David Strassman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids David Strassman |
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Strassman with Chuck Wood
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| Born | September 6, 1957 Los Angeles County, California, U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Genres | Ventriloquism |
| Spouse | Lisa McLaughlin (ex) |
David Strassman (born September 6, 1957) is a famous American ventriloquist, comedian, and actor. He is well-known for his amazing puppet characters. His most popular puppets are Chuck Wood and Ted E. Bare. Strassman makes his puppets seem like they are truly alive!
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David Strassman's Early Life
David Strassman was born in Los Angeles County, California, on September 6, 1957. He was the second of four children. When he was young, a trip to Disneyland inspired him. He asked his dad to buy him magic tricks. David loved performing these tricks for kids in his neighborhood.
Later, in junior high school, David took a ventriloquism class. This class was taught by Steve Hart, a children's TV host. David quickly found out he was very good at ventriloquism. He could even earn money from his performances!
Strassman's Comedy Career
David Strassman studied acting in New York City. But he soon went back to ventriloquism. He started performing in public places. You might have seen him busking in Central Park in New York. He also performed in London and briefly in Paris.
Strassman performed in many comedy clubs in New York. In 1980, he even appeared in a horror movie. It was called Humanoids from the Deep. His main puppet, Chuck Wood, was with him in the film.
Remote Control Puppets
In 1986, Strassman made his puppets even more amazing. He added remote controls to Chuck Wood. He used parts from his hobby of flying remote control airplanes. This allowed him to control Chuck Wood from off-stage.
This meant Chuck Wood could seem to come alive on his own! Strassman would argue with Chuck Wood and leave the stage. Then, Chuck would appear to talk by himself. Strassman would be speaking into a hidden microphone. He first showed this cool trick on TV in 1989.
International Performances
David Strassman has performed all over the world. In 1996, he performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. He won two special awards there for his comedy. Strassman still performs often in Australia, New Zealand, and Britain.
He also had his own TV talk show called "Strassman." On this show, his puppet Chuck Wood would interview famous people. This show was made in Australia, England, and New Zealand.
Strassman's DVD Shows
Strassman has released many popular DVD shows. These include:
- Strassman Live (1999)
- The Chuck You Tour (2003)
- Get Chuck'd Tour (2007)
- Ted E's Farewell (2010)
- Careful What You Wish For (2014)
- iTedE (2018)
"Duality" Play
In 2010, Strassman performed in a play called "Duality." He wrote and directed this play with Steve Altman. In "Duality," Strassman plays a ventriloquist named Jack. Jack talks to himself through his puppet, Zack. The play explores how Jack interacts with his puppet. Sometimes he controls it by hand, and sometimes with wireless robotics.
Visiting Children's Hospitals
While on tour, David Strassman often visits children's hospitals. He brings his puppet characters to cheer up the kids. He has visited hospitals in places like Wellington and Melbourne.
Strassman's Puppet Characters
David Strassman has created many memorable puppet characters. Here are some of his most famous ones:
- Chuck Wood - This puppet looks like he's from the 1950s. Chuck Wood is known for telling funny jokes and teasing other characters. He can also be controlled remotely, making him seem to move on his own.
- Ted E. Bare - Ted E. Bare is a soft Teddy bear puppet. He is very innocent and curious. Chuck Wood often plays jokes on him.
- Sid Beaverman - Sid is a beaver puppet who wants to be a stand-up comedian.
- Kevin - Kevin is an alien puppet made of foam. He is controlled by Strassman's hand.
- Grandpa Fred - This puppet is Ted E. Bare's grandfather. He sometimes forgets things.
- A.N.G.E.L - A.N.G.E.L is Strassman's first female puppet. She is a robot android. Strassman uses a special device to make his voice sound like hers.
- Little Ricky - Little Ricky is a baby puppet. He is very sweet to Strassman.
- The Dinosaurs - These are robotic dinosaur puppets. They sing pre-recorded songs.
- Vinny - Vinny is a character based on an old story about a king who loved gold too much.
Television Appearances
David Strassman and his puppets have appeared on many TV shows, including:
- Lifestyles with Regis Philbin
- Evening at the Improv
- Strassman (England ITV)
- BBC Royal Variety Show
- The Late Late Show (Ireland)
- Strassman (Australia)
- Good Morning Australia (Australia Ch. 10)
- Hey Hey It's Saturday (Australia Ch. 9)
- Today Tonight (Australia Ch. 7)
- Strassman (New Zealand TV2)
Images for kids
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Strassman with Chuck Wood
