We had a great conversation with AGT Winner Terry Fator on The Chris & Sandy Show. We talked about so many things from God, family, planting seeds, entertainment, sacrifices, he told so many great stories to a whole lot more! This was one heck of a raw conversation! He’s truly living his dream!
Terry Fator’s long journey from the plains of Corsicana, Texas to the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip was not without its challenges. Certainly, he had some help along the way, thanks to the millions of fans who named him winner of the hit NBC series, America’s Got Talent. After two decades on the road performing at countless kids’ birthday parties, county fairs and oddball venues, Terry thought his lifelong dream of appearing on the Vegas stage might never come true. When he finally got the chance to audition for AGT in that show’s second season, Terry was determined to take advantage, and brought all his talents to bear in taking home the $1 million first prize and the title of “Best New Act in America.”
“It was the big break I had worked for my entire life,” Terry recalls. Shortly thereafter he began performing to sellout crowds at the Las Vegas Hilton, and by the following year he signed what has been described as “one of the largest entertainment deals in Las Vegas history,” the chance to headline his own show. Terry Fator: The VOICE of Entertainment, at The Mirage Hotel & Casino, ran for a record-breaking 11 years, earning Terry raves and numerous local awards including Las Vegas’s Best Show, Best Impressionist, Best All-Around Performer, Best Family Show and Best Overall Show.
Terry is among the world’s most gifted and accomplished ventriloquists, but his talents go far beyond that unique skill. He is a first-rate comedian as well as a world-class singer and mimic, able to perform in more than 200 unique celebrity voices. His vocal repertoire includes: Elton John, Garth Brooks, Karen Carpenter, Justin Timberlake, Elvis, Sammy Davis, Jr., David Bowie, Meghan Trainor and Bruno Mars. Onstage he brings to life a hilarious and diverse cast of puppet characters that includes: Winston the Impersonating Turtle; Maynard, the World’s Greatest Elvis Impersonator; Elton John; Vicki the Cougar; and Duggie, the annoying neighbor.
In March of 2021 Terry launched his latest show, Terry Fator: Who’s the Dummy Now? at New York-New York Hotel & Casino. “Needless to say, 2020 has been challenging for so many people. I was thrilled to be asked by my friends at MGM to be among the first performers to launch a new show while the town is recovering from the pandemic year. My favorite place on earth is on stage, and I’m wildly excited to help distract and entertain my fans each night at New York-New York.” The new show was recently voted Best Casino Show by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice in 2021.
Terry’s talents have been showcased in several other media as well. He has appeared on dozens of television shows, including the iconic Showtime at the Apollo (where he received a standing ovation). He produced and starred in three bestselling DVDs. And he wrote a frank and candid autobiography, Who’s the Dummy Now, that chronicles the early struggles that helped form the foundation for his later successes. Terry has a number of new projects in the works as well. “Sheltering in place last year afforded me the time and creative bandwidth I needed to begin to develop some ideas I’ve been playing around with for a while. I can’t wait to bring a few of them to market in coming months.”
While Las Vegas has become home for Terry and his wife, Angie, the couple spends a great deal of time on the road as well. His touring life has taken him to nearly every state in America over the past decade. “We’ve had such great experiences seeing this country and the world in this way. We fill our days with wonderful meals, tours and experiences. And at night I get the chance to sing and play onstage!” Terry and Angie’s favorite destination might be Walt Disney World in Orlando. “It’s where we go to recharge our batteries,” he says.
In addition to Terry’s creative endeavors, he contributes considerable time and resources to his charitable endeavors through the Terry Fator Foundation. While he has supported many causes over the years, his most passionate advocacy is reserved for America’s veterans. “Veterans hold a special place in my heart,” Terry notes. “I want to honor their service and sacrifice as often as I can.”
At his core, though, Terry is a performer. “I just always want to entertain. That’s it. I never had fans before and now that I do I just want to keep them smiling and laughing,” he notes. “I didn’t see success until I was in my 40s, and I’m determined to make up for all that lost time.”
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