DEAN Z CAST

MATT GUMM

Matt Gumm has been performing professionally for over 15 years, beginning his career as a comedian in his hometown of Lakes of the Ozarks, Missouri. An extremely versatile entertainer, Matt is not only a comedian but also a vocalist, instrumentalist, and more. He made an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2011 and is grateful for the many opportunities that have followed. Currently, he works as a comedian and vocalist for Clay Cooper’s Country Express in Branson.

Growing up around variety shows at Lake of the Ozarks, Matt took to the stage like a seasoned pro, undoubtedly influenced by his father and mentor, Thom “Gabby” Gumm. Matt joined the Main Street Opry act at the age of seven. Even before that, he seemed destined for a life in entertainment. His mother, Sandy, recalls how he would perform daily on his bed, with a makeshift curtain, wigs, and props, putting on his "show." A family friend once bought him a toy set of drums as a joke, but Matt took to them naturally, turning the joke into a serious pursuit.

During high school, Matt was the only student chosen from his class to attend the Missouri Fine Arts Academy, excelling in music, art, and drama. After high school, Matt spent five years building his reputation as a talented comedian and musician on the stage of the long-running Lee Mace’s Ozark Opry in Osage Beach, Missouri. His family ties brought him back to work alongside his parents at the Main Street Opry in Osage Beach. Here, he not only honed his comedy skills with his dad but also developed his talent for impersonations, delighting audiences with his renditions of artists such as Garth Brooks, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Tony Bennett, Rod Stewart, and Sammy Davis Jr.
Clay Cooper discovered Matt’s act and was eager to introduce him to Branson. Matt is now a beloved addition to Clay Cooper’s Country Express, where audiences enjoy his family-friendly, high-energy performances, visual humor, and surprising abilities on unusual instruments. When not performing, Matt loves spending time with his wife Katie, daughter Norah Sue, and son Nash.