Erik Weisz, famoulsy known as The Great Harry Houdini is one the most famous illusionists and stunt performers that ever lived. He is celebrated for his sensational escape acts that earned him the title “Harry Handcuffs Houdini”. As an illusionist, Houdini first attracted public attention while touring through Europe and performing as an exquisite escape artist, challenging police officers to detain him as overtures to his escapes.
He upheld strict professional standards, always ready to expose fraudulent artists and quick to sue anyone who imitated his acts and stunts. Later in life, he became President of the Society of American Magicians.
Houdini started his magic career at the age of 17, in 1891, but with little to no success. He was barely scraping by in various jobs at various infamous museums and shady circuses. But even at times when his job was unsatisfying and disrespectful of his aspirations, his desire to master the world of magic kept growing.
He started focusing on traditional card tricks and was intent on becoming the “King of Cards”. He was convinced that the mastering card tricks would be his stepping stone to a successful career in magic. And as is turned out, they were.
In 1899, while practicing his escape acts, he was spotted by manager Martin Beck in St. Paul, Minnesota who was impressed by one of his handcuff acts. Beck then met Houdini and encouraged him to focus on the escapology acts. The two came to an agreement, Beck became Houdini’s manager and he booked Houdini for the Orpheum vaudeville circuit. Within months, Houdini found himself performing for the elite, at the top vaudeville houses in the country.
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