Famous American Magicians

Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American escape artist, illusionist, and stunt performer known for his daring escape acts. He gained fame in vaudeville in the United States before touring Europe as "Harry 'Handcuff' Houdini," challenging police forces with his escape feats. Houdini expanded his repertoire to include escaping from handcuffs, chains, straitjackets underwater, and sealed containers. He was also a vocal critic of fake spiritualists, serving as president of the Society of American Magicians and upholding professional standards in the industry. Houdini was a pioneer in aviation, becoming the first person to fly a powered aircraft in Australia.

David Copperfield is an American magician renowned for his storytelling and illusion performances. With a career spanning over 40 years, he has garnered numerous accolades including 11 Guinness World Records, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a knighthood from the French government. His famous illusions have ranged from making a Learjet disappear to walking through the Great Wall of China. With over 33 million tickets sold and grossing more than $4 billion, Copperfield is considered the most commercially successful magician in history.

David Blaine is an American magician, mentalist, and endurance performer who gained prominence in 1997 with his first television special, "David Blaine: Street Magic." Known for his dangerous stunts, he set a world record for breath holding in 2008. Blaine has starred in several television specials showcasing his unique brand of magic and illusion, including "David Blaine: Real or Magic" in 2013, "Beyond Magic" in 2016, and "The Magic Way" in 2020. He is also the author of "Mysterious Stranger: A Book of Magic," which includes instructions on performing magic tricks.

Teller is an American magician known for his work as one half of the comedy magic duo Penn & Teller. He is recognized for his unique performance style of not speaking during shows, relying on visual and physical cues to engage audiences. Alongside his partner Penn Jillette, Teller has achieved international acclaim for their innovative and thought-provoking approach to magic and entertainment. Additionally, Teller holds the prestigious title of H.L. Mencken Fellow at the Cato Institute, highlighting his contributions to the field of magic and beyond.

Shin Lim is a renowned Canadian-American magician known for his exceptional card manipulation and sleight of hand skills. He gained recognition for his elaborate close-up card magic routines performed in silence to music. Self-taught through YouTube videos, Lim transitioned from a pianist to a magician after being diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. His talent led him to win prestigious competitions like the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques in Close-up Card Magic and gain widespread fame through appearances on shows like Penn & Teller: Fool Us and America's Got Talent.

Criss Angel, an American magician and illusionist, is renowned for his incredible performances and innovative magic tricks. He has achieved international fame through his successful TV shows such as MINDFREAK and live stage performances in Las Vegas. Throughout his career, Angel has broken multiple world records and received prestigious awards, including Magician of the Decade and Magician of the Century. In addition to his magical talents, he is also a talented musician and author, showcasing his versatility and creativity in various forms of entertainment.

Ricky Jay was a renowned American stage magician, actor, and writer known for his exceptional sleight of hand skills. Described as the most gifted sleight of hand artist alive, he was also recognized for his card tricks, card throwing, memory feats, and engaging stage presence. Jay authored numerous works on magic and its history, while also building a successful acting career with notable appearances in films such as The Prestige, Boogie Nights, and Magnolia, as well as the HBO series Deadwood. In 2015, he was featured in a PBS American Masters episode, making him the only magician ever profiled in the series.

Collins Key is an American YouTuber, entertainer, and magician with a massive online following. With nearly 24 million subscribers and over 6.7 billion total lifetime views on his channel as of March 2024, he is a prominent figure in the digital entertainment space. Key gained recognition as a magician on America's Got Talent and has since toured with Demi Lovato. He has also worked on successful campaigns for AT&T, earning numerous awards and nominations for his work, including Teen Choice Awards recognition.

Carl Ballantine was an American magician, comedian, and actor known for his vaudeville-style comedy routines that featured transparent or incompetent stage magic tricks. Billing himself as "The Great Ballantine" or "The Amazing Ballantine," he entertained audiences with his humorous performances that often went hilariously wrong. Through his unique blend of comedy and magic, Ballantine created a new genre known as comedy magic. His innovative approach to entertainment has had a lasting impact on both comedians and magicians, influencing generations of performers.

Siegfried Fischbacher, along with his partner Roy Horn, formed the iconic duo Siegfried & Roy, renowned for their captivating performances featuring white lions and tigers. Their career took off in Las Vegas, where they headlined a show at The Mirage casino resort starting in 1990. Fischbacher and Horn's unique blend of magic and entertainment captivated audiences worldwide. Sadly, their partnership came to an abrupt end in 2003 following Horn's tragic injury during a performance, marking the conclusion of their illustrious professional journey together.

Chung Ling Soo was an American magician known for his stage persona as a Chinese man named Chung Ling Soo. He gained notoriety for extensively using yellowface in his performances, portraying himself as a Chinese individual who spoke minimal English. Chung Ling Soo's career was marked by his illusionist acts, including the bullet catch trick, which tragically resulted in his accidental death. Despite controversy surrounding his cultural appropriation and misrepresentation, Chung Ling Soo remains a significant figure in the history of magic and performance.

Lance Burton is an American stage magician renowned for his extraordinary performances in Las Vegas, where he captivated over 5,000,000 audience members through more than 15,000 shows. After a successful career spanning several decades, Burton retired in 2010. He continues to contribute to the magic community as a judge on Criss Angel's Magic with the Stars, showcasing his expertise and experience in the field. Burton's impact on the world of magic is widespread and enduring, leaving a lasting legacy in the industry.

Kreskin, also known as The Amazing Kreskin, is an American mentalist who gained popularity in the 1970s through television appearances. Inspired by Lee Falk's comic strip Mandrake the Magician, he developed his career as an entertainer rather than a psychic, focusing on suggestion rather than the paranormal. Throughout his professional life, Kreskin has maintained a distinct persona, emphasizing his role as an entertainer who captivates audiences with his mentalist abilities without claiming supernatural powers.

Penn Jillette is a versatile American entertainer known for his partnership with magician Teller in the acclaimed duo Penn & Teller. With a career spanning magic, acting, music, invention, hosting, and writing, Jillette has showcased his talents in various stage and television productions, including hit shows like Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Penn & Teller: Bullshit!. As the duo's charismatic orator, he engages audiences with wit and insight. Jillette is also a bestselling author and a vocal advocate for atheism, scientific skepticism, and free speech.

James Randi was a Canadian-American stage magician, author, and scientific skeptic known for challenging paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. He co-founded the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the James Randi Educational Foundation. Randi began as a magician before focusing on investigating paranormal claims. He retired from magic at 60 and his foundation at 87. Randi was an investigator rather than a debunker and wrote about paranormal phenomena and skepticism. He exposed frauds like Peter Popoff and sponsored the One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge.

Dai Vernon, also known as The Professor, was a highly respected Canadian magician known for his exceptional sleight of hand techniques, particularly in card tricks and close-up magic. His knowledge and skills made him a mentor to many fellow magicians. From 1963 onwards, he resided and worked at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California, a prestigious venue for magicians. Vernon retired from performing in 1990 at the remarkable age of 96, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of magic.

Howard Thurston was a stage magician from Columbus, Ohio, known for his impressive magic shows. After being inspired by magician Alexander Herrmann, Thurston worked hard to become the most famous magician of his time. His traveling magic show was the largest of its kind, requiring eight train cars for transportation. Thurston's dedication to his craft and his ability to captivate audiences with his illusions solidified his reputation as a master magician during his era.

Roy Horn was a German actor and illusionist who gained fame as one half of the famous duo "Siegfried & Roy" in Las Vegas. Known for their extravagant costumes and performances with tigers, elephants, and snakes, they captivated audiences for many years. Horn's interest in animals led him to a career in entertainment, where he and Siegfried Fischbacher formed a successful partnership that debuted in Las Vegas in the late 1960s. Despite facing challenges, including a serious tiger attack in 2003, Horn continued to entertain and inspire audiences until his passing in 2020.

Harry Blackstone Jr. was a renowned American stage magician, author, and television performer. Throughout his career, he dazzled audiences with his incredible magic tricks and illusions. He was known for his signature act of producing countless rabbits from his sleeves and hats, estimated to be around 80,000 rabbits. Blackstone Jr. captivated viewers with his performances on television, showcasing his talents to a wide audience. His professional life was defined by his mastery of magic and his ability to entertain and mystify audiences worldwide.

The Amazing Johnathan, born John Edward Szeles, was an American comedian and magician known for his unique and shocking performances. His act included interactive hijinks, bizarre magic tricks, and elements of gore that set him apart as the "Freddy Krueger of Comedy." From 2001 to 2014, he was a popular headliner in Las Vegas, captivating audiences with his dark humor and edgy illusions. He also collaborated with fellow magician Criss Angel on various magic performances, showcasing his talent and creativity in the entertainment industry.

Cyril Takayama is an American magician of mixed heritage, widely recognized for his captivating magic performances primarily in Japan. With a career spanning decades, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of magic, garnering a large following due to his innovative and mind-bending illusions. Takayama's unique style and ability to seamlessly blend traditional magic techniques with modern technology have set him apart in the industry, earning him a reputation as one of the most influential magicians of his time.

Harry Bouton Blackstone, known as The Great Blackstone, was a renowned stage magician and illusionist of the 20th century. He began his magical career in his teens and achieved widespread popularity, especially during World War II as a USO entertainer. Blackstone captivated audiences with his captivating performances, earning a reputation as a master of illusions. With the assistance of his younger brother, Pete Bouton, who served as his stage manager, Blackstone mesmerized crowds with his magical talents and became a legendary figure in the world of magic.

Ed Alonzo is a versatile entertainer known for his work as a comedian, actor, and professional magician. With a career spanning decades, he has captivated audiences with his unique blend of humor and magic. Alonzo has showcased his talents on various platforms, including television shows and live performances. Through his engaging performances, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, earning recognition for his creativity, skill, and ability to entertain audiences of all ages.

Justin Willman is an American magician, comedian, producer, and television personality known for creating and starring in the Netflix series Magic for Humans. He has also appeared on popular TV shows like The Tonight Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Conan. Willman debuted his comedy/magic special Sleight of Mouth on Comedy Central in 2015. Additionally, he hosts various shows on the Food Network and Disney Channel, as well as The Magic Prank Show on Netflix. He is based in Los Angeles.

Bob McAllister was an American television personality known for his work as a magician, children's entertainer, and host of Wonderama. Throughout his career, he captivated audiences with his engaging personality and magical performances. McAllister's role as the host of Wonderama showcased his ability to connect with young viewers and create a fun and entertaining environment for children. His contributions to children's entertainment left a lasting impact on the industry, making him a beloved figure in television history.

Banachek is an English mentalist, magician, and "thought reader" who gained recognition for his involvement in James Randi's Project Alpha experiment, revealing flaws in parapsychology research. As the director of the One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge by the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF), he has tested numerous self-proclaimed psychics, debunking their alleged paranormal abilities. Banachek is a fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and serves as the President of the James Randi Educational Foundation, actively promoting skepticism and critical thinking in the field.

Val Valentino, also known as the Masked Magician, is a prominent American magician famed for his role in the TV series Breaking the Magician's Code: Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed on the Fox network. Portraying the Masked Magician, he disclosed the secrets behind various classic magic tricks, earning both notoriety and controversy within the magic community. His appearances on Rede Globo's Fantástico in Brazil as Mister M further solidified his reputation as a skilled illusionist with a knack for captivating audiences with his revealing yet captivating performances.

Persi Diaconis is an American mathematician and former professional magician, holding the Mary V. Sunseri Professorship at Stanford University. He is renowned for his work on mathematical problems related to randomness and randomization, focusing on areas like coin flipping and shuffling playing cards. Diaconis has made significant contributions to the study of probability theory, with a particular emphasis on developing rigorous mathematical techniques for understanding and analyzing processes that involve chance. His expertise in these areas has earned him a distinguished reputation in the field of mathematics.

Brian Brushwood is a versatile American entertainer known for his work as a magician, podcaster, author, lecturer, YouTuber, and comedian. He gained recognition through his series Scam Nation (formerly Scam School), where he shares entertaining tricks for viewers to use at bars. Brushwood co-hosts several podcasts, including Weird Things, Cordkillers, and Great Night. He also performs Bizarre Magic stage shows nationwide, authored six books, and co-hosted The Modern Rogue on YouTube. His appearances on popular TV shows like The Tonight Show and CNN have further solidified his presence in the entertainment industry.

Misty Lee is a multi-talented American voice actress, comedian, and magician known for her captivating performances. With a career spanning various entertainment mediums, she has showcased her versatility and skill in bringing characters to life through her voice acting work. As a comedian, Misty has delighted audiences with her humor and wit, while her expertise in magic has mesmerized and amazed spectators. Her professional journey is a testament to her passion for entertaining and her ability to excel in diverse creative fields.

Harry Kellar was an American magician known for his large stage shows in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was considered the "Dean of American Magicians" and performed worldwide. Kellar apprenticed under Robert Heller and Isaiah Hughes and was a predecessor of Harry Houdini. One of his notable illusions was the levitation of Princess Karnac, inspired by John Nevil Maskelyne's work. Kellar was a loyal customer of the Martinka Magic Company, which created many of his illusions and sets, such as the famous "Blue Room."