Señor Wences

Señor Wences (b. Wenceslao Moreno in Salamanca, Spain, April 17, 1896 - d. New York City, April 20, 1999) was a prominent 20th century ventriloquist likely best known for his frequent appearances on CBS's Ed Sullivan Show.

Related Topics:
Salamanca, Spain - April 17 - 1896 - New York City - April 20 - 1999 - 20th century - Ventriloquist - CBS - Ed Sullivan Show

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His stable of characters included "Johnny", a childlike face drawn on Wences' hand, which he would place atop an otherwise headless doll, and with whom Wences conversed while switching his voices between Johnny's falsetto and his own at amazing speed. Another popular Wences character was the gruff-voiced "Pedro", a disembodied head in a box, who would growl "'s all right."

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An uncredited but "understood" reference to Señor Wences occurred in the 1979 movie The In-Laws. The dictator of the South American country in which the action takes place, at one point talks to the main protaginists indirectly, via a "Johnny"-like character drawn on his hand. At that point, any doubts they may have had about his sanity are confirmed.

Related Topics:
1979 - The In-Laws

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At the time of his death (just days after his 103rd birthday), Wences had been residing at New York City's Ameritania Hotel on 54th Street, just around the corner from the Ed Sullivan Theater. That section of 54th Street has been named "Señor Wences Way."

Related Topics:
103rd birthday - New York City - Ameritania Hotel - Ed Sullivan Theater

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