Local Boy Wins Ventriloquist Competition

An 11-year old Dekalb County boy won the junior category at the 2024 International Ventriloquist Convention.

Jaxon Murphy took his two puppets, Egor and Dwayne, to the annual event in Cincinnati. Murphy said he has been into playing with puppets all of his life.

“I really saw my papa do it when I was younger and I’ve done it ever since,” Murphy said. “I enjoy making different voices and making people laugh.”

Murphy took the Junior Open Mic competition. His grandfather David Turner, a fellow ventriloquist, said Murphy’s talents captured the judges attention, some calling him the next Jeff Dunham.

“I think he’s got a lot of talent and it’s natural but really I think anybody can do it if they just practice,” Turner said. “But Jaxson has always had an interest in it.”

Murphy said he has been contacted about show bookings. Murphy said he was excited to win the award after practicing his skit extensively.

“It really depends on how long you want it to be,” Murphy said. “Mine was six minutes long and I practiced it for three to four months. It feels good because my hard work paid off.”

Murphy said he hopes to someday make a career out of his love for puppets.

“I would tell him to keep on practicing,” Turner said. “Keep it clean I think that’s one thing I hope he does that, if he keeps everything clean he can perform for children and adults anywhere he goes. I’m hoping he just brings laughter and happiness whenever he does it.”