This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with comedy ventriloquist Patrick Murray.
Comedy ventriloquist Patrick Murray and his partner, Matilda, perform daily at the D Las Vegas.
Murray's family was a little taken aback when he told them he wanted to be a ventriloquist when he grew up. Especially since when he told them he was 23 years old. Up until that time, although he was a clever mimic and full of funny voices, he made his living unloading freight trains. After teaching himself ventriloquism from Izzy Rizzy's Home Study Course, a $4 booklet from Izzy Rizzy's House of Tricks and School of Ventriloquism on Chicago's South Side, Murray decided to stop throwing freight and start throwing voices.
His newfound talents landed him in top nightclubs where he honed his craft and sense of humor. After a few successful years Murray decided to see the world and started tours that covered the entire US, Caribbean, South America, Australia, Europe and Asia.
His greatest successes came after introducing Jamaican Comedy Diva, Matilda into his act. Matilda was born into a talented family. Her father Winston is a world-class Limbo Dancer, who always taught her the importance of raising the bar. Her mother Camille is listed in The Guinness Book of Records as the world's fastest basket weaver and hair braider. Brother Clive an airline pilot with Air Jamaica, although he was never able to overcome his fear of heights, he gets by pretending a DC 10 is nothing more than a Buick with wings. This character was developed at the encouragement of West Indian friends and co-workers who thought that Murray’s talent for the West Indian accent and sense of humor warranted a character that highlighted the islands. She was an instant hit and a beloved character.