Harry Houdini Born Ehrich Weiss March 24, 1874 Budapest, Austria-Hungary Died October 31, 1926 (aged 52) Detroit, Michigan, United States Occupation Illusionist, magician, escapologist, stunt performer, actor, historian, film producer, pilot, debunker Years active 1891–1926 Spouse(s) Wilhelmina Beatrice Bess Rahner (1894–1926; his death) Harry Houdini (born Erik Weisz in Budapest, later Ehrich Weiss, Harry Weiss, or Harry Weiß; March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926) was a Hungarian-American illusionist and stunt performer, noted for his sensational escape acts. He first attracted notice as Harry Handcuff Houdini on a tour of Europe, where he challenged police forces to keep him locked up. Soon he extended his repertoire to include chains, ropes slung from skyscrapers, straitjackets under water, and having to hold his breath inside a sealed milk can. In 1904, thousands watched as he tried to escape from special handcuffs commissioned by Londons Daily Mirror, keeping them in suspense for an hour. Another stunt saw him buried alive and only just able to claw himself to the surface, emerging in a state of near-breakdown. While many suspected that these escapes were faked, Houdini presented himself as the scourge of fake magicians and spiritualists. As President of the Society of American Magicians, he was keen to uphold professional standards and expose fraudulent artists. He was also quick to sue anyone who pirated his escape stunts. Houdini made several movies, but quit acting when it failed to bring in money. He was also a keen aviator, and aimed to become the first man to fly a plane in Australia. Even the circumstances of his death in 1926 were dramatic and mysterious.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 06:52:57 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015