What drives a person to become a professional ventriloquist? To understand superstar voice thrower Jeff Dunham, it helps to know his habits, his tastes and his consumer choices. He owns a 1988 Yugo, for example. The make is considered one of the worst cars ever produced, but Dunham recognizes its value both to auto history and his collection. He’s not about to let car culture fully cancel the Yugoslavia’s “good value” export.
Dunham has never been one to alter his point of view in acquiescence to cultural currents. The title of his Still Not Canceled Tour is a nod to his commitment to sticking to his guns. If anyone is offended that he speaks through a cast of characters that includes an anthropomorphic jalapeño, a deceased foreign national and President Biden, he can cope. Words may come out of their mouths that draw criticism or public ire, but Dunham is fully supportive of his inner circle.
His main commitment is to the fan base he’s built over decades that has enabled him to become one of the most successful contemporary touring comedians. His most recent payback is Comedy Central special Me the People, which had its broadcast debut a month before the December launch of his North American tour leg.
To be clear, it’s not actually Dunham speaking through an effigy of the POTUS. It’s his right-hand man Walter, who already had a resemblance to the 46th president and reluctantly takes on the role. Walter previously worked up an impression of the 45th president, and at one point played both politicians simultaneously in a debate. He may be a curmudgeon, but when he commits, it’s difficult to discern mannequin from man.
It’s Dunham who gets the fame, the fortune, the star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Dunham gets credit for breaking records for ticket sales, which made him financially comfortable enough to invest in a Yugo. He’s been consistent, but he hasn’t oversaturated himself. He has political beliefs that inform his comedy, but he’s not hostile or transgressive.
Walter may seem hostile at times, but he’s just cranky from international travel. Endearing Peanut enjoys seeing the world on tour and brings a softer energy to the stage. Bubba J, a survivor of tornado-prone trailer parks, brings a NASCAR vibe. And what more can be said about José Jalapeño on a Stick and Achmed the Dead Terrorist that their names don’t imply?
Dunham weathered allegations of political incorrectness early in his career, long before the rise of cancel culture. By the time social media democratized criticism, he had built an audience to whom his characters had become familiar faces and somewhat iconic. Dunham’s easygoing manner and congenial personality offset the occasional incendiary sentences that come out of Achmed’s mouth or insensitive remarks by Walter that could offend the easily offendable.
He must have learned where to draw the line at some point, and when to let his handheld buddies cross it.
Planet Hollywood Resort, 8 p.m. Sept. 3, starting at $58.85 plus tax and fee. ticketmaster.com
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