5 famous magicians who performed wonders on edge of real magic
Some tricks resemble real magic (Illustratove photo: Pixabay.com)
Magic has always fascinated people, leaving behind awe and numerous mysteries. The ability of illusionists to create incredible tricks that verge on the impossible not only evokes wonder but also a desire to learn more about the secrets of their craft.
RBC-Ukraine tells the stories of the most famous masters of magic and illusion who influenced the art of entertainment and became legends of their time.
Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini is undoubtedly one of the most famous and influential illusionists of all time. His career began with simple card tricks but quickly evolved into complex and dangerous stunts.
His most famous act was escaping from handcuffs and confined spaces. One of Houdini's signature tricks was escaping from a water tank while handcuffed and submerged in water. He also gained fame for his extreme escapes, such as plunging from a bridge in chains or escaping from death row cells.
He even performed a trick where he was shackled in metal chains, thrown into a deep pool, and had to escape before losing consciousness due to a lack of air. His mysterious death in 1924, caused by an injury, drew attention: a fan had struck him in the stomach, which led to peritonitis.
Harry Houdini before performing a trick (photo: Wikipedia)
David Copperfield
David Copperfield continued the traditions of Harry Houdini, adding more spectacle and extravagance to his performances. One of his most famous tricks was the vanishing of the Eiffel Tower, which he showcased in 1983.
Copperfield also amazed audiences with the disappearance of the Statue of Liberty in New York, which became one of the key moments in the history of illusion. He also demonstrated the journey through walls, where it appeared as though he was passing through thick brick walls.
Among his extravagant acts was jumping off Niagara Falls and escaping from Alcatraz, which highlighted his bravery and creative potential.
Copperfield also gained fame for his stage experiments, such as the Death Saw Illusion with a giant spinning blade, where it seemed like he was being cut in half.
David Copperfield performs a card trick (photo: Wikipedia)
David Blaine
David Blaine gained popularity for his unusual and extreme tricks, many of which endangered his health. One of his most famous stunts was spending 7 days submerged in a water sarcophagus, broadcasting the performance live.
Blaine also set a record for holding his breath underwater for 17 minutes. Equally impressive was his freezing stunt, where he reportedly spent 62 hours encased in a block of ice in a state of suspended animation.
Additionally, Blaine became famous for his street magic, where he showcased incredible sleight-of-hand skills, making cards and coins disappear in ways that left audiences puzzled and amazed.
David Blaine spent 44 days in this cage (photo: Wikipedia)
Uri Geller
Uri Geller became famous for his psychokinetic tricks, with the most well-known being bending spoons with the power of his mind. His performances often included elements of communication with extraterrestrials and demonstrated psychic abilities.
During his 2008 tour, he amazed audiences by promising to bend spoons live, which became a true phenomenon. In one of the shows, Geller demonstrated his ability to predict the future, describing the actions of the audience members before they performed them.
He also participated in several scientific experiments, attempting to prove his ability to alter matter with his mind. Geller is also known for applying his abilities in other fields, such as developing new scientific theories.
Uri Geller (photo: Wikipedia)
Criss Angel
Criss Angel, known for his bold rock-star image, combines elements of magic with extreme and dangerous stunts.
One of his most striking acts involved suspending himself from a helicopter using fish hooks, showcasing his fearlessness and willingness to take risks.
Angel also gained fame for his daring escapes, such as being chained to a burning car loaded with explosives. In another stunt, he was locked inside a sturdy metal box submerged in the ocean, tasked with escaping before it flooded completely.
His unconventional approach to illusion and audacious performances have made him one of the most commercially successful illusionists in the world, further solidified by his contract with Cirque du Soleil.
.jpg)
Criss Angel resembles a true rock star (photo: Wikipedia)
Also, read about 6 mysterious creatures scientists are still searching for.
Sources used in preparing this article: How Stuff Works, Witnessthemagic.co.uk, Wikipedia.
