one. Everyone close to my age that I’ve talked to, especially guys for some reason, tell me that they had one too but they said they never could do it. So many people come up to me and say that. It was just something that I thought was cool. I started doing book reports with it – I developed the skill. I easily got A’s on all my reports. It was just something that a little kid grasped on to – so I stuck with it.
What was the inspiration for Achmed? Did you realize he’d become such a big hit via YouTube?
I think folks really want to hear what a dead terrorist would say. And then when they realize this particular terrorist is a bumbling idiot with problems in life, they realize he’s human. We had no idea YouTube would take us worldwide.
Are you surprised some folks find your puppets (or at least what they say) offensive?
I heard a great comic say once that if you’re aren’t offending a couple of people here and there, you’re not pushing the envelope enough. I know there’s a fine line, but I feel that most folks have a good sense of humor and can take a joke.
I’m always very suspicious when folks are ‘offended’, because more often than not, the ‘offended’ are offended for someone else, and aren’t any part of the group being picked on.
IF YOU GO
Jeff Dunham Spark of Insanity Tour
December 28, 7:30 p.m.
Philips Arena
$51
Ticketmaster.com
accessAtlanta Partner Sites
Sections
Advertise on accessAtlanta.com »
Reach the audience you want by advertising on accessAtlanta.com
Join the Access Atlanta Network »
Advertisers and Publishers, expand your reach by joining the Access Atlanta Network.
Tell us what you think about the site
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement | About our ads
© 2011 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
38 comments Add your comment
Laverne
December 24th, 2009
8:50 am
If you pay $51.00 to see this YOU are insane. So lame my six year old won’t watch him.
Stanley Wasztrszewski
December 24th, 2009
9:21 am
Obviously Laverne and her family have no sense of humor – I saw Jeff Dunham years ago at a small venue in Atlantic City when he was first starting out and have been a fan since. Oh, Merry Christmas to Laverne and all the Scroogettes.
Achmed The Dead Terrorist
December 24th, 2009
9:46 am
Go to this show or I’ll send Walter to your house.
Peanut
December 24th, 2009
9:47 am
Neow!! Go to this show or I’ll send Walter and Achmed to your house.
GTSteve
December 24th, 2009
9:54 am
Jeff Dunham is a great talent and one of the funniest comedians ever….Laverne has issues
lmno
December 24th, 2009
10:19 am
I am constantly shocked at what the general public finds entertaining. Its obvious that I would make a terrible television man as I would have never guessed that people would be interested in seeing something like washed up B-level celebrities in a dancing competition. I would have guessed there would be no interest at all in glee clubs. In a million years I wouldn’t have put a show on television about the lives of spoiled millionaires. And I certainly would have thought that there would not be many who would be interested in a someone doing a tired puppet routine that was stale during Vaudeville’s height. But here he is and here is the general public liking it.
Ventriloquists, including Dunham, stick to a tired formula where they use their own voices as a straight man against their whacky characters. Its so tired and formulaic that one would imagine no one would be left to find it amusing, however, once again, here I am amazed by the general public’s acceptance of something.
Go figure.
Braves Are Done
December 24th, 2009
10:37 am
Yeah…I’ve got friends who totally love this guy…but I don’t really find him funny at all.
At least I have a sense of humor..
December 24th, 2009
10:39 am
So Imno…what exactly do you find entertaining? Not much would be my guess. What a sour life you must lead….
Patti Jo
December 24th, 2009
10:58 am
We are actually driving to see him in Birmingham, Alabama on Saturday and I can’t wait. The tickets were cheaper/closer seats.
uga vii
December 24th, 2009
11:10 am
Laverne Go get a life, everyone needs a little humor sometimes even though you look like a walter in his show.
Steve
December 24th, 2009
11:16 am
I first saw Jeff in Raleigh, NC in the early 1990’s. I’ve seen him 5 or 6 times over the years. One of my favorite parts of his act was listening to Walter answer questions submitted by the audience. I wonder if he’ll still do that now with larger venues.
Merry Christmas to all. Hope everyone that goes enjoys his show.
Dane Cook
December 24th, 2009
11:18 am
Between me and Dunham, we are the two most unfunny people on the planet. Now imagine me saying that with a lot of profanity and flailing about……Yeah…..Still not funny.
Jose Jalopeno on a Stick
December 24th, 2009
1:16 pm
Vote for Walter & Peanut in 2012. We can’t do any worse than that clown in the White House now!
ljljk
December 25th, 2009
8:15 am
agree with Dane on this one. I’ve watched portions of each’s Comedy Central specials and just don’t really get the appeal of either. They’re rolling in the money, though, so great for them. Wish it were me.
GA Peach
December 25th, 2009
7:37 pm
I bought my tickets in October as a Christmas gift for my family! I had a hard time keeping it a secret! Jeff has a TRUE Talent! Comedy doesn’t have to be filthy stories about sex, drugs or crime! It you don’t think he’s talented-you’re just jealous that you didn’t follow something you were passionate about and he did! It also pays his bills! Good for you Jeff Dunham! Can’t wait til Monday! Tracy luvs Peanut!
Chief Wiggum
December 26th, 2009
5:41 am
I think Jeff Dunham is very funny, but I don’t see paying $51 to see him in such a huge, impersonal space. And the thing about not being able to talk to him for an interview…sounds like fame might be going to Jeff’s head? As someone else said, I was watching him do his thing over 10 years ago, so I guess I’ll be called a “hater” since I think $51 is a ripoff, and playing in Philips is too big for his kind of show.
Sid
December 26th, 2009
7:47 pm
Jeff Dunham is the worst thing to happen to comedy since Dane Cook. SEE IT’S FUNNY THAT THE PUPPET IS A RACIST STEREOTYPE HAHAHAHAH
Sid
December 26th, 2009
10:37 pm
Is there going to be black people sitting behind me talking and kicking the back of the chairs all through the show like everywhere else I seem to go?
dre
December 26th, 2009
11:43 pm
Dane is correct, he is idiotic but not quite as idiotic as Dunham and the drunk Ron White. Who pays to see these lame acts? Amazing. Give me Regan any day.
dah Cliffstah
December 27th, 2009
11:11 am
Jeff is doing fine. Most of the folks here cant take a joke. Not everything is for everyone…..sad.
Charlie B
December 27th, 2009
12:20 pm
Dunham is great. He’s a humorously clever practitioner of the time honored comedic art of ventriloquism. His combines the perfect blend of nice-guy image with harmlessly nod-and-a-wink blue humor as well as humor that seems to test but not exceed the bounds of the politically incorrect. It’s a fine-line balancing act and I marvel at how well he walks it. While it may be argued that ventriloquism can often be lumped into the “novelty act” category (unfairly, in my view), it just goes to show that if you do a thing on such an exceptional scale you can transcend your own medium. So I never would’ve imagined we’d see such popularity for a ventriloquist, I feel Dunham deserves every bit of it. I hope he has a successful and sold-out tour. Of course, if you can’t afford the ticket prices to his live events, don’t feel too badly…he appears on TV these days with great frequency and the only thing you miss is the buzz of being at a live event (but you also skip the expense, crowds and hassle).
Something else that impresses me is how he keeps coming out with so much fresh material. He is a talented guy who gives a new-school twist to an old-school stage art, and I personally think he does it better than anyone ever has (not that there’ve been that many in the past few years). Hmmm, wonder if he’ll spark a resurgence in ventriloquism? Wouldn’t be surprised…
JD
December 28th, 2009
9:12 am
Come on people. It’s comedy. The way things are in this country and around the world we need laughter and smiles in our lives and on our faces. I don’t think for one moment that Jeff has any hatred for anyone. Let’s face it, comedy has always been about going as close to the wall without going through it. Sometimes people are offended and sometimes not. It’s comedy. He doesn’t poke fun at just one group of people. After so many long days at work during the week, I can actually go home and watch Jeff, laugh and wind down. Bubba J is the MAN. I worked with a guy just like Walter until he retired. Keep up the good work and keep the laughs coming Jeff. Way to go man.
Shaniqua
December 28th, 2009
9:37 am
This guy creeps me out. Those talkin puppets aint right. What he do, make a pact with the devil???? That’s some voodoo stuff going on so I suggest stay away and save your soul.
David in Snellville
December 28th, 2009
12:55 pm
To “Imno” — I suspect that, as a child, you learned the word “formulaic” and have tried to use that word at least once a day ever since. I feel you built your entire comment around that single word just so you could slip it in. Additionally, what kind of name is Imno? It may be the kind of name issued by parents who would also teach their kid the word “formulaic.” Ha Ha Ha
I personally feel Jeff Dunham is a very talented performer and brings a lot of smiles to the faces in his audiences.
Chris
December 28th, 2009
12:56 pm
Dunham rocks…I’m going tonight to see him with the wife….I hope the shows are as good as the dvd’s…would be nice if he signed autographs or took pics but if he would not even do an interview in person I guess the chances are slim to none…..still look forward to the show.
war eagle
December 28th, 2009
1:13 pm
The TV show is not the same as the arena shows. the arena shows are much more funnier. The TV shows are tamed/toned down. Not sure about the timing-being so close after Xmas. Wish they had $30’s seats available.
DW
December 28th, 2009
1:45 pm
Going tonight. Going with friends. $51 is a little much – for ANY act – but it will be fun I’m sure. For those who dont get it – There might be an ‘I Love Lucy’ marathon on TBS that you can enjoy.
Come on – Laugh a little.
Johnny
December 28th, 2009
9:18 pm
“I Love Lucy”? Really? I would think I Love Lucy is right up Dunham’s alley. I think you’re going the wrong the way there buddy. I like my humor more edgy. Howard Stern, Lisa Lampanelli, and the late Sam Kinison to name a few. I think the biggest Dunham complaint is he’s too soft, that’s why you find so many people who thinks he sucks. It’s cool though, stick to your family comedians. I don’t want your ears to bleed.
Missy
December 29th, 2009
4:12 am
I was at the show in Atlanta tonight, I thought it was great. I didn’t think the larger venue lost the intimacy, but I have to say we were sitting pretty close to the stage. I have always thought Jeff Dunham was funny. I remember the first time I saw him on Johnny Carson, he was original then and still is. I know $50 or so dollars sounds high, but have you gone to a concert lately? That is cheap compared to those prices. Johnny, I was a fan of Sam Kinison, from the first yell to the last. Just 2 different types of humor. I personally wouldn’t take a young child to see Jeff Dunham live either, I would not consider his live shows “family” entertainment, he does not do all the same routines as seen on TV. Anyhow, if you like him, keep watching him, if not, change the channel or don’t buy a ticket for a live show. It doesn’t sound like any of the people with negative comments have ever ventured to a live show. And if we all liked the same things or had the same opinions, it would be a pretty dull world.
Comedy Fan
December 29th, 2009
1:03 pm
His comedy central show is not all that great. He is better as a stand up act in a 200-300 seat comedy club. Big arenas won’t give his act the respect it deserves. Its great because he is finally out there and getting noticed. Remember seeing him for the first time on Johnny Carson, that’s right…….Johnny Carson! The he showed up on the improv shows and his act is still funny to this day. Jose Jalepeno and Walter are his funniest acts.
On another subject, I feel for Laverne and Imno. It must be sad getting up every morning knowing you don’t have a sense of humor or thinking that those who do are idiots. What a sad sad life.
Comedy Fan
December 29th, 2009
1:09 pm
Sam Kinison, now there was a funny man, god rest his soul. That man had me rolling everytime. Another edgy guy people often overlook is Buddy Hacket. Man was clean in his movies, but you get him on stage all bets were off. I still remember his first HBO special. I was nearly crying by the end of it because it was so funny.
Fan
December 29th, 2009
6:12 pm
At the show last night…good fun. Jeff Dunham pokes fun at everyone and is not politically correct. Too many people walk around afraid to do or say anything that will outrage someone somewhere. But hey, this is America and we don’t have to agree.
Jeff FA FA fan
December 29th, 2009
6:15 pm
My husband bought the tickets for us as a christmas gift. OMG I laughed so hard. I was at the show last night. I had a blast. If people don’t like Jeff and what he does, that is their loss. I am glad someone is bringing back ventriloquism. It is fun to watch. Keep up the good job Jeff Fuh Fuh
kelly
December 30th, 2009
8:37 am
He’s in Greenville SC tonight..Tickets are 44.50..My son loves to watch him on TV..But he will not be able to go tonight because no remote to block out some of the words that will be used..can’t wait.
SC Jacket
December 30th, 2009
9:02 am
I have nothing against the guy and have only seen one of his specials, but his show is terrible. I’m sure his live stuff is way better, but I’m not surprised at all that his show is being cancelled. Free the spot up for something that actually makes me laugh.
Julia
December 30th, 2009
11:10 am
We have been watching Jeff Dunham for several years now and I have always said that if he comes close enough to drive to see him – hands down we will go. This is going to be a great Birthday present for my husband and a great night out for us and my sister and brother-in-law to have some much needed good laughs!
mary
December 30th, 2009
1:43 pm
i wish i could get a ticket close to home being fredericksburg i would really love to see jeff and all his other “buddies”
f-man
December 31st, 2009
4:03 am
I liked his standup, but The Jeff Dunham Show is one of the worst things I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I’m absolutely shocked that someone would “okay” that project. The Muppets were able to work in primetime because Henson created a convincing world where they could exist. Dunham’s world makes no sense. It’s like they’re trying to go the “Ali G” route by trying to trick real people that these encounters are real…but since the characters are puppets it doesn’t work. I’m not one that gets offended easily, but I do agree that his humor has become lazier over the years since he’s been basically embracing any stereotype that he can find. Just my two cents.