When people look at the global touring schedule and massive comedy specials of ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, they often wonder about the person holding down the fort offstage. Jeff Dunham's wife is Audrey Murdick, a certified nutritionist, personal trainer, and former competitive bodybuilder. Far from just being a celebrity spouse, she built her own distinct professional identity long before and during their marriage.
Understanding who Audrey is requires looking past the red carpet appearances. She manages her own entrepreneurial ventures, maintains a strong presence in the health and wellness space, and shares a busy household with the famous comedian.
Early Life and Fitness Career
Born on August 29, 1980, in Norco, California, Audrey Murdick grew up with a passion for physical activity. During her childhood, she struggled with weight gain, which eventually pushed her to take control of her physical health. She dove headfirst into fitness, exploring activities ranging from ice skating to weight training.
That personal transformation turned into a vocation. She began competing in bodybuilding competitions, working as a personal trainer, and studying nutrition. She earned a plant-based nutrition certificate through eCornell and trained at the Culinary Institute of America. Her transition into a professional healthy lifestyle consultant allowed her to help others achieve similar physical transformations. To read more about the history of this, Associated Press provides an excellent breakdown.
How Audrey Murdick Met Jeff Dunham
The couple's path crossed in 2009 under professional circumstances. Jeff Dunham hired Audrey as his personal trainer to help him get into better physical shape while juggling a demanding comedy tour. Working closely together sparked a romance.
They kept their relationship private at first, dating for roughly three years. Jeff proposed on Christmas Day in 2011, and the couple married on October 12, 2012, in Santa Ynez, California, surrounded by family and close friends. Their wedding featured a personal touch when their dog, Roadie, served as the ring bearer.
Family Life and Children
After marrying, Audrey became a stepmother to Jeff's daughters from his previous marriage—Ashlyn and Kenna—as well as helping raise Bree. In May 2015, the couple announced they were expecting children.
On October 11, 2015, Audrey gave birth to twin boys, James Jeffrey and Jack Steven. The boys arrived just days before the couple's third wedding anniversary. Audrey frequently shares updates about raising the twins on her social media platforms, noting their contrasting personalities and lively antics.
Business Ventures and Creative Projects
While her husband fills arenas with characters like Walter and Achmed, Audrey channels her creativity into food, baking, and digital content.
- Peanuts Bake Shop: Audrey launched a baking venture that nods playfully to her husband's famous puppet, Peanut. The online bakeshop offers specialty cookies and treats.
- Culinary Media: She produced and appeared in the 2017 foodie television show Incredible Edible America alongside Jeff.
- Recipe Development: She regularly publishes vegan and healthy lifestyle recipes on her official website, Audrey Dunham, and shares cooking tutorials on her YouTube channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Audrey Murdick's profession?
Audrey is a professional certified nutritionist, personal trainer, and former competitive bodybuilder. She also runs a baking company and creates digital content focused on healthy, plant-based recipes.
How did Audrey Murdick and Jeff Dunham meet?
They met in 2009 when Jeff hired Audrey as his personal trainer to help him improve his fitness routine while managing his demanding touring schedule.
Do Audrey and Jeff have children together?
Yes, they share twin boys, James Jeffrey and Jack Steven, who were born in October 2015. Audrey is also a stepmother to Jeff's children from his previous marriage.
What is Peanuts Bake Shop?
It is an online baking brand created by Audrey that offers cookies and sweet treats, playfully named after Jeff Dunham’s famous ventriloquist dummy character.
