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Erik Weisz (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926), known as Harry Houdini ( / huːˈdiːni / hoo-DEE-nee ), was a Hungarian-American escape artist, illusionist, and stunt performer, noted for his escape acts. [3]
Jun 18, 2024 · Harry Houdini (born March 24, 1874, Budapest [ see Researcher’s Note ]—died October 31, 1926, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.) was an American magician noted for his sensational escape acts. (Read Harry Houdini’s 1926 Britannica essay on magic.) Harry Houdini, c. 1905. Harry Houdini preparing to be submerged in a box in the East River, New York City, 1912.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Apr 3, 2014 · (1874-1926) Who Was Harry Houdini? Fascinated with magic from a young age, Harry Houdini began performing and drew attention for his daring feats of escape. In 1893, he married Wilhelmina...
- He named himself after another magician. 1911 poster. Houdini was born Erik Weisz, but his name was altered to Ehrich Weiss after his family emigrated from Hungary to Wisconsin when he was 4 years old.
- Houdini first found fame as the “King of Handcuffs.” Houdini struggled during his early years in show business and considered calling it quits and opening a magic school.
- His brother was also a successful magician. Poster advertising a 1931 show by Hardeen. After establishing himself in Europe in the early 1900s, Houdini brought over his younger brother Theo, a magician who had worked as his partner during his early career.
- Houdini once staged an escape from inside a sea monster. In September 1911, a group of Boston businessmen challenged Houdini to attempt the most bizarre stunt of his career—an escape from the belly of a 1,500-pound “sea monster” that had washed up in the city’s harbor.
Jan 9, 2017 · Learn how Houdini combined magic, aviation, history and business in his career. Discover his inventions, secrets and stories behind his famous stunts and illusions.
Mar 23, 2022 · Though Harry Houdini died nearly a century ago, his mystique has never faded. The famed magician captured the imagination of the world with his death-defying stunts and performances, many of...
Learn about the life and career of Harry Houdini, one of the world's most popular entertainers, who thrilled audiences with his daring escapes and magic tricks. From his humble beginnings in Hungary to his fame in America and Europe, discover how he became "The Elusive American" and a cultural icon.
