The art of illusion appeared in antiquity. The most common are the use of special technical devices and sleight of hand.
What made the most famous “wizards” famous? You will learn about this from our article. Below are the top 10 best magicians and illusionists in the world.
10. Cyril Takayama
Cyril was born in America, his father is from Japan, his mother is from Morocco. The boy showed interest in the art of illusionism at the age of 6. He studied poorly, devoted all his free time to tricks. His father wanted his son to receive a decent education, he sent the young man to Japan. Takayama did not reach the final destination, he descended to Tokyo. Thus began his difficult path to fame. He dreamed of a scene, but nobody was interested in his talent. Nevertheless, luck smiled at him; he met an influential person who helped him fulfill his dream. Many tricks of Cyril have not been solved. He likes to work closely with the viewer. The illusionist extracts objects from pictures, performs various tricks with cards. His tricks are amazing, he does fantastic things.
9. Jonathan and Charlotte Pendragona
Jonathan and Charlotte are a married couple. They are from America, but the whole world knows them. Their performances were shown on television many times, thanks to which they achieved such popularity. The most famous illusion is metamorphosis. For the fastest transformation, they even got into the Guinness Book of Records. In the past, the couple successfully did gymnastics. That is why they manage to perform complex tricks. In addition, Charlotte was engaged in bodybuilding and dancing, and her husband Jonathan jumped from a springboard and was engaged in martial arts.
8. Duo Penn and Teller
The men met in 1974, and already in 1975 their first joint performance took place. In the beginning it was a trio, in 1981 they decided to perform together. Illusionists stand out among others in that they combine tricks and humor. The viewer liked this innovation. In addition, the duo had several television shows of their own, they starred in music videos. Now these "wizards" are known all over the world. In 2013, the illusionists were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Penn and Teller are not only partners, they are also best friends.
7. Harry August Jansen (Dante the Magician)
The famous illusionist acted under a pseudonym. People knew him as Dante Magician. He was born in Denmark and later moved to the USA. His program is an enchanting show, amazing card tricks, illusions. No wonder, because he had 25 assistants. These were not just tricks, but a truly bewitching sight. Dante gathered crowds of spectators. It was he who came up with the phrases that all “wizards” use, the well-known “Abracadabra” and “Sim Sala Bim”. He was called the greatest magician of the era. Harry died at the age of 71 from a heart attack.
6. "Magic Babe" Ning
This woman broke the stereotype that only a man can become a successful illusionist. Indeed, there are no more women among the famous magicians, but everyone knows Magic Babe. She was born in Singapore, the family was not rich. The girl studied well, but after the death of her father she had to quit school. The girl’s nickname was given to her first beloved, he called her “Magic Baby Ning”. Actually, Nin became interested in the art of illusionism as early as 5 years old, David Copperfield's speeches made too much impression on her, she saw them on TV. Her career began more than modestly, slowly step by step. The magical baby moved towards success. In 2008, she became popular, her show made a splash. By the way, Nin and her friend, with whom she performs, are considered the highest paid artists among magicians in Asia.
5. Harry Blackstone Sr.
He is called a man of legend. Harry was the most popular illusionist of the last century. He was born in 1885. Place of birth - Chicago. Harry started tricks as a teenager. In 1930, he was recognized as the best illusionist in the United States. His tricks make a great impression on the audience. His most famous illusions are: a girl sawn in half, flowers that appear on the tables of the audience, the disappearance of people. Blackstone lived in a not so calm time, but even during World War II he did not leave his favorite pastime. He spoke a lot to the soldiers of the United States. Harry was a real magician, his professional level ahead of time. No one except him could offer such an amazing, vibrant program.
4. Chris Angel
Chris was born in New York in 1967. He, too, got carried away early by the world of illusions. His aunt showed him the card trick when the boy was 6 years old. Angel studied poorly, he knew that he would connect his life with the art of illusion. Apparently, he believed that education was useless to him. Maybe he was right. Chris is successful. He has an interesting program, has his own television show. The illusionist performs various tricks: walks on water, pierces himself with sharp objects, predicts the future. The famous illusionist has many talents, he is not only engaged in magic tricks, but is a member of a rock band and businessman.
3. David Blaine
Born in New York in 1973. "The Wizard" performed on the street, a street show gathered a sufficient number of spectators. Soon they became interested in the ABC channel. His own show on the TV channel brought him fame. Why, David does such grandiose things. He was buried alive, frozen in ice. He became a world record holder, a magician can hold his breath for 17 minutes, he lived without food for 44 days. Sometimes people have doubts that this person is just an illusionist. Perhaps this is a sorcerer or magician, whom nature has endowed with superpowers. People can only guess, because Blaine will never reveal her secrets.
2. David Copperfield
Another famous illusionist from the USA. Born in 1956 in the state of New Jersey. When the boy was 4 years old, grandfather taught him card trick. Already at the age of 7, he spoke with his program to parishioners of the Jewish church, and Copperfield himself invented tricks. He became the youngest member of the community of magicians in America, at that time he was 12. When he turned 22, David was invited to television, he broadcast and even starred in the film. A few years later he had the opportunity to create his own television show. Many of his tricks were shown on TV: passing through the Chinese wall, the disappearance of the Statue of Liberty. By the way, in the 90s his performances were shown even on Russian television channels. Therefore, it is known not only in America, but throughout the world.
1. Harry Houdini
Born in Budapest in 1874, after 4 years, his family moved to the United States. From 10 years old he entertained the audience with card tricks. Later, the illusionist began to practice tricks professionally. Together with his brother, they toured America. He could go through the wall, free himself from the prison carriage. Houdini often staged street promotions. He was once thrown from a bridge into a river, and the magician was handcuffed. He soon surfaced, brandishing handcuffs removed. Harry performed in Russia, in Butyrka prison. He was able to get out of there after 2 minutes, and also managed to swap prisoners. Illusionist earned a lot of money. Harry died of peritonitis at 52 years old.