Today we continue the Ask The Legends series, where I asked my friends, Jimmy Nelson, Jay Johnson and David Strassman to answer five questions. If you didn’t see question one, I recommend you start there by clicking this link: Ask The Pros – Part One.
Today’s Question:
“What is your favorite ventriloquist figure of all time and why?”
Jimmy Nelson:
I have to say, modestly, that my character, Danny O’Day, is my favorite! I can say that because I didn’t carve him. He was made by the master figure maker, Frank Marshall, and it is one of his best works. It is a handsome, childlike face with an impish look. He has served me well over the years and I can’t imagine working with any other main figure. I have admired others, but Danny is my favorite!
Jay Johnson:
Visually I think that Charlie McCarthy is one of the most beautifully elegant figures of all time. However, Danny O’Day is the personality I like the best. Danny has a Chicago street quality that I adore. For me my favorite ventriloquist figure would always be the one that expresses the most character no matter what the physical appearance. Jay Marshall’s Lefty is a good example of a simple puppet with incredible character.
David Strassman:
I think Charlie McCarthy’s character and attitude gave me the perfect template for Father/son, antagonist/protagonist relationship that I use to this day.
Who is your favorite ventriloquist figure of all time and why? Let us know in the comment section below!
