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New Zealand Tape Face, known outside his silent persona as Sam Wills, has carved a unique niche in entertainment, transitioning from street performer to an internationally recognized comedic artist.
Tape Face was a finalist on Season 11 of America's Got Talent, gaining significant audience attention for his silent, prop-based comedy. He later returned for America's Got Talent: The Champions and was featured in AGT Fantasy League.
Tape Face performed a limited run of his show at the Flamingo Las Vegas following his success on America's Got Talent.
His performances on America's Got Talent have generated over 220 million views, making him one of the most-viewed comedians on the platform. He also made an appearance in YouTube Rewind 2016.
Tape Face debuted a new residency show inside the Underground Theater at MGM Grand, with performances scheduled from September 1, 2023.
In 2018, Tape Face began a residency at Harrah's casino in Las Vegas for his show, which was later moved to the MGM Grand.
Sam Wills, born on August 28, 1978, in Timaru, New Zealand, began his journey in performance at thirteen, training as a clown. His early career highlighted a diverse range of performance styles, incorporating skills learned at the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology’s Circus School, where he earned a Diploma in New Circus with a dual major in Juggling and Acrobatics. After graduating, he also taught juggling there for two years. Influenced by traditional circus freak shows and acts like the Jim Rose Circus and Tokyo Shock Boys, Wills experimented with shock comedy. This approach earned him the Best New Face award in the 2001 Pulp Comedy season, where he was dubbed the ‘Prince of Cringe’ by Truth and TV Extra magazine. Until 2001, Wills was a fixture in the Christchurch entertainment scene, performing at various events, running weekly comedy nights, and appearing on local television.
In 2002, Wills relocated to Auckland, becoming a resident comedian at SkyCity Auckland’s casino. There, he hosted the ‘NCB Comedy Hour,’ a weekly show that ingeniously blended circus acts with vaudeville elements. The year 2008 marked a significant turning point when he introduced his show, ‘The Boy With Tape On His Face,’ at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, garnering critical acclaim. Following this success, he moved to London, further developing his modern mime act, characterized by his signature striped shirt. In 2016, under the simplified stage name Tape Face, he gained widespread international recognition as a finalist on the eleventh season of America’s Got Talent. His silent, prop-based comedy captivated audiences worldwide, leading to him being celebrated for reviving silent film acting through expressive facial expressions and body movements.
Tape Face’s career progression continued with notable performances and residencies. He appeared in YouTube Rewind 2016, further solidifying his global presence. In 2018, he established a residency at Harrah’s casino in Las Vegas, which later moved to the MGM Grand in 2023, now known as the House of Tape. During his tours, a doppelganger, T2, performs in his stead at the Vegas venue, maintaining the show’s continuous presence. His work has amassed over 220 million views globally, making him one of the most-viewed comedians on platforms like YouTube. His continued participation in major talent shows, including America’s Got Talent: Champions and La France a un incroyable talent, along with an upcoming appearance on Canada’s Got Talent in 2025, underscores his enduring appeal and unique contribution to contemporary comedy.
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