Harry Houdini

Description: (Illusionist and Stunt Performer Known for His Sensational Escape Acts)

Harry Houdini, born as Erik Weisz, was the world’s most celebrated magician who enthralled audiences through his daring and unbelievable escape feats. This Hungarian-born American escape artist knew how to draw attention, by claiming to release himself from any kind of prison, leg-iron, steel lock, and chain. Fascinated by the French magician Jean Robert-Houdin, Harry Houdini, not only stepped into the latter’s shoes, but also adopted his surname in embarking a flourishing, money-making career. This master of illusion became an international sensation for his ability to extricate himself from assorted locked containers, right from prison cells to milk cans to airtight coffins. His fantastic stunts added to his great illusion career, with his underwater box escape being considered as one of his most remarkable tricks ever performed. His other prominent acts included Daily Mirror challenge, milk can escape, Chinese water torture cell, and buried alive stunt. Besides his near-death escapes and heart-pumping acts, he gave acting and directing a try, but wasn’t able to achieve much success in it. What’s more, as a passionate aviator, he bought his own aircraft and became the first person to fly a plane in Australia. In fact, he desired to be remembered as an aviation pioneer more than a legendary escapologist.

Overview

Birthday March 24, 1874 (Aries)
Born In Hungary
Alternative names Erik Weisz
City Budapest, Hungary
Died on October 31, 1926
Spouse/Ex- Bess Houdini
Parents Mayer Samuel Weisz
Cecelia Weisz
Relatives Carrie Gladys, Gottfried William, Herman M., Leopold D., Nathan J., Theodore Hardeen

Did you know

What is Harry Houdini's most famous magic trick? Harry Houdini's most famous magic trick is the "Chinese Water Torture Cell" escape, where he was lowered upside-down into a tank filled with water and had to escape before drowning.
How did Harry Houdini die? Harry Houdini died from peritonitis, a condition caused by a ruptured appendix, on October 31, 1926.
What was Harry Houdini's real name? Harry Houdini's real name was Erik Weisz, later changed to Ehrich Weiss after immigrating to the United States.
Where is Harry Houdini buried? Harry Houdini is buried at Machpelah Cemetery in Queens, New York.
Did Harry Houdini ever fail to escape from a trick? Yes, Harry Houdini famously failed to escape from a water-filled milk can during a performance in 1912, but was rescued just in time by his assistant.
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