☰ Harry Houdini
 

Harry Houdini

Erik Weisz (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926), known as Harry Houdini, was a Hungarian-American escapologist, illusionist, and stunt performer noted for his escape acts.

Information about Harry Houdini.
Harry Houdini - Wikipedia

Information about Harry Houdini.

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Information about Bess Houdini on Wikipedia.
Bess Houdini

Information about Bess Houdini on Wikipedia.

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Follow celebrated magician Harry Houdini's life and career. 
Timeline of Houdini's Life | American Experience | Official Site | PBS

Follow celebrated magician Harry Houdini's life and career. 

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Discover the magic of Harry Houdini and learn about his connections.
Houdini | History Museum at the Castle

Discover the magic of Harry Houdini and learn about his connections.

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Married 3 times

Married to his wife three times; first in secret, and then once in each of their respective religions' churches.

Houdini and his wife Bess
Houdini and his wife Bess

Houdini and his wife Bess

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'My Two Sweethearts'. Harry Houdini (1874-1926) with his wife Beatrice (1876-1943) and mother Cecilia Steiner Weiss, half-length portrait
Cecilia, Houdini, Bess

'My Two Sweethearts'. Harry Houdini (1874-1926) with his wife Beatrice (1876-1943) and mother Cecilia Steiner Weiss, half-length portrait

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Article about Houdini's Death - JG TC Journal Gazette and Times Courier 1926 11 01 Page 1
Newspaper Article

Article about Houdini's Death - JG TC Journal Gazette and Times Courier 1926 11 01 Page 1

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Article about Houdini's Death - JG_TC_Journal_Gazette_and_Times_Courier_1926_11_01_Page_1
Newspaper Article

Article about Houdini's Death - JG_TC_Journal_Gazette_and_Times_Courier_1926_11_01_Page_1

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Houdini prepares to do the overboard box escape c. 1912. Houdini would undress on occasions to show he was not hiding any devices that would help him escape.
Houdini prepares to do the overboard box escape c. 1912.

Houdini prepares to do the overboard box escape c. 1912. Houdini would undress on occasions to show he was not hiding any devices that would help him escape.

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In the 1969 biography Houdini The Untold Story, author Milbourne Christopher relates a curious story from the Houdinis home life
The mystery of 'Scotch May'

In the 1969 biography Houdini The Untold Story, author Milbourne Christopher relates a curious story from the Houdinis home life

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Harry Houdini and Bess Houdini with props from their Metamorphosis illusion
1890 - 1900

Harry Houdini and Bess Houdini with props from their Metamorphosis illusion

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Harry Houdini at the gravesite of Italian magician Bartolomeo Bosco, Dresden, Germany
Harry Houdini at the gravesite of Italian magician Bartolomeo Bosco, Dresden, Germany

Harry Houdini at the gravesite of Italian magician Bartolomeo Bosco, Dresden, Germany

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Entertainer. Considered one of the most legendary magicians and escape artists in American history, he was born Ehrich Weiss in Budapest, Hungary, the son of a rabbi and religious teacher. When he was about four, his family moved to Appleton, Wisconsin, where he grew up. When he was about 8 years old, he sold...
Harry Houdini (1874-1926) - Find a Grave Memorial

Entertainer. Considered one of the most legendary magicians and escape artists in American history, he was born Ehrich Weiss in Budapest, Hungary, the son of a rabbi and religious teacher. When he was about four, his family moved to Appleton, Wisconsin, where he grew up. When he was about 8 years old, he sold...

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Known for: The Man from Beyond, Terror Island, The Grim Game
Harry Houdini - IMDb

Known for: The Man from Beyond, Terror Island, The Grim Game

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1910. Vintage silver gelatin photograph, postcard format, autographed “Best wishes, Harry Houdini” and dated “4/1/11 April 1st ” in ink on right side of image, caption and erroneous date “March 15th” in negative lower right, 9.1 x 11.7cm. Trimmed edges, minor scuffing, paper remnants and old glue stains verso. Caption continues “The first successful aviator in Australia. Wins the Australian Aero League’s
Houdini Piloting His Voisin Biplane In Australia

1910. Vintage silver gelatin photograph, postcard format, autographed “Best wishes, Harry Houdini” and dated “4/1/11 April 1st ” in ink on right side of image, caption and erroneous date “March 15th” in negative lower right, 9.1 x 11.7cm. Trimmed edges, minor scuffing, paper remnants and old glue stains verso. Caption continues “The first successful aviator in Australia. Wins the Australian Aero League’s

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The word 'Houdini' still means 'magic' today. It was only fitting that Houdini be honored with a commemorative U.S. postage stamp, issued on July 3, 2002. By the way, the stamp itself does some magic!
Houdini's fame

The word 'Houdini' still means 'magic' today. It was only fitting that Houdini be honored with a commemorative U.S. postage stamp, issued on July 3, 2002. By the way, the stamp itself does some magic!

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Harry Houdini is most often remembered as an escape artist and a magician. He was also an actor, a pioneering aviator, an amateur historian and a businessman. Within each of these roles he was an innovator, and sometimes an inventor. But to protect his illusions, he largely avoided the patent process, kept secrets, copyrighted his tricks and otherwise concealed his inventive nature. A 1920 gelatin silver print by an unidentified artist resides in collections of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. It depicts Houdini at his most theatrical, wearing makeup and facing the camera with a calculated mysterious gaze.
An inventor

Harry Houdini is most often remembered as an escape artist and a magician. He was also an actor, a pioneering aviator, an amateur historian and a businessman. Within each of these roles he was an innovator, and sometimes an inventor. But to protect his illusions, he largely avoided the patent process, kept secrets, copyrighted his tricks and otherwise concealed his inventive nature. A 1920 gelatin silver print by an unidentified artist resides in collections of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. It depicts Houdini at his most theatrical, wearing makeup and facing the camera with a calculated mysterious gaze.

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1913

Houdini legally changes his name from Ehrich Weiss to Harry Houdini. On July 17, Cecilia Weiss dies. Houdini faints upon receiving the news after a performance for the royal family in Sweden. Sailing back to America, Houdini amazes former President Theodore Roosevelt with a spiritualist trick on board ship.

Article explaining Houdini's life insurance policies - Daily_Gleaner_1986_06_03_39
Newspaper Article

Article explaining Houdini's life insurance policies - Daily_Gleaner_1986_06_03_39

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April 30, 1908. Before two weeks of performing at Keith’s Theater on Washington Street, the master of the 'Impossible Possible' decided to take his talent of escaping from handcuffs and chains a step further by doing so underwater. Houdini stood at the edge of the Harvard Bridge—commonly referred to as the Mass. Ave. Bridge—and was shackled by a Boston patrolman. His hands were handcuffed behind his back and chained to a collar around his neck.
Harry Houdini before he jumped off the Harvard Bridge in Boston in 1908

April 30, 1908. Before two weeks of performing at Keith’s Theater on Washington Street, the master of the 'Impossible Possible' decided to take his talent of escaping from handcuffs and chains a step further by doing so underwater. Houdini stood at the edge of the Harvard Bridge—commonly referred to as the Mass. Ave. Bridge—and was shackled by a Boston patrolman. His hands were handcuffed behind his back and chained to a collar around his neck.

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Health and Physique

Harry Houdini was considered 'buff' because he dedicated himself to a rigorous training regime that focused on building both strength and flexibility, including practices like boxing, weightlifting, practicing intricate knot-tying and untying, and immersing himself in icy water to enhance his endurance and control over his body, allowing him to perform his famous escape acts with impressive physical capabilities.

Jailed unjustly for a murder he did not commit, a young man uses his amazing powers of escape to free himself and pursue the actual killers, who hold his fiancée captive.
The Grim Game (1919) - IMDb

Jailed unjustly for a murder he did not commit, a young man uses his amazing powers of escape to free himself and pursue the actual killers, who hold his fiancée captive.

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Justice Department agent Quentin Locke must investigate a powerful cartel protected by a robot (here referred to as 'The Automaton') and using a gas weapon 'The Madagascar Madness'.
The Master Mystery (1918) - IMDb

Justice Department agent Quentin Locke must investigate a powerful cartel protected by a robot (here referred to as 'The Automaton') and using a gas weapon 'The Madagascar Madness'.

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An inventor travels to the South Seas, where there is buried treasure belonging to a girl. The girl's father is being held captive by cannibals until she returns a pearl that belongs to one of their idols.
Terror Island (1920) - IMDb

An inventor travels to the South Seas, where there is buried treasure belonging to a girl. The girl's father is being held captive by cannibals until she returns a pearl that belongs to one of their idols.

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Article about Houdini and his illusions - The_Loup_Valley_Queen_1920_12_24_15
Newspaper Article

Article about Houdini and his illusions - The_Loup_Valley_Queen_1920_12_24_15

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Harry Houdini - Straight Jacket Escape
Harry Houdini - Straight Jacket Escape

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This four-story 18th century townhouse at 278 West 113th Street, on the market for the first time since 199, was home to master escape artist Harry Houdini, illusionist, magician and one of the buzziest celebrities of the early 20th century. Houdini and his wife, Bess, 22 years until his death in 1926.
The Harlem townhouse where Harry Houdini lived is for sale, asking $4.6M | 6sqft

This four-story 18th century townhouse at 278 West 113th Street, on the market for the first time since 199, was home to master escape artist Harry Houdini, illusionist, magician and one of the buzziest celebrities of the early 20th century. Houdini and his wife, Bess, 22 years until his death in 1926.

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There is no question that Houdini is the most famous magician in history. His name is synonymous with escapes; his ability to get out of seemingly impossible situations- and his knack for publicizing these events- made him a legend in his own time.
Harry Houdini Biography | Magic Library at MagicTricks.com

There is no question that Houdini is the most famous magician in history. His name is synonymous with escapes; his ability to get out of seemingly impossible situations- and his knack for publicizing these events- made him a legend in his own time.

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Famous escape artist and illusionist Harry Houdini toured throughout the country during the early 1900s. Frequently billed as the Handcuff King, he was best known for escaping from manacles, handcuffs and straitjackets. Houdini brought his magic show to Cleveland many times between 1900 and 1925. Local papers covered each visit, dedicating more columns with each passing year, as Houdini’s fame grew.
Harry Houdini Amazes the Cleveland Police

Famous escape artist and illusionist Harry Houdini toured throughout the country during the early 1900s. Frequently billed as the Handcuff King, he was best known for escaping from manacles, handcuffs and straitjackets. Houdini brought his magic show to Cleveland many times between 1900 and 1925. Local papers covered each visit, dedicating more columns with each passing year, as Houdini’s fame grew.

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YouTube Video
YouTube Video

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YouTube Video
YouTube Video

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YouTube Video
YouTube Video

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YouTube Video
YouTube Video

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YouTube Video
YouTube Video

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YouTube Video
YouTube Video

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Harry Houdini made an elephant disappear in January 7, 1918 at the Hippodrome Theatre in New York City. The elephant's name was Jenny, and she weighed over 6,000 pounds.
Elephant Illusion

Harry Houdini made an elephant disappear in January 7, 1918 at the Hippodrome Theatre in New York City. The elephant's name was Jenny, and she weighed over 6,000 pounds.

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Houdini make an elephant disappear - The_Wilmington_Morning_Star_1918_01_27_Page_10
Newspaper Article

Houdini make an elephant disappear - The_Wilmington_Morning_Star_1918_01_27_Page_10

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Article talking about how Houdini made the Civil Engineers disappear - The_Courier_News_1918_02_15_Page_18
Newspaper Article

Article talking about how Houdini made the Civil Engineers disappear - The_Courier_News_1918_02_15_Page_18

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Harry Houdini, circa 1905 full-length portrait, standing, facing right, in chains.
'Handcuff' Harry Houdini, c. 1905

Harry Houdini, circa 1905 full-length portrait, standing, facing right, in chains.

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Harry Houdini (1874-1926) swims river in scene from The Man from Beyond, 1921. The movie included Houdini swimming the Niagara falls, but it is not confirmed if the image shown here is indeed at the Niagara falls.
Houdini swims above Niagara Falls in a scene from The Man from Beyond (1922)

Harry Houdini (1874-1926) swims river in scene from The Man from Beyond, 1921. The movie included Houdini swimming the Niagara falls, but it is not confirmed if the image shown here is indeed at the Niagara falls.

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Joe Notaro has uncovered a 1926 railroad time table that may show the exact details of Houdini's overnight train ride from Montreal to Detroit on October 23-24. It's generally believed that it was on this journey that Houdini's inflamed appendix burst and sealed his fate.
WILD ABOUT HARRY: Houdini's last train ride

Joe Notaro has uncovered a 1926 railroad time table that may show the exact details of Houdini's overnight train ride from Montreal to Detroit on October 23-24. It's generally believed that it was on this journey that Houdini's inflamed appendix burst and sealed his fate.

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This Monday, May 2, FOX premieres Houdini & Doyle, a new TV series in which the two famous men investigate paranormal mysteries in England in 1901. Advanced publicity says the series is 'based on true events.' So before we enjoy the show, let's look back at the real story of Houdini and Doyle.
The true story of Houdini & Doyle

This Monday, May 2, FOX premieres Houdini & Doyle, a new TV series in which the two famous men investigate paranormal mysteries in England in 1901. Advanced publicity says the series is 'based on true events.' So before we enjoy the show, let's look back at the real story of Houdini and Doyle.

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Poster promoting Houdini taking up the challenge of escaping an
Challenge Poster

Poster promoting Houdini taking up the challenge of escaping an "extra strong and large traveling basket"

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Last Words

On October 31, with his brother Hardeen at his side, Houdini passed away. His last words were, "I'm tired of fighting".

A blog by Houdini expert John Cox devoted to exploring the life and legacy of Harry Houdini in history, media, and pop culture. Updates daily.
WILD ABOUT HARRY

A blog by Houdini expert John Cox devoted to exploring the life and legacy of Harry Houdini in history, media, and pop culture. Updates daily.

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Mrs. Houdini Dies
The Sacramento Union 1943 02 12 6

Mrs. Houdini Dies

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Not together

Bess Houdini is not buried next to her husband Harry Houdini. She is buried at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York, while Harry is buried at Machpelah Cemetery in Queens, New York. Bess was raised Catholic, while Harry was Jewish. Her family did not allow her to be buried in a Jewish cemetery, even though Harry wanted her to be buried with him.

Article discussing the exhumation of Houdini's body to determine if Houdini was poisoned. It has been theorized that he may have been murdered. Valley Morning Star 2007 03 23 A6
Newspaper Article

Article discussing the exhumation of Houdini's body to determine if Houdini was poisoned. It has been theorized that he may have been murdered. Valley Morning Star 2007 03 23 A6

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With each new performance, Houdini had to create a student or illusion that was more fantastic or dangerous than anything he had done in the past. This was to keep the public's interest in his performance.
Houdini performing the Chinese Water Torture Cell

With each new performance, Houdini had to create a student or illusion that was more fantastic or dangerous than anything he had done in the past. This was to keep the public's interest in his performance.

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Houdini demonstrates how a photographer could produce fraudulent 'spirit photographs' that purported to document the apparition and social interaction of the dead.
Houdini and the ghost of Abraham Lincoln, c. 1920-1930.

Houdini demonstrates how a photographer could produce fraudulent 'spirit photographs' that purported to document the apparition and social interaction of the dead.

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Heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey mock-punching Houdini (held back by lightweight boxer Benny Leonard).
Houdini and Dempsey

Heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey mock-punching Houdini (held back by lightweight boxer Benny Leonard).

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Harry Houdini (1874-1926) performance poster. 'Do spirits return? Houdini says no - and proves it. 3 shows in one: magic, illusions, escapes, fraud mediums exposed. Lyceum Theatre, Paterson, Thurs., Fri., Sat., Sept. 2-3-4, matinee Saturday.'
Performance Poster

Harry Houdini (1874-1926) performance poster. 'Do spirits return? Houdini says no - and proves it. 3 shows in one: magic, illusions, escapes, fraud mediums exposed. Lyceum Theatre, Paterson, Thurs., Fri., Sat., Sept. 2-3-4, matinee Saturday.'

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Houdini spent a lot of time in his later part of his career dispelling spiritualists. Oakland_Tribune_1923_05_16_Page_26
Newspaper Article

Houdini spent a lot of time in his later part of his career dispelling spiritualists. Oakland_Tribune_1923_05_16_Page_26

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Was Houdini a spy for the U.S. Government? Find out details on this CIA webpage.
Central Intelligence Agency

Was Houdini a spy for the U.S. Government? Find out details on this CIA webpage.

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It was 88 years ago tonight on October 24, 1926 that Houdini took to the stage of the Garrick Theater and gave what would be his last performance. Unbeknownst to the audience, the great magician was performing with a 104 degree temperature and a ruptured appendix. He would die seven days later on Halloween.
WILD ABOUT HARRY: Houdini takes the stage for the last time

It was 88 years ago tonight on October 24, 1926 that Houdini took to the stage of the Garrick Theater and gave what would be his last performance. Unbeknownst to the audience, the great magician was performing with a 104 degree temperature and a ruptured appendix. He would die seven days later on Halloween.

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Most Houdini biographies contain the story of how Houdini announced he would perform the infamous bullet catch trick shortly after the onstage death of magician William Robinson, a.k.a. Chung Ling Soo, in 1918.
Taking aim at Houdini's abandoned bullet catch

Most Houdini biographies contain the story of how Houdini announced he would perform the infamous bullet catch trick shortly after the onstage death of magician William Robinson, a.k.a. Chung Ling Soo, in 1918.

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Erik Weisz (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926), known as Harry Houdini, was a Hungarian-American escapologist, illusionist, and stunt performer noted for his escape acts.

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