Jeff Dunham was born on April 18, 1962, in Dallas, Texas, and was adopted at three months old by Howard and Joyce Dunham. His father worked as a real estate appraiser, while his mother was a stay-at-home parent. Dunham’s passion for ventriloquism began at age eight when he received a dummy for Christmas. Inspired by legends like Edgar Bergen and Paul Winchell, he practiced tirelessly. He later attended Baylor University, majoring in communications, while performing at events and talent shows.