Photo Coverage: Jeff Dunham and His Latest Character Diane

Ranked the top-grossing live comedy act in the world for 2009 and in North America for two years in a row, Dunham continues to pack 7,000 to 10,000 seat venues in the U.S. and Canada on his "Identity Crisis" tour. Dunham barnstormed Europe for his second tour there earlier this year to a rapturous reception in Holland, England, Scotland and Ireland, capped by a show at the famed O2 Arena in London. In September, he makes his debut visit to South Africa to appear at arenas in Sun City, Cape Town and Johannesburg.

His wide line of merchandise was a hit at the annual Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, and already enjoys strong sales at such retail chains as Walmart, K-Mart, Hastings and F.Y.E. A t-shirt featuring Achmed the Dead Terrorist his trademark catchphrase "Silence! I keel you" has sold over 200,000 units at Walmart and is the fifth highest selling men's shirt.

Dunham made his film debut in the Jay Roach movie "Dinner For Shmucks," featuring Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd, on July 30.

The Dunham comedy phenomenon also continues to pulse through the digital world. His iPhone app will be released this summer. It will allow users to manipulate his characters just like a ventriloquist, hear their favorite phrases, record new phrases for the characters to say, and access tour dates, press photos, You Tube videos and website store. Dunahm's Facebook merchandise store has already been launched and he also offers free digital gifts featuring his characters.

Last but hardly least, Dunham will publish his unique autobiography on November 2, "All By My Selves," in which he and his comedic cohorts tell his life story and detail his rise to comedy superstardom. In August Dunham will record the audio book version that will be simultaneously released by Image Entertainment.

Further information on Jeff Dunham is at: www.jeffdunham.com

Photos by © RD/ Erik Kabik/ Retna Digital