The Performers

All Magicians

All publicly cataloged magician profiles from the archive. Filter by era or specialty, limit to those represented in the collection, or search across biographies.

125 magicians

Sorted A–Z by name

Ed Alonzo

Modern Magic

Ed Alonzo

1968–

Comedy Magic
Harry Anderson

Modern Magic

Harry Anderson

1952–2018

Comedy Magic

Harry Anderson was a versatile American magician and actor, best known for his unique blend of comedy, street magic, and television success.

Criss Angel

Contemporary Magic

Criss Angel

1967–

Stage IllusionTelevision / Media Magic
Theodore Annemann

Vaudeville / Early 20th Century

Theodore Annemann

1907–1942

Mentalism

Theodore Annemann was a pioneering mentalist whose innovations in the field of psychological magic remain foundational to the genre.

Al Baker

Golden Age of Magic

Al Baker

1874–1951

Mentalism
David Bamberg / Fu Manchu

Vaudeville / Early 20th Century

David Bamberg / Fu Manchu

1904–1974

Stage Illusion
Banachek

Modern Magic

Banachek

1960–

Mentalism

Banachek is a legendary mentalist and consultant, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the development of modern psychological magic.

Keith Barry

Contemporary Magic

Keith Barry

1976–

Mentalism
David Berglas

Mid-Century Magic

David Berglas

1926–2023

Mentalism
Harry Blackstone Jr.

Mid-Century Magic

Harry Blackstone Jr.

1934–1997

Stage Illusion
Harry Blackstone Sr.

Golden Age of Magic

Harry Blackstone Sr.

1885–1965

Stage Illusion
David Blaine

Contemporary Magic

David Blaine

1973–

Television / Media MagicEscapology
Jorge Blass

Contemporary Magic

Jorge Blass

1972–

Stage Illusion

Jorge Blass is a contemporary Spanish magician known for his innovative stage illusions and modern approach to the craft.

Gaëtan Bloom

Modern Magic

Gaëtan Bloom

1951–

Inventor / Creator
Ehrlich Brothers

Contemporary Magic

Ehrlich Brothers

1978–

Stage Illusion
Derren Brown

Contemporary Magic

Derren Brown

1971–

MentalismTheatrical MagicTelevision / Media Magic
Eugene Burger

Mid-Century Magic

Eugene Burger

1939–2017

Close-Up / Sleight of Hand
Lance Burton

Modern Magic

Lance Burton

1960–

Close-Up / Sleight of HandManipulationStage Illusion
B

Contemporary Magic

Nathan Burton

1975–

Stage Illusion

Nathan Burton is a contemporary stage illusionist known for his fast-paced, high-energy shows and his successful residency in Las Vegas.

Kuda Bux

Vaudeville / Early 20th Century

Kuda Bux

1905–1981

Mentalism
Michael Carbonaro

Contemporary Magic

Michael Carbonaro

1976–

Television / Media Magic
Cardini

Vaudeville / Early 20th Century

Cardini

1895–1973

Close-Up / Sleight of HandManipulationStage Illusion
John Carney

Modern Magic

John Carney

1952–

Close-Up / Sleight of Hand

John Carney is a highly respected close-up magician and author, known for his elegant style and his focus on the 'art' of magic.

Carter the Great

Golden Age of Magic

Carter the Great

1874–1936

Stage Illusion
Milbourne Christopher

Vaudeville / Early 20th Century

Milbourne Christopher

1914–1984

Escapology

Milbourne Christopher was a prolific mid-century magician, historian, and author who dedicated his life to preserving the history of magic.

The Clairvoyants

Contemporary Magic

The Clairvoyants

1987–

Mentalism
Colin Cloud

Contemporary Magic

Colin Cloud

1986–

Mentalism

Colin Cloud is a Scottish mentalist known for his forensic-inspired performance style and his moniker, 'The Real Life Sherlock Holmes.'

Tommy Cooper

Mid-Century Magic

Tommy Cooper

1921–1984

Comedy Magic
David CopperfieldIn Collection

Modern Magic

David Copperfield

1956–

Stage Illusion
C

Contemporary Magic

David Corn

Stage Illusion

A contemporary illusionist and youth evangelist based in Houston, Texas, who combines large-scale illusion with moral and faith-based messaging in school assemblies and public performances nationwide.

Cosentino

Contemporary Magic

Cosentino

1982–

Escapology
Aaron Crow

Contemporary Magic

Aaron Crow

1968–

Escapology
Paul Daniels

Mid-Century Magic

Paul Daniels

1938–2016

Television / Media Magic

Paul Daniels was a British television icon whose show, 'The Paul Daniels Magic Show,' brought magic into millions of homes for over a decade.

Dante / Harry Jansen

Golden Age of Magic

Dante / Harry Jansen

1883–1955

Stage Illusion
Derek DelGaudio

Contemporary Magic

Derek DelGaudio

1984–

Close-Up / Sleight of HandTheatrical Magic
David Devant

Golden Age of Magic

David Devant

1868–1941

Stage Illusion

David Devant was a pioneering English magician and shadowgraphist who transformed the presentation of stage magic during the Golden Age.

Jon Dorenbos

Contemporary Magic

Jon Dorenbos

1980–

Television / Media Magic
Joseph Dunninger

Vaudeville / Early 20th Century

Joseph Dunninger

1892–1975

Mentalism

Joseph Dunninger was a pioneer of mentalism who became a radio and television star, famous for his 'Dunninger's Brainbusters' program.

Dynamo / Steven Frayne

Contemporary Magic

Dynamo / Steven Frayne

1982–

Television / Media Magic

Steven Frayne, professionally known as Dynamo, is a British magician who rose to global prominence through his innovative television series and street magic performances.

Doc Eason

Modern Magic

Doc Eason

1947–

Close-Up / Sleight of Hand

Doc Eason is a renowned American magician celebrated for his mastery of bar magic and his contributions to close-up performance.

Ching Ling Foo / Zhu Liankui

19th Century / Early Magic

Ching Ling Foo / Zhu Liankui

1854–1922

Stage Illusion

Ching Ling Foo was a pioneering Chinese magician who introduced traditional Chinese stage magic to Western audiences at the turn of the 20th century.

Talma (Mary Ann Ford)

Golden Age of Magic

Talma (Mary Ann Ford)

1861–1944

Stage Illusion
F

Contemporary Magic

Braden Foster

Comedy MagicStage Illusion

A contemporary magician and illusionist known for blending quick wit, self-described nerdy humor, and interactive stage illusion in family-friendly performances for audiences across the country.

Juan Tamariz Foundation

Modern Magic

Juan Tamariz Foundation

1942–

Magic Author / Scholar
Mat Franco

Contemporary Magic

Mat Franco

1988–

Stage Illusion

Mat Franco is a contemporary stage magician who rose to fame as the first magician to win 'America's Got Talent.'

John Gaughan

Modern Magic

John Gaughan

1940–

Inventor / Creator
Uri Geller

Modern Magic

Uri Geller

1946–

Mentalism

Uri Geller is a world-famous mentalist who gained international notoriety for his demonstrations of 'psychic' phenomena, most notably spoon bending.

Paul Gertner

Modern Magic

Paul Gertner

1953–

Close-Up / Sleight of Hand
Andi Gladwin

Contemporary Magic

Andi Gladwin

1985–

Magic Author / Scholar
Horace Goldin

Golden Age of Magic

Horace Goldin

1873–1939

Magic Author / Scholar

Horace Goldin was a prolific Golden Age magician and innovator, famous for his high-speed illusions and the creation of the 'Sawing a Woman in Half' effect.

Helder Guimarães

Contemporary Magic

Helder Guimarães

1982–

Close-Up / Sleight of Hand
Robert Harbin

Vaudeville / Early 20th Century

Robert Harbin

1908–1978

Inventor / Creator
Hardeen

Golden Age of Magic

Hardeen

1876–1945

Escapology

Hardeen, the younger brother of Harry Houdini, was a successful escape artist and magician who helped preserve his brother's legacy.

Christopher Hart

Modern Magic

Christopher Hart

1961–

Television / Media Magic

Christopher Hart is a versatile magician and actor, best known for his iconic role as 'Thing' in the 'Addams Family' films.

Pop Haydn

Modern Magic

Pop Haydn

1949–

Comedy Magic
Carisa Hendrix / Lucy Darling

Contemporary Magic

Carisa Hendrix / Lucy Darling

1986–

Comedy Magic
Doug Henning

Modern Magic

Doug Henning

1947–2000

Stage Illusion
Black Herman

Vaudeville / Early 20th Century

Black Herman

1892–1934

Magic Author / Scholar
Adelaide Herrmann

19th Century / Early Magic

Adelaide Herrmann

1853–1932

Stage Illusion
Alexander Herrmann

19th Century / Early Magic

Alexander Herrmann

1844–1896

Stage IllusionClose-Up / Sleight of Hand
Professor Hoffmann (Angelo Lewis)

19th Century / Early Magic

Professor Hoffmann (Angelo Lewis)

1839–1919

Magic Author / Scholar
Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser

19th Century / Early Magic

Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser

1806–1875

Stage Illusion

Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser was a 19th-century Austrian magician often credited as the father of modern card magic.

Harry HoudiniIn Collection

Golden Age of Magic

Harry Houdini

1874–1926

EscapologyStage Illusion
Jean Hugard

Golden Age of Magic

Jean Hugard

1872–1959

Close-Up / Sleight of HandMagic Author / ScholarStage Illusion
Kevin James

Modern Magic

Kevin James

1962–

Inventor / Creator

Kevin James is an innovative magician and inventor known for creating some of the most iconic and visually stunning illusions in modern magic.

Joshua Jay

Contemporary Magic

Joshua Jay

1981–

Magic Author / Scholar
Ricky Jay

Modern Magic

Ricky Jay

1946–2018

Magic Author / Scholar

Ricky Jay was a world-class sleight-of-hand artist, actor, and preeminent historian of the conjuring arts.

The Amazing Johnathan

Modern Magic

The Amazing Johnathan

1958–2022

Comedy Magic

The Amazing Johnathan was a legendary American comedian and magician known for his chaotic, irreverent, and highly original stage persona.

J

Contemporary Magic

Kristen Johnson / Lady Houdini

1977–

Escapology

Kristen Johnson, known as 'Lady Houdini,' is a world-renowned escapologist who has performed more successful water torture cell escapes than any other person in history.

Eric Jones

Contemporary Magic

Eric Jones

1980–

Close-Up / Sleight of Hand
Fred Kaps

Mid-Century Magic

Fred Kaps

1926–1980

Stage Illusion

Fred Kaps was a Dutch magician widely considered by his peers to be one of the greatest performers of the 20th century.

Harry Kellar

19th Century / Early Magic

Harry Kellar

1849–1922

Stage Illusion
Mac King

Modern Magic

Mac King

1959–

Close-Up / Sleight of HandComedy MagicStage Illusion
Hans Klok

Modern Magic

Hans Klok

1969–

Stage Illusion
Buatier de Kolta

19th Century / Early Magic

Buatier de Kolta

1847–1903

Stage Illusion
Jen Kramer

Contemporary Magic

Jen Kramer

1992–

Close-Up / Sleight of HandTelevision / Media Magic
The Amazing Kreskin

Mid-Century Magic

The Amazing Kreskin

1935–

Mentalism

The Amazing Kreskin is a legendary mentalist who has maintained a career spanning over six decades, known for his television appearances and 'thought-reading' demonstrations.

Rob Lake

Contemporary Magic

Rob Lake

1982–

Stage Illusion

Rob Lake is a contemporary stage illusionist known for his grand-scale productions and his work as a creative consultant for major magic shows.

Jason Latimer

Contemporary Magic

Jason Latimer

1981–

Magic Author / Scholar

Jason Latimer is a modern magician, scholar, and educator known for his focus on the science behind magic and the promotion of critical thinking.

L

Contemporary Magic

Brian Ledbetter

Stage IllusionEscapologyComedy Magic

A Branson-based magician and escapologist, best known for his long-running show Escape Reality, which blends grand illusion, comedy, and danger-style escapes.

Shin Lim

Contemporary Magic

Shin Lim

1991–

Close-Up / Sleight of HandManipulation
Max Malini

Golden Age of Magic

Max Malini

1873–1942

Close-Up / Sleight of Hand
Ed Marlo

Vaudeville / Early 20th Century

Ed Marlo

1913–1991

Close-Up / Sleight of Hand

Ed Marlo was a prolific Chicago-based magician and author who revolutionized card magic, coining the term 'cardician' to describe specialists in the craft.

Jay Marshall

Mid-Century Magic

Jay Marshall

1919–2005

Comedy Magic

Jay Marshall was a beloved comedy magician, ventriloquist, and a central figure in the magic community for decades.

Peter Marvey

Contemporary Magic

Peter Marvey

1971–

Inventor / Creator

Peter Marvey is a Swiss illusionist and inventor celebrated for his highly technical, visually stunning stage illusions.

John Nevil Maskelyne

19th Century / Early Magic

John Nevil Maskelyne

1839–1917

Stage Illusion

John Nevil Maskelyne was a 19th-century British magician and inventor who founded the famous Egyptian Hall, a legendary venue for magic in London.

Luis de Matos

Contemporary Magic

Luis de Matos

1970–

Stage Illusion
Max Maven

Modern Magic

Max Maven

1950–2022

Mentalism

Max Maven was a legendary mentalist and magic consultant, celebrated for his encyclopedic knowledge of the craft and his sophisticated, minimalist performance style.

Jeff McBride

Modern Magic

Jeff McBride

1959–

ManipulationTheatrical MagicMagic Author / Scholar
Jason Michaels

Contemporary Magic

Jason Michaels

1975–

Magic Author / Scholar

Jason Michaels is a contemporary magician and author recognized for his scholarly contributions and his efforts to document the art of magic.

Xavier Mortimer

Contemporary Magic

Xavier Mortimer

1980–

Television / Media Magic

Xavier Mortimer is a contemporary French magician and multi-disciplinary performer known for his creative, artistic approach to magic and his viral digital content.

T. Nelson Downs

Golden Age of Magic

T. Nelson Downs

1867–1938

Stage Illusion

T. Nelson Downs, known as 'The King of Koins,' was a legendary manipulative magician who revolutionized coin magic during the Golden Age of magic.

Magic Babe Ning / Ning Cai

Contemporary Magic

Magic Babe Ning / Ning Cai

1982–

Escapology

Magic Babe Ning (Ning Cai) is a pioneering female magician and escapologist who has gained international acclaim for her daring performances.

Darcy Oake

Contemporary Magic

Darcy Oake

1987–

Stage Illusion

Darcy Oake is a contemporary Canadian illusionist who gained international fame for his high-stakes stage performances and television appearances.

Penn & TellerIn Collection

Modern Magic

Penn & Teller

Penn Jillette (1955– ) · Teller (1948– )

Comedy MagicStage Illusion
Luis Piedrahita

Contemporary Magic

Luis Piedrahita

1977–

Comedy Magic
Piff the Magic Dragon

Contemporary Magic

Piff the Magic Dragon

1980–

Comedy Magic
Channing Pollock

Mid-Century Magic

Channing Pollock

1926–2006

ManipulationStage Illusion
Richard Potter

19th Century / Early Magic

Richard Potter

1783–1835

Stage Illusion
James Randi

Mid-Century Magic

James Randi

1928–2020

Escapology

James Randi was a world-renowned escape artist and a tireless investigator of paranormal claims, known for his 'One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge.'

R

Contemporary Magic

Kevin Ridgeway

1972–

Escapology

Kevin Ridgeway is a contemporary magician and escapologist known for his high-stakes performances and technical skill.

Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin

19th Century / Early Magic

Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin

1805–1871

Stage IllusionInventor / CreatorMagic Author / Scholar

Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin is widely considered the 'father of modern magic,' having transformed the art from street-level trickery to a sophisticated theatrical experience.

David Roth

Modern Magic

David Roth

1952–2014

Close-Up / Sleight of Hand

David Roth was an American master of sleight of hand, widely considered one of the greatest coin magicians in history.

Murray SawChuck

Contemporary Magic

Murray SawChuck

1973–

Television / Media Magic
P.T. Selbit

Golden Age of Magic

P.T. Selbit

1881–1938

Stage Illusion
Siegfried & Roy

Modern Magic

Siegfried & Roy

Siegfried Fischbacher (1939–2021) · Roy Horn (1944–2020)

Stage Illusion
Slydini

Vaudeville / Early 20th Century

Slydini

1901–1991

Close-Up / Sleight of HandManipulation
S

Contemporary Magic

Grayson Smith

1988–

Mentalism
Chung Ling Soo / William Robinson

Golden Age of Magic

Chung Ling Soo / William Robinson

1861–1918

Stage Illusion

Chung Ling Soo was the stage persona of American magician William Robinson, who became one of the most famous and tragic figures of the Golden Age of Magic.

Jim Steinmeyer

Modern Magic

Jim Steinmeyer

1958–

Inventor / Creator
Lior Suchard

Contemporary Magic

Lior Suchard

1981–

Mentalism

Lior Suchard is an internationally acclaimed mentalist known for his high-energy performances and ability to 'read' the minds of celebrities and world leaders.

Mike Super

Contemporary Magic

Mike Super

1976–

Stage Illusion
P. T. Selbit

Golden Age of Magic

P. T. Selbit

1881–1938

Magic Author / Scholar
Cyril Takayama

Contemporary Magic

Cyril Takayama

1973–

Television / Media Magic
Juan Tamariz

Modern Magic

Juan Tamariz

1942–

Close-Up / Sleight of Hand

Juan Tamariz is a Spanish master of close-up magic, celebrated for his infectious enthusiasm and his revolutionary theories on the psychology of misdirection.

Harlan Tarbell

Vaudeville / Early 20th Century

Harlan Tarbell

1890–1960

Magic Author / Scholar

Harlan Tarbell was a seminal figure in magic education, best known for his comprehensive 'Tarbell Course in Magic.'

Marco Tempest

Modern Magic

Marco Tempest

1964–

Inventor / Creator
Howard Thurston

Golden Age of Magic

Howard Thurston

1869–1936

Stage Illusion
Joe M. Turner

Contemporary Magic

Joe M. Turner

1968–

Magic Author / Scholar

Joe M. Turner is a respected magician, author, and scholar who has contributed significantly to the intellectual and historical study of magic.

Richard Turner

Modern Magic

Richard Turner

1954–

Close-Up / Sleight of Hand
Steve Valentine

Contemporary Magic

Steve Valentine

1966–

Comedy Magic
Dai Vernon

Vaudeville / Early 20th Century

Dai Vernon

1894–1992

Close-Up / Sleight of Hand
Justin Willman

Contemporary Magic

Justin Willman

1980–

Television / Media Magic

Justin Willman is a contemporary magician and television personality known for his innovative, modern approach to magic and his popular media projects.

Mark Wilson

Mid-Century Magic

Mark Wilson

1929–2021

Television / Media MagicMagic Author / ScholarStage Illusion
Asi Wind

Contemporary Magic

Asi Wind

1975–

Close-Up / Sleight of Hand