The Man From Beyond
1922
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Erik Weisz (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926), known as Harry Houdini (/ h uː ˈ d iː n i / hoo-DEE-nee), was a Hungarian-American escape artist, illusionist, and stunt performer, noted for his escape acts.
- 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
- Peritonitis
- 1891–1926
- Theodore Hardeen (brother)
Apr 3, 2014 · Learn about the life and career of Harry Houdini, one of the most famous magicians of all time. From his early fascination with magic to his daring escape acts, his aviation and film exploits, his activism against fraudulent mediums, and his mysterious death at age 52.
Mar 25, 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.)
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- 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.
A biography of the legendary escape artist and magician, from his breakthrough in 1899 to his death in 1926. Learn about his life, career, and personal struggles as he conquered America and Europe with his handcuff escapes, stage shows, and public challenges.
- American Experience
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Jan 9, 2017 · Learn how the great magician and escape artist Harry Houdini was also an actor, a pioneer aviator, an amateur historian and a businessman. Discover his inventions, such as the toy Houdini that escapes from a straitjacket and the watertight chest that he designed to drown in.
Mar 23, 2020 · In 1908, Harry Houdini—“The World’s Handcuff King and Prison Breaker”—needed a new act. He was thirty-four and had worked in show business for fifteen years. He had toured all...
