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| Enjoy the facts here, but please don't copy this information and post it on your own web site without getting our permission first. It took many hours of research to compile. If you are doing a paper or project for school, we will be happy to give you permission to use this material if you contact us first. |
| Calvert,
John (b. 1911) (birthday August 5) American magician and actor, born Elburn Calvert. A performer for more than 65 years, he is noted for his classic and debonair approach. Many times he transported his elaborate full evening show in his own plane; one New Year's Eve he crashed the plane in Tennessee, and his cast went onstage on crutches. For many years he traveled on his own yacht, The Magic Castle. His cigarette manipulations and his sharpshooting routine are classics still performed with his wife/assistant Tammy. He also starred in a number of Hollywood films, most notably portraying The Falcon. |
| Campbell,
C.B. (?-?) American magician (performing as "Camella") and owner of The Quan Company magic shop in New York City, which opened in 1909. |
| Campbell,
Loring (1905-1979) (birthday March 19) Real name Alexander Loring Campbell; American magician and author. Popular for his smooth and witty style, he had performed an estimated 15,000 shows before his 1955 retirement. Began his career in 1920 in a minstrel show as "Cambello the Clown Magician" and also performed a Chinese act before finding vaudeville success with his trademark suave stage persona as "The Great Alexander" and later, simply Loring Campbell. See one of his publicity pamphlets in entirety here. |
| Canasta,
Chan (b. 1921) Polish born magician and mentalist. Real name- Chananel Mifelew. His career was at its height in the 1950's, with his noted effects being card divination and book tests. He denied he used supernatural powers to perform his feats of mentalism, saying that he had developed methods of psychological manipulation. Retiring relatively early in his career, he became a successful painter. |
| Cantu
(1896-1949) Mexican illusionist (born Abraham J. Cantu) who created the first commercially successful dove act. Briefly billing himself as "Professor Tucan", he had a long career performing in U.S. theaters and clubs. He performed in an elaborate Mexican cowboy costume, with specially gaffed serapes to hold his dove loads. He was killed in an automobile accident in Atlanta, Georgia. |
| Capelli
(?-?) Nineteenth century Italian street magician known for his sleight-of hand skills as well as his trained housecats. |
| Capper,
Alfred (?-1921) English magician who specialized in muscle-reading, a form of mentalism. Author of A Rambler's Recollections and Reflections. |
| Cardini
(1895-1973)
(birthday March 1) Welsh magician and manipulator extraordinaire; real name Richard Pitchford. His famous cigarette, card and billiard ball manipulation act has been often imitated, but never equaled. Dressed in formal attire, he appeared to be slightly inebriated and totally astounded at the items that appeared and disappeared at his fingertips. This act is considered to be the best and most flawless manipulation act ever performed. At one time a magic demonstrator for Gamage's in London, he arrived in America in 1926, where he tried a number of stage personas (including "Valentine", "Val Raymond", and "Professor Thomas") before settling on the pantomime character that made him famous. He was also an exceptionally skilled craftsman; his reels are highly prized collectibles today. |
| Cardini,
Swan (1903-?) Famous for her bellhop uniform, she was the wife and stage assistant to Cardini. American born, Swan Walker met Cardini when he performed at a theater in Jackson, Michigan, and they were married a short time later. |
| Cardoza,
Don Juan (1889-1980) Strasbourg-born illusionist who toured extensively in the US and internationally with his "Tricks On Parade" show. Born Emile Brazeau, he later changed his legal name to Pierre LeBlanc. He performed as Ray Bol (as a Fire-Eater), Ray Danton, Don Juan Cardoza and Pierre LeBlanc. One of his best known tricks was the Vanishing Cabinet, in which he made audience volunteers appear and disappear, and he had a standing "$1000.00 challenge" for anyone who could figure out how he did it. After retiring from touring, he studied culinary arts, eventually becoming the executive chef at the Desert Inn hotel. |
| Carlo,
Dr. (1909-1996) American born magician and magic dealer (real name Carlo Sommer) who invented the rubber dove as well as Balls of Fire (production of fire from a paper sack) and the Carlo Glass Production, marketing these effects through his Ohio magic shop. |
Carlton
(1881-1942)  Physical comedy magician whose stage personality was rather strange, with makeup that made him appear stick-thin with a high-pitched, comical voice. |
| Carlyle
(1906-?) Real name Lyle Laughlin, he had a successful career performing his sophisticated brand of magic in U.S. theaters and clubs, retiring in 1955. He is credited with inventing Three-To-One Ropes, and authoring a number of effects published in magic magazines. |
| Carlyle,
Francis (1911-1975) One of the world's greatest performers of close-up magic, he spent his career performing at elite nightclubs. Real name Francis Finneran. |
| Carmo
(1881-1944) Australian-born magician and juggler, real name Henry Cameron, he began his career as a strong man before moving to England and into the world of magic. His greatest success was with his own circus, called "The Great Carmo Circus and Menagerie" and managed by Henry Houston, where he presented spectacular illusions that accented the real focus of the show, the animal and circus acts. Unfortunately, the circus was destroyed by fire during a blizzard shortly before World War II. He also invented Carmo Beads, an effect in which beads cut loose from a necklace are magically restrung. He was the magician who inspired a young Val Andrews. |
| Carpenter,
Carleton (b. 1926) Magician and actor, sang "Aba Daba Honeymoon" duet with Debbie Reynolds in Two Weeks With Love. |
| Carrandi,
Mario (b. 1942) (birthday May 17) The world's foremost dealer in antique magic props, books and memorabilia. |
| Carrer,
Charles (?-1972) Considered one of the world's best jugglers, he was also an expert craftsman, building most of his wife Dell O'Dell's magic equipment. |
| Carter, Charles (1874-1936)
(birthday June 14) American-born illusionist, he started his career as a magic journalist and prominent lawyer. Because of stiff competition in America, he chose to concentrate his magic career abroad, where he achieved great fame. In fact, his one great failure came when he tried to open a theater in the U.S. during the Depression. Carter is noted for his exceptional publicity material, especially his fine lithographed posters which are very collectible today. His magnificent home in San Francisco is presently used as a foreign embassy headquarters. |
| Castro,
Ernest (1905-1971) British-born magician most noted for his popularity as a performer at private functions for the Royal Family. |
| Cazeneuve,
Bernard Marius (1839-1913) French magician and mentalist famous for his exploits during the Franco-Prussian War. |
| Chabert,
Ivan Ivanitz (1792-1859) French-born magician and fire-resister (born Julian Xavier Chabert) who later became a pharmacist in New York City, selling health concoctions of his own making. |
| Chandler,
Claude (?-1977) British magician and ventriloquist who was named by David Devant as his successor. Inventor of Card In Balloon. |
| Chang
(1889-1972) Chinese-Panamanian illusionist born Juan Pablo Jesorum, he was one of the true Oriental magicians (in other words, he really was Oriental, not just pretending to be). With his greatest success in South America, he was noted for his exceptionally elaborate full evening show. |
| Chanin,
Jack (1908-1997) American magician, inventor and magic dealer, he excelled in the art of sleeving, even writing a book on the subject (among numerous other books he authored). Jack ran Philadelphia's oldest magic studio until 1981, and marketed hundreds of effects of his own invention, including the Mesh Egg Bag. A favorite at magic conventions, he also performed an Oriental act as Cha-Nin. Notable protégées under him included: Dell O'Dell, James Kane, and Steve Dusheck. (contributed by MOOKJUNG@aol.com) |
| Chapender,
Martin (1876-1905) British-born magician (real name Harold Jones) who specialized in sleight of hand with billiard balls, coins and cards. When he died at the early age of 30, the Magic Circle was formed in part as a memeorial to him. |
| Charlier
(?-?) French amateur magician, a specialist in card magic who invented the Charlier Pass as well as a card-marking system using pin pricks. One of the more famous street magicians in the late 1800s. |
| Charlton,
Christopher H. (1887-1963) (birthday March 27) British magician of renown, noted for the fact that he refused to use live animals in his performances. His famous periodicals collection is now the property of the Magic Circle. |
| Chavez,
Ben (?-1962) Co-founder of the Chavez College of Magic, a professional magic school now under the direction of Dale Salwak, whose graduates include Norm Nielsen, Irv Weiner and Channing Pollock. |
| Chavez,
Marian (?-1978) Co-founder of the Chavez College of Magic; wife of Ben Chavez and an expert in dove handling. |
| Chefalo
(1885-1963) Italian-born stage magician (real name Ralfo Cefalo) credited with inventing the Chefalo Knot, a fake rope knot that, when pulled, vanishes. Also credited with inventing the Girl In the Drum illusion. |
| Ching
(?-?) Magician who appeared on the 8/09/53 and 1/17/54 broadcasts of the TV program Toast of the Town, the early version of the Ed Sullivan Show. |
| Ching Ling Foo (1854-1922)
(birthday March 11) Chinese-born magician (real name Chee Ling Qua) who was the first true Oriental magician to achieve world fame. Credited with inventing the Foo Can. Also said to be the inspiration for Chung Ling Soo. |
| Chislett,
Thomas H. (1886-1979) British amateur magician who created a spectacular and intimate spook show, performed privately in his home for many years. |
| Chop
Chop (1901-1964) Australian-born magician (real name Alvin H. Wheatley) who performed as an Oriental. Appeared many times on American TV, including an appearance on Ed Sullivan Show. Invented the Chop Cup. |
| Christ,
Henry (1903-1972) American magician who invented the Christ Force, Fabulous 4 Aces and Dead Man's Hand. Former engineer for the City of New York. |
| Christian
(b. 1945) Generally billed as "Magic Christian of Vienna", this Austrian magician's real name is Christian Stelzel. Multiple awards, including FISM First Place (Manipulation) in 1973, 1976 and 1979 plus First Place for Closeup Invention in 1979 as well. Austria has honored him for his research work on the history of magic as well as his talents as a magical entertainer and Goodwill Ambassador. Many appearances on television. Associated with Piatnik, manufacturer of trick decks. Author. Invented Ketten-Zauber and Color Changing Lighter. |
| Christopher,
Milbourne (1914-1984) (birthday
March 23) Major American magical entertainer, author, inventor and collector. Performed a popular full-evening show for many years. Produced and performed in the first network TV magic special, "The Festival of Magic", broadcast on May 27, 1957 on NBC-TV (a show which also featured Cardini's last television appearance). He wrote a long-running column in Hugard's Magic Monthly under the pen name "Frank Joglar", derrived from words meaning "candid magician". His incredible book and memborabilia collection was legendary. He wrote a number of classic books on magic history, including Panorama of Magic, The Illustrated History of Magic, and Houdini: The Untold Story. |
| Chung
Ling Soo (1861-1918) American-born William Ellsworth Robinson created quite possibly the most incredible illusion in history. Starting his career working with both Harry Kellar's troupe and with Alexander Herrmann's show, Robinson wanted to launch a career of his own. In the late 1800s, he responded to a $1,000 challenge by popular Oriental vaudeville magician Ching Ling Foo daring any magician to duplicate a particular trick. Robinson presented the solution to Ching Ling Foo, but the challenge turned out to be a publicity stunt. Angry, Robinson decided to create his own major stage illusion show, complete with his own Oriental performer. Chung Ling Soo soon became an incredibly famous performer, both in America and abroad, with exceptional and beautiful publicity posters that fetch thousands of dollars today. Chung Ling Soo appeared in full costume onstage and offstage, and always had an interpreter with him. His most famous effect was the dangerous Bullet Catching Trick, in which several volunteers lined up onstage and fired guns directly at him; the bullet would break a plate he held in front of his chest, and he would catch the bullet in his teeth. On March 23, 1918, the unthinkable happened- Chung Ling Soo was fatally shot onstage in London. Though a mystery still remains about how the accident happened (was it really an accident, or was it intentional murder), Chung Ling Soo's secret was revealed by the doctors who ripped away his tunic in a bid to save his life: Chung Ling Soo was not an Oriental, but was William Ellsworth Robinson, for years living in full makeup as a part of the most elaborate illusion of all time. |
| Cladwell,
Willard
(?-?) American magician on the Lyceum and Chautauqua circuits. |
| Clark,
Keith (1908-1979) (birthday April 26) French-born magician (real name Pierre Feyss Cartier). One of the greatest cigarette manipulators. Author of Encyclopedia of Cigarette Magic, which is still in print, though the effects have lost much of their political correctness. |
| Clark,
"Ren" (1904-?) American magician. International Brotherhood of Magicians President 1947-48. Founded Texas Association of Magicians in 1948. His home reportedly had a stage and could accommodate 100 seats for magic shows. |
| Clever,
Eddie (1904-1975) American magician and mentalist who got his start working a medicine show with Keen the Magician from 1920-1924. Editor of the Linking Ring "Parade" column for many years. |
| Clive,
Henry
(1881-1960) Australian-born magician (real name Clive O'Hara) on the American vaudeville circuit from 1903 to 1912. Billed as "Clive, The Debonair Magician". Claimed to have invented the Spirit Painting act, though Doc Nixon accused Clive of staling it from him. Retired from performing to become a commercial artist. |
| Cole,
Judson (1894-1943) American vaudeville comedy magician. Real name Milton Greishaber. |
| Collings, Herbert (1883-1958) Amateur British magician who co-founded the Magic Circle with Neil Weaver and Ernest Henry Adams. Said to have performed more than 10,000 shows during his career. Sometimes performed as "Col Ling Soo". |
| Collins,
Bunette "Bunnie" (b. 1959) American female magician of great talent and renown. Assistant in father Ted's magic act and Mecca Magic Shop. First female magician invited to participate in the famous Fechter's finger Flinging Frolics at the Forks Hotel in Buffalo, NY. Creator of an amazing and hilarious convention magic act featuring Bunnie as the frantic assistant to a magician accidentally "killed" during the opening of the act.. |
| Collins,
Stanley (1881-1966) British magician who followed the vogue of performing as an Oriental character, Loo Sing. He may have been the inventor of the Jumping Rubber Bands, and specialized in effects with mechanical props. Had a reputation as a conservative non-smoking teetotaler who did not enjoy performing. |
| Collins,
F. A. "Ted" (1919-1993) American magician and owner of Mecca Magic in New Jersey. Credited with inventing the Panama Rope Trick. Ran the Mecca Magic Club from his shop for over 20 years, and encouraged scores of young magicians, including David Copperfield. |
| Cooke,
George A. (1825-1905) (birthday
May 27) English magician, partner of John Nevil Maskelyne in the Maskelyne & Cooke magic act, which had a long run at the Egyptian Hall. For a while, the specialty was exposing spiritism. |
| Copperfield,
David (b. 1956) (birthday September 16) official
website Real name David Kotkin. One of the most successful stage magicians in modern history. Began at age 12 performing as "Davino". First real public success at age 19 in a stage musical. First TV magic special in 1977. Reputation makers were two TV specials in the 1980s in which he made a full size jet disappear, and made the Statue of Liberty vanish. Top money making professional illusionist, still touring successfully with stunning and innovative illusions and topnotch stage effects. A Las Vegas favorite. Purchased many important magic collections. Currently owns a private island retreat, available for rental to celebrities. |
| Craig,
Charles H. (?-?) American Lyceum and Chautauqua magician, popular in the 1920's. Lived in Morrill, Nebraska. His show included magic, ventriloquism and rag pictures. Published the magic magazine Aladdin's Lamp in the mid-1920's. |
| Crandall,
"Senator" Clark (1906-1975) see this tribute site American comedy magician, magic dealer and well known magic personality. He developed several truly funny routines for the Card Duck and the Cups and Balls. |
| Culpitt,
Fred (1877-1944)
(birthday
May 9) British magician (born Frederic Cullpitt) who enjoyed a successful stage career after getting his first break from Chung Ling Soo, who booked him in 1909 for a tour of Australia. From 1914 until 1918, his "Magical Comedian" act was a replacement for David Devant at London's St. George's Hall, during which time he invented the Doll's House Illusion, the Costume Trunk Illusion, and the Silk To Egg Trick, all still used today. In 1936, he became the first magician to appear on a regularly scheduled TV program in England. |
| Cummings,
Clare (1912-1994) American magician known as the much-loved "Milky the Clown". Real name Clarence Cummings. Performed on Detroit TV from 1950 until 1967. Invented (with Bob Ellis) the effect Out To Lunch. Died on Halloween, the anniversary of Houdini's death. See tribute site |
| Curry,
Paul (1917-1986) (birthday August
19) American amateur magician of renowned skill, invented Out of This World card effect and the Sliding Knot. Authored two books: Magician's Magic and Paul Curry's Worlds Beyond. |
| Enjoy the facts here, but please don't copy this information and post it on your own web site without getting our permission first. It took many hours of research to compile. If you are doing a paper or project for school, we will be happy to give you permission to use this material if you contact us first. |
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