5 Shocking Facts About Jeff Dunham's Wives: From Hollywood Producer To Fitness Guru
Jeff Dunham, the world-renowned ventriloquist and comedian, has built a multi-million-dollar empire on the backs of his hilarious, and often controversial, puppet characters like Walter, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, and Peanut. While his on-stage life is an open book of comedy specials and sold-out tours, his private life, particularly his two marriages, has been a journey of dramatic shifts, from a long-term partnership with a Hollywood producer to a second chance at love with a certified nutritionist and fitness guru. This deep dive, updated for late 2025, reveals the full, fascinating biography of the women who have stood by the man behind the puppets.
The comedian’s personal life is marked by two distinct chapters: his first marriage to Paige Dunham, which ended in a high-profile divorce, and his current, thriving relationship with Audrey Murdick Dunham, a woman whose career is as focused and disciplined as Dunham's own. Understanding the women in his life provides a unique perspective on the man whose net worth is estimated at $140 million, making him one of the highest-paid comedians in the world.
Jeff Dunham: A Complete Family and Professional Profile
Before diving into the details of his wives, it is essential to understand the man himself. Jeff Dunham is a global phenomenon who single-handedly brought the art of ventriloquism back into the mainstream. His career is defined by his signature cast of characters who have starred in multiple highly-rated comedy specials.
- Full Name: Jeffrey "Jeff" Dunham
- Date of Birth: April 18, 1962
- Place of Birth: Dallas, Texas, USA
- Occupation: Ventriloquist, Stand-up Comedian, Actor, Producer
- Signature Characters: Walter, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, Peanut, Bubba J, José Jalapeño on a Stick, Sweet Daddy Dee, Melvin the Superhero Guy.
- Net Worth (Estimated 2025): $140 Million.
- Marital Status: Married (Second Marriage)
- Current Wife: Audrey Murdick Dunham (Married 2012)
- Ex-Wife: Paige Dunham (Married 1994, Divorced 2010)
- Children: Five total (Three daughters from first marriage, twin sons from second marriage).
The First Chapter: Paige Dunham and the Rise to Stardom
Jeff Dunham’s first marriage to Paige Dunham (née Brown) began in 1994 and lasted for 14 years, ending in divorce in 2010. Paige was an integral part of Jeff’s early career, not just as a wife but also as a partner in his professional life. Their relationship spanned the period when Dunham transitioned from a successful club performer to an international comedy star.
1. Paige Dunham: More Than Just an Ex-Wife
Paige Dunham is a talented individual in her own right, known for her work as a film producer and motivational speaker. During their marriage, she was heavily involved in managing the business side of the Jeff Dunham brand, contributing to the establishment of the ventriloquist’s commercial empire. She also played a significant role in their family life, raising their children.
The couple shares three daughters: Bree Hemphill (born 1991), Ashlyn Dunham, and Kenna Dunham. While Ashlyn is their biological daughter, Bree and Kenna were adopted, with Bree being Paige’s daughter from a previous relationship whom Jeff adopted. The family dynamic was a complex but loving one, which became a point of public discussion during their separation.
2. The High-Profile Divorce and Its Aftermath
The divorce between Jeff and Paige was finalized in 2010. The split attracted significant media attention, as is common with celebrity divorces. While the specific reasons for the dissolution of the marriage remain private, the separation marked a turning point for both individuals. Paige has since focused on her career as a motivational speaker and continues to be a public figure, often discussing her life and experiences on various platforms.
The aftermath of the divorce also included a bizarre legal battle involving Jeff’s second wife, Audrey, and Paige over a cyberpiracy lawsuit, further cementing the public nature of the separation.
The Second Chapter: Audrey Murdick Dunham, The Fitness Powerhouse
Two years after his divorce was finalized, Jeff Dunham found love again with Audrey Murdick, a woman whose career path is dramatically different from his own, yet whose personal drive mirrors his success. They married on October 12, 2012, in a beautiful ceremony in Santa Barbara, California.
3. Audrey Murdick: Certified Nutritionist and Competition Bodybuilder
Audrey Murdick Dunham is not a comedian or a producer; she is a certified nutritionist, a personal trainer, and a competition bodybuilder. This background speaks to her immense discipline and commitment to health and wellness. She runs her own business, "Fit Body by Audrey," where she focuses on helping people achieve their weight loss and fitness goals. This professional focus on health and a balanced lifestyle provides a grounding influence for the high-energy, demanding life of a touring comedian.
Born on August 29, 1980, in Texas, Audrey has openly shared her personal journey, including her past struggles with weight, which ultimately fueled her passion for fitness and nutrition. Her transformation and subsequent career are a testament to her dedication, making her a compelling figure in her own right.
4. The Arrival of the Twin Sons: Jack and James
Jeff and Audrey's family grew significantly in 2015 with the arrival of their twin sons, Jack Steven Dunham and James Jeffrey Dunham, born on October 11, 2015, in Los Angeles. The birth of the twin boys added two new members to the Dunham family, bringing the total number of children to five. The family often shares glimpses of their life on social media, showcasing a happy, blended family that includes Audrey's focus on healthy eating and Jeff's comedic antics.
The dynamic of having a large, blended family has undoubtedly influenced Jeff’s life and potentially his comedy, offering new material and perspectives. His characters, especially the grumpy Walter, often comment on marriage and family life, which fans speculate is inspired by the comedian's real-life experiences.
5. The Power Couple Dynamic: Comedy Meets Wellness
The marriage between Jeff and Audrey represents a unique power couple dynamic. Jeff, the master of ventriloquism and stand-up, is constantly on the road, performing alongside his beloved puppets like the redneck Bubba J and the energetic Peanut. Audrey, on the other hand, manages a demanding career in the health and fitness industry, a world that requires meticulous planning and rigorous routine.
Their supportive relationship has allowed Jeff to maintain his demanding schedule while having a stable home life. Audrey is often seen supporting Jeff at his shows, and Jeff, in turn, promotes Audrey's work. Their partnership is a modern example of two successful professionals building a life together, proving that a ventriloquist and a bodybuilder can indeed be a perfect match. The stability of his current marriage and family life is a testament to the second chance at love that Jeff Dunham found with Audrey Murdick.
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