Terry Fator (b. 1965) is a ventriloquist, impressionist, and singer from Dallas, Texas. He was the winner of Season 2 of America's Got Talent.
Terry Fator has listed Jim Henson as his biggest hero - surpassing Edgar Bergen, Shari Lewis and his other great influences.
Fator's live shows often include a small Kermit puppet as part of the act. Fator would use his puppetry, ventriloquist and impressionist talents to bring the frog to life. Fator and "Kermit" would make jokes and sing "Rainbow Connection".[2]
During the week 7 round of performances on America's Got Talent, Factor performed "What a Wonderful World" with his puppet Winston the Impersonating Turtle. Winston sang while impersonating "the world's most famous amphibian" - Kermit the Frog.[3]
Fator was able to work with Kermit the Frog as part of the season finale of America's Got Talent. Fator commented on what it was like when he received the phone call from Kermit informing Fator of their duet saying:
Terry Fator performed "You've Got a Friend" with Kermit the Frog while ventriloquisting a puppet (Johnny Vegas) that impersonated James Taylor and sang the song. Kermit punctuated the number by bringing a chorus of Muppet chickens that joined in towards the end of the number. After the performance Fatctor was "judged" by a panel of judges made up of Animal, Beaker and The Swedish Chef. Miss Piggy sent via a personalized video message to Fator wishing luck in the contest.
Factor commented on the experience in a post-show interview:
Sources[]
- β Fator, Terry. Official MySpace Bio
- β Terry Fator Promo video
- β NBC.com video
- β Although Fator cites Sinatra as having performed with Kermit, there is no known direct connection between the singer and the Muppets.
- β NBC.com video