Recognized as one of the world’s great ventriloquists, Jim Barber has been honored as the “International Ventriloquist of the Year,” “Comedy Entertainer of the Year,” by the National Association of Campus Activities and Showtime, the Movie Channel named him one of the “Funniest People in America” (Tennessee Representative) for his technical vocal skills and creative approach to the art of ventriloquism.
Jim was first introduced to Branson as the featured comedian in the stage version of Glen Campbell‘s Goodtime Show . Since then, he went on to be featured in other successful Branson productions with The Osmonds, Tony Orlando, Kirby VanBurch, Bobby Vinton and the late Eddie Rabbitt. He served as a national co-host for the Jerry Lewis “Stars Across America” Labor Day Telethon, has appeared on every major television network. Most recently, Jim’s act was featured on the “Late Show with David Letterman.”
Jim has performed for hundreds of national corporate events and his participation in USO shows have taken him around the world entertaining our troops.
Beyond his reputation as an area performer, Jim also combines his creativity with computers as co-owner of Image Works, Inc., a video production, graphic design and publishing company. Jim has extensive training and experience in multimedia and has personally developed projects for Silver Dollar City, Big Cedar Lodge, Glen Campbell, Jimmy Osmond, Yakov Smirnoff, Pierce Arrow, Paul Harris, Roy Rogers – Dale Evans Attraction, the Hamner Barber Theater and many other businesses in the Branson area and around the country.
Jim proudly serves on the Board of Directors for the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Mountain Country Homes of Hope, and the Branson League of Theatre Owners & Show Producers. He also is a member of the Board of Advisors for Vent Haven Ventriloquist Museum.
Jim and his ventriloquist characters have appeared on television as product spokes”puppets” for many companies including Phillips Petroleum, Shakey’s Pizza, Akers & Arney Insurance and most recently DirectBuy.
Jim’s wife Diane has an extensive musical theater background and performs in the show’s holiday production, “The Wings of Christmas” during November and December.
Jim Barber’s Branson Show History
- Hamner Barber Variety Show (2004 – current)
- Jimmy Osmond’s American Jukebox Show (2002 – 2003)
- Country Tonite (fill in dates – 2001)
- Pierce Arrow Show (fill in dates – 2001)
- Flashback – Osmond Family Theater (2000)
- Tony Orlando Show – Osmond Family Theater (2000)
- Osmond Brothers Show – Osmond Family Theater (2000)
- Kirby VanBurch Show (1999)
- Famous People Players – Goodtime Theater ( 1995)
- Eddie Rabbitt Show – Goodtime Theater (1995)
- Glen Campbell Goodtime Show – Goodtime Theater (1994 – 1996)
Awards & Honors
- International “Ventriloquist of the Year” IMS Merlin Award (2006)
- “Must See Show of the Year” - BransonCritic.com (2005)
- “Ventriloquist of the Year” – Vent Haven International Convention (1994)
- Comedy Entertainer of the Year – National Association of Campus Activities (1989)
- “Funniest Person In America – Tennessee Representative” – Showtime The Movie Channel (1985)
- 1st Place – Pepsi’s Mid-South Laff-Off – Nashville (1984)
- 1st Place – Senior Ventriloquist Contest – Vent Haven International Convention (1984)
