CBS’s mid-century talent showcase “Toast of the Town,” also known as “The Ed Sullivan Show,” was so popular — it frequently ranked in the top five most watched shows on TV — that a single appearance, let alone a regular spot, could create instant national fame. Such was the case for Señor Wences, a puppeteer and ventriloquist who performed on “The Ed Sullivan Show” 23 times between 1950 and 1971. He captivated audiences with his puppets that seemed almost alive. Señor Wences’ most famous characters included a jokester chicken named Cecilia; Johnny, who had a puppet body, blond wig, and Wences’ hand for a face; and Pedro, a head that lived inside a box who uttered the memorable catchphrase, “S’aright.” After “The Ed Sullivan Show” left the air in 1971, Señor Wences remained in demand, performing at the White House, on “The Muppet Show,” and on Broadway.
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Born and raised in Salamanca, Spain, under the name Wenceslao Moreno, the performer began his career as a bullfighter until a nearly fatal accident at age 15 inspired him to join the circus, where he learned juggling, tried being an acrobat, and discovered a knack for ventriloquism. Wenceslao toured his act around Europe for years before he decided to try his luck in the United States. In 1936, Weneslao sailed on a ship bound for Ellis Island. Upon arrival, he wasn’t allowed immediate entry, stopped by officials who weren’t convinced the vaudeville engagements he’d arranged were legitimate.
