Jay Johnson

Actor/ventriloquist Jay Johnson is best known for his role on the 1970s hit television comedy "Soap." Born in Richardson, Texas, Johnson was the recipient of beginner's luck: the "Soap" role was his very first television part. Playing the character of Chuck Campbell (who never went anywhere without his trusty dummy, Bob, who served as a mouthpiece for Campbell, saying the things he was too timid to say himself), Johnson appeared in 56 episodes of the often-controversial sitcom from 1977 through 1981. After "Soap," he continued landing roles as an actor and ventriloquist, including a recurring role as a ventriloquist priest on the Nell Carter sitcom "Gimme a Break! ." Eventually, Johnson would focus more on acting instead of ventriloquism, including roles on such series as "Broken Badges," in which he played a depressed police officer. He would continue securing roles on television throughout the early 21st century (albeit on a more sporadic basis), although he scored big on Broadway when "Jay Johnson: The Two and Only" opened to rave reviews in 2006, and a year later, brought him a Tony Award.