Las Vegas Weekly

May 27, 2009 · 7 AM

Exclusive: Best Impressionist winner Terry Fator is at work on a TV special

By Robin Leach

Terry Fator and his puppet pals.

Photo: Kagan PR

Negotiations are being finalized for Terry Fator to host a new TV show direct from his theater at The Mirage. Vegas DeLuxe has learned exclusively that discussions have centered on a one-hour special to “test the waters with the concept” and to “gauge ratings response.” If all goes well, it will be rolled out as a weekly series for next year.

Terry, who was the first $1million winner of NBC’s America’s Got Talent in the series’ second season, has been selling out his “Cast of Thousands” night after night at The Mirage with his celebrity singing impressions and ventriloquism. Our colleagues -- and readers -- at Las Vegas Weekly just named him Best Impressionist for the first time.

Terry Fator with Mike Love of The Beach Boys.

Terry, who hosted Mike Love of The Beach Boys at a Memorial Day holiday weekend show, is rumored to be working with legendary TV producer Dick Clark’s company on a new and updated format tipping its hat to the old Ed Sullivan shows. His dolls, which have become fan favorites, also would act as show hosts.

“I’m absolutely loving Las Vegas and living here,” Terry told me. “I couldn’t be happier about how everything is going here. The crowds are fabulous and all having fun, and we keep on introducing new pieces to the show, so it’s always fresh.”

Click HERE for our recent in-depth interview with Terry, and here’s the YouTube video of his big win on America’s Got Talent:

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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