Mark Merchant

Complete satisfaction and appreciation for the effort in my show.

When Mark Merchant was eight in Atlanta, Georgia, his parents were concerned with his tendency to talk to himself and had him examined for multiple personality disorder. However that same talking to himself, without moving his lips, has taken him around the world, paid for his home, and introduced Mark to his wife of 22 years.
A chance meeting with ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson, of the Nestl’s commercials(Chocolate!) in the 60’s started Mark. Nelson’s record of ventriloquism instructions featuring Danny O’Day and Farfel led to the development of Mark’s vocal and superb technical skill.
In high school Mark was known to call himself out of class by using his voice tossing ability. Devoid of athletic ability, the penchant for making others laugh was a ticket to fun and girlfriends, not always in that order.
At University of Georgia School of Journalism, Mark wrote for the school newspaper. His instructors frowned on his tendency to make up the news. It hastened his descent into fantasy and jobs at Atlanta radio stations where fact checking was not as important as humor. Mark graduated from Georgia a full six years into a difficult four-year program. While achieving his BA in Broadcast Journalism, he also attained a degree from Clayton College in Dental Hygiene. He loved the nitrous oxide, but the fun was making them talk while their mouths were full of dental tools.
Mark’s first gig as a ventriloquist was on a USO tour for American service personnel at bases all over Europe. A 33-year career in comedy has traversed from cruises to casinos and corporate events. Atlantic City Magazine awarded him “Best Variety Act” for his performance. Mark’s time on stage features material fresh as the news headlines and political humor with something for all. Never partisan, he entertained for leaders as varied as Pres Jimmy Carter and Governor Sarah Palin. Valley Magazine reviewed Mark’s act, “Clever, edgy and so funny we were wiping the tears from our eyes with cocktail napkins.”
The Reno-Gazette commented, “This is politically incorrect and makes fun of its own political incorrectness by pointing out the ridiculous nature of that term. He and his friends are a talented and good humored team!”
When not entertaining on cruises or corporate events with Zelda, Alonzo, Wing Tip Shu.,Mark enjoys time at home in Stone Mountain, Georgia with his lovely wife Cindy and their ten year old girl, Nixie, who has four legs and lots of fur and loves her Michael Vick chew toy.
Mark Merchant's show is custom tailored to the individual audience with names of prominent audience members woven into the routine in a clever and funny way.

All my act requires is a functioning sound system with built in CD player.