Harry Houdini Biography

Harry Houdini, born as Erik Weisz, was the world’s most celebrated magician who enthralled audiences through his daring and unbelievable escape feats. This Hungarian-born American escape artist knew how to draw attention, by claiming to release himself from any kind of prison, leg-iron, steel lock, and chain. Fascinated by the French magician Jean Robert-Houdin, Harry Houdini, not only stepped into the latter’s shoes, but also adopted his surname in embarking a flourishing, money-making career. This master of illusion became an international sensation for his ability to extricate himself from assorted locked containers, right from prison cells to milk cans to airtight coffins. His fantastic stunts added to his great illusion career, with his underwater box escape being considered as one of his most remarkable tricks ever performed. His other prominent acts included Daily Mirror challenge, milk can escape, Chinese water torture cell, and buried alive stunt. Besides his near-death escapes and heart-pumping acts, he gave acting and directing a try, but wasn’t able to achieve much success in it. What’s more, as a passionate aviator, he bought his own aircraft and became the first person to fly a plane in Australia. In fact, he desired to be remembered as an aviation pioneer more than a legendary escapologist.