Johnny (Señor Wences)

Johnny is a character created by drawing a face directly onto Spanish ventriloquist Señor Wences's closed fist, usually using lipstick, with a wig placed on top for hair. Wences would engage Johnny in rapid-fire, witty banter where Johnny spoke in a high-pitched voice. The minimalist act became wildly famous in the United States through frequent appearances on *The Ed Sullivan Show* in the 1950s and 60s.

Yes, another of his most famous characters was Pedro, a head in a box who spoke with a low, gruff voice and was routinely threatened with being shipped to Sicily. Wences also performed with traditional ventriloquist dummies, but Johnny and Pedro remain his most iconic creations. Pedro was typically represented by Wences putting a small box or microphone cover over his hand.

Wences was a master ventriloquist who used precise finger movements to make Johnny's paper or painted mouth open and close while keeping his own lips completely still. He utilized rapid voice modulation and threw his voice perfectly to create the illusion of a distinct, living character. This incredible skill made him a beloved staple of American television variety shows.

Señor Wences gained massive mainstream popularity in the United States through his recurring appearances on *The Ed Sullivan Show*, beginning in the 1950s and continuing over several decades. He performed his Johnny act live on television a staggering 48 times on the program. His success on the show cemented his status as one of the greatest vaudeville-era ventriloquists.