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Harry Houdini
Considered the greatest of the magicians, Harry Houdini was a consummate showman. His name is a direct take off of the French magician Robert-Houdin, with whom he was often compared. Questions about this performer are discussed here.
533 Questions
How did Harry Houdini come up with his stage name?
Harry Houdini was born Erik Weisz, but that name wasn't going to cut it for his magical ambitions. The origin of "Harry" was simple—he'd gone by "Ehrie" as a kid, so he just Americanized the old nickname. "Houdini" was an homage to one of the pioneers of modern magic, Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin. Robert-Houdin was a clockmaker who opened his own magic theatre in 1845. He's widely credited with being the first to perform in evening attire instead of fantastical robes, thus making magic a little more mainstream.
Oddly enough, Houdini turned on his magical namesake later in life, writing a book called The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin in which he criticized Robert-Houdin for stealing other magicians' tricks.
Harry Houdini was a VERY strong man. Being only 5' 4", he was EXTREMELY strong for his size.
Who inspired Harry Houdini to become a magician?
A man named Robert-Houdin was a famous magician that Houdini studied. Houdin did what he dreamed of doing and became famous and rich for doing magic tricks. Houdini said," From the moment I began to study the art he became my guide and hero. I asked nothing more of life than to become in my profession like Robert-Houdin.
What year did Harry Houdini's siblings die?
Herman M. died in 1885. Nathan J. died in 1927. Gottfried William died in 1925. Theodore "Theo" died in 1945. Leopold D. died in 1962. I don't know the rest
Why did Harry Houdini immigrate to America?
Harry Houdini was a Hungarian American magician and escapologist, stunt performer, actor and film producer. He immigrated with his family to the United States on July 3, 1878, from Mexico at the age of four.
What information can you give me about Harry Houdini?
As a child he worked as a News Paper Boy, a shoe Shiner, he got many jobs at circuses, and he also got a job as a lock smith. His other jobs in life consisted of a actor, and a pilot.
- Born: 24 March 1874
- Birthplace: Budapest, Hungary
- Died: 31 October 1926 (peritonitis)
- Best Known As: The world's greatest escape artist
Name at birth: Ehrich Weiss
Harry Houdini was the most influential magician of the 20th century. His specialty was escapes: slipping out of ropes, chains and handcuffs while locked in trunks and milk cans or submerged underwater. (He once jumped into San Francisco Bay while handcuffed and shackled to a ball and chain.) In an era before TV, Houdini became world famous by barnstorming across America and around the globe. His skills and showmanship made the single name "Houdini" synonymous with entertaining magic; he is often credited with influencing later magicians from david-copperfield-illusionist-and-magicianto david-blaine. He died in 1926, reportedly due to peritonitis after his appendix ruptured; the legend that he died during a failed escape is untrue. He was buried without an autopsy, and in 2007 a plan by harry-houdinimembers to exhume his body moved forward, in an effort to solve the longstanding mystery of what caused his death.
Houdini sometimes claimed his birthplace was Appleton, Wisconsin... Houdini chose his stage name as a tribute to French illusionist Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin... Houdini was known for debunking spiritualists, and once offered a $10,000 reward to anyone who could produce a "psychical manifestation" which Houdini could not reproduce by natural means... Another legend has it that Houdini's death was caused by an overeager fan, who ruptured Houdini's appendix with a surprise punch to the stomach; the punch did occur, but it probably did not cause the appendicitis... Actor tony-curtisplayed the magician in the 1953 movie Houdini.
How did Harry Houdini immigrate and whom did he immigrate with?
Houdini immigrated to America by boat. His father had sailed to New York in search of the "streets paved with gold." There were none, so he had to take two years to scrape together enough money to send for his wife and seven kids. Houdini immigrated with his mother and siblings on the trip to New York.
Did Harry Houdini have any military service?
No. Nowhere in his life did Harry Houdini join the military.
What did Harry Houdini do after his wife died?
ummm.... actually, Harry died before his wife, Bess, died.
What are Harry Houdini's favorite activities?
Harry Houdini changed what he liked throughout his lifetime. He was a magician, an escape artist, a medium, and a pilot. Harry also wrote some books, directed some movies, and had lots of birds in their house.
Did Harry Houdini show American soldiers from World War 1 how to escape from German handcuffs?
Germany was torpedoing ships of all nations and The United States was soon to enter World War I. When the United States went to war with Germany Harry Houdini took a year off from work to sell bonds for the war effort. He also had a program to teach American soldiers how to escape from German handcuffs giving away some of his magic trick secrets.
What cood harry houdini eskape from?
Harry Houdini was a famous escape artist. Apparently he could escape anything. The chinese water trap is his best know feat.
Why were Harry Houdini and his wife are buried in different places?
She wasn't included in the family plot which included him, his mom, and his brothers.
How many brothers did Harry Houdini have?
Five brothers (Herman, Theodore, Gottfried, Leopold, and Nathan)
How much would a show to see Harry houdini cost?
As Houdini lived long ago the charges were very few indeed for each show.
When was Harry Houdini buried alive?
It is actually unknown if Houdini ever actually performed his Buried Alive stunt onstage. It was meant to be his feature escape of 1927, but he died on October 31, 1926. He was buried in the same casket that he would have used for that trick however, so he was buried in his trick casket, he was just never buried ALIVE in it.
Did Harry Houdini have any awards?
Back in those days, There were no awards. Only monetary was earned.
1975 - Houdini received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star is located on the northwest corner of Hollywood Blvd. and Orange Drive, just across from the Grauman's Chinese Theater and down the street from The Magic Castle.
