For a kid growing up in Mississippi, you might think that life was a breeze. Tim was born where Elvis Presley lived, and he always listened to Elvis' music thinking maybe, just maybe, he was going to be a singer too. He had always loved the roar of the crowds at Elvis Presley concerts. Later in life, Tim's plans changed in a big way. He and his older brother made plans to enlist in the military. Unfortunately, Tim was rejected because his hearing was not good enough, so he pivoted. While his brother served, Tim began riding bulls. He realized that winning only $96.00 in four years of bull riding would not pay the bills, so he traveled to Mesquite, TX to fight bulls with World Champion Jimmy Anderson. Tim had no fear. He would run and jump up on a bull's head so the bull could hook him up in the air. Jimmy said, "You are a Wild Thang, but you won't last long fighting bulls doing that." He told Tim he needed to get into comedy acting. It just so happened that Tim already owned a monkey, so Jimmy helped Tim and the monkey get their comedy act going.
Tim got his first monkey in 1977, and Jimmy came in to help the duo in 1988. Since then, he has dominated in the sports world - including rodeo. In 2009, Tim started performing for baseball games across America. After that, he really stepped on the gas. They performed for NFL half time shows, hockey and basketball games, arena football, and even at NASCAR races. They didn't let up there. They also starred in a movie with Cameron Diaz (
Gambit)! Tim is nationally acclaimed along with his Capuchin Monkeys dressed as little cowboys riding Border Collies. Folks refer to it as Cowboy Monkey Rodeo, but Tim calls them "Team Ghost Riders." Whatever you call them, be prepared to hear straight from Tim's mouth: they are not his
way of life,
they are his life! So, get ready for your tickle-bone to come to life when Tim "Wild Thang" Lepard and Team Ghost Riders enter into the arena!
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- 35 years of rodeo entertainment
- Starred in the movie Gambit with Cameron Diaz
- Contestant on America's Got Talent
- Performed on Jay Leno, David Letterman, Tosh.O, A&E, MTV, and ESPN