Terry Fator

By Sam Morris · March 15, 2009 · 9:37 p.m.

The USAF Thunderbirds flyover above the Strip with 2012 Miss America Laura Kaeppeler for the 2013 Miss America Pageant on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013.

2013 Miss America photos: Terry Fator, Fashion Show, Buca di Beppo and Thunderbirds: Monday, January 7, 2013; By Robin Leach; For the first time, the USAF Thunderbirds will roar over the Strip, and for 2013 Miss America Pageant TV producer Tony Eaton, it will be ...

We know you're dying to know what Terry Fator's new puppet is.

20 questions with a ... puppet!?: Friday, March 12, 2010; By Sarah Feldberg; In honor of his first anniversary at the Mirage, Terry Fator will unveil a new “cast” puppet at his show Saturday. We couldn’t wait, so we tried to pry it out of him. The puppet, that is.

Terry Fator performs during his opening night in March at The Mirage.

Terry Fator accuses ex manager of breach of contract, fraud: courts:; Thursday, December 17, 2009; By Steve Green; Mirage hotel-casino entertainer Terry Fator is engaged in litigation with his former manager -- apparently after their business and personal relationships soured. Fator is an impressionist and singer who performs with puppets and a band in "Terry Fator & His Cast of Thousands."

20 years later, Madame puppet hasn’t lost her outrageous edge

20 years later, Madame puppet hasn’t lost her outrageous edge: VENTRILOQUISM:; Wednesday, October 28, 2009; By Jerry Fink; Sex-crazed puppet Madame returns to Las Vegas for a one-night stand.

Ventriloquist Terry Fator to appear on 'America's Got Talent': Las Vegas headliner makes return to TV show that gave him his breakthrough; Monday, August 3, 2009; By Melissa Arseniuk; Las Vegas headliner Terry Fator will return to his small-screen alma mater this week.

The Commodores make a surprise guest appearance as puppeteer-impressionist Terry Fator performs during his opening night Saturday at The Mirage.

Terry Fator leaves mixed impressions on opening night: REVIEW: Amid the puppets and takeoffs on famous singers, some humor falls; Monday, March 16, 2009; By Joe Brown; Newton’s third law of motion can be applied to entertainment on the Las Vegas Strip: While some venues seem to be veering toward boardwalk-style sideshow shockeroos — soon to open are “Freaks” at O’Sheas, “Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood and “Monster Circus” at the Hilton — there’s an equal and opposite reaction favoring the family-friendly and familiar.

Among the many puppet personalities who accompany Mirage headliner Terry Fator, ventriloquist and winner of "America's Got Talent," is Winston the Impersonating Turtle.

Terry Fator: Fans keep ventriloquist focused: Q+A::; Tuesday, March 3, 2009; By Jerry Fink; Terry Fator’s dressing room still has the scent of newness -- freshly cut wooden shelves, fresh paint and new furniture, carpeting and big screen TV.

‘Mutant’ bluegrass set to reappear on Vegas scene: Band will have new faces, same sound at House of Blues; Friday, April 4, 2008; By Jerry Fink; The Pickadillos are a local “newgrass” group that calls its music “mutant bluegrass that rocks.” Almost everyone who heard the group was impressed with the vitality of the music, whether a bluegrass fan or not. Ventriloquist, singer, comedian and impressionist Terry Fator bucks the trend of adult entertainment in Las Vegas with his family-friendly show.

From state fairs to stardom: Wednesday, December 12, 2007; By Jerry Fink; Terry Fator swelters in the midsummer sun, nothing more than a novelty act at a state fair, part of the entertainment and the rides on the midway - the two-headed snakes, the award-winning recipes for apple pie, and Future Farmers of America exhibits. He's a ventriloquist who not only seems to throw his voice but does it while singing impressions.

LOOKING IN ON: ENTERTAINMENT: Friday, November 9, 2007; By Jerry Fink; Entertainer Terry Fator had concluded he was never going to be rich and famous.

Hyperactive performer's life on stage is a snap: Friday, October 12, 2007; By Jerry Fink; Who: Ventriloquest/impressionist Terry Fator with special guest Bobby Badfingers

Terry Fator

Occupation: Ventriloquist, singer, comedian and celebrity impressionist
Vocal range: Countertenor-bass
Years performing:1975 to present
Venue: The Mirage hotel and casino.
Official Web page: www.terryfator.com
Birthday: June 10, 1965, Mesquite, Texas
Early life: Began reading how to be a ventriloquist during the fifth grade and he grew up entertaining family and friends.
Early career: Was the lead singer in a show band at age 20, then began incorporating impressions and ventriloquism into his act, which he took to state fairs.
Breakthrough: After performing in relative obscurity for most of his career, in August 2007 he won the $1 million prize on season two of TV's "America's Got Talent," making him an overnight national sensation and helping him land a $1.5 million six-month deal with the Las Vegas Hilton.
Current status: He has signed a multimillion-dollar contract as the headliner for the Mirage hotel and casino.
Tickets: Vegas.com.

The Kats Report

Terry Fator (as Terry Fator) speaks of Caliendo, too much Cirque and personal life

Terry Fator performs during the "Las Vegas Celebrates the Music of Michael Jackson" concert in The Pearl at the Palms on Saturday.

Updated September 3, 2009 (9:43 a.m.) 10

Of Cirque du Soleil, Mirage headliner Terry Fator says, "Let's quit bringing in more shows where there are 157 people flipping and dangling from ropes."

Robin Leach's Las Vegas Celebrity Watch

Terry Fator gets by with a little help from his friends

Mirage singing ventriloquist headliner Terry Fator and Duggie.

Updated August 5, 2009 (10:26 a.m.)

As the first ventriloquist to ever sign a long-term deal in Las Vegas, I was so honored to have the opportunity to write a guest column for Robin Leach.

Robin Leach's Las Vegas Celebrity Watch

Best Impressionist winner Terry Fator is at work on a TV special

Updated May 27, 2009 (2:22 p.m.)

Vegas DeLuxe has learned that discussions have centered on a one-hour special from The Mirage theater to “test the waters with the concept” and to “gauge ratings response."

Robin Leach's Las Vegas Celebrity Watch

Terry Fator impresses The King of Queens Kevin James

The King of Queens comedy actor Kevin James and Terry Fator.

Updated April 23, 2009 (3:59 p.m.)

The sitcom star thanks the America's Got Talent winner and tells his audience to go see The Mirage headliner and his cast of thousands.

Robin Leach's Las Vegas Celebrity Watch

Terry meets Jerry: ‘It was the thrill of a lifetime’

Terry Fator performs during his opening night in March 2009 at The Mirage.

Updated March 30, 2009 (11:05 a.m.)

A 25-year-plus dream came true last night for new Mirage superstar Terry Fator when comedy king Jerry Lewis visited backstage, and Jerry hugged Terry, telling him, “You are a genius!”