Magic has evolved from ancient religious rituals and street performances to a professional art form – modern magic. The global magic canvas portrays the 20 most famous magicians of all time whose names are still enchanted through theaters and TV screens.
From death-defying escape artists to mind-bending illusionists, these entertainers have shaped the art of magic. Some carved the early foundations, while others pushed the boundaries of the magic world. The breathtaking feats of these legendary magicians continue to inspire new magicians and amaze millions of spectators globally.
20 Most Popular & Greatest Magicians Throughout History
The enlisted master magicians have created moments of pure wonder that continue to captivate audiences across different cultures and generations. Each magician has earned their place either through groundbreaking performances, innovative techniques, or cultural impact that feels far beyond the stage.
These are the masters who transformed simple tricks into memorable experiences and challenged our understanding of reality itself. Their unique style, tricks, presentation, and showmanship continue to influence young magicians today, making them the most celebrated names in the history of magic.
Let’s unveil the 20 Best Magicians of all time who shaped the modern magic and their biggest wins, supported by YouTube videos.
Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin (1805-1871)
Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin is known as the “father of modern conjuring”. He was a French magician who fundamentally changed how magic was perceived and performed. He revolutionized magic by bringing it from street fairs to elegant theaters. Taking it from the lower class to performing in front of wealthy audiences in formal attire.
Before his influence, magic was commonly associated with the lower classes and strolling performers. But Robert-Houdin turned it into a sophisticated art form for the upper echelons of society. His several classic magic tricks are still performed by well-known magicians today. He established various theatrical conventions that modern magicians still follow. The most popular tradition of wearing a top hat and tails is traced back to him.
Did You Know? Robert-Houdin became a world-renowned magician by accident. He was once a watch-maker who received magic books instead of clock-making books. He also invented a mystery watch, a timepiece that apparently has no mechanics to make it work.
Video: The Marvelous Orange Tree, created by Jean Eugène-Robert Houdin and performed by Paul Daniels.
Harry Houdini (1874-1926)
Harry Houdini, born in 1874 named Erik Weisz. He got his stage name “Houdini” from the famous French Magician, Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin. He chose this stage name as a tribute to the French magician, adding an “i” to Houdin because he incorrectly thought that it meant “like Houdin” in French.
Popular worldwide for his incredible escape acts. He remains arguably the most celebrated magician in history. Some of his most famous stunts are escaping from handcuffs, straitjackets, the legendary Chinese Water Torture Cell, and buried alive.
Did You Know? In 1910, Houdini piloted the first ever flight in Australia. He also worked on debunking the fake spiritualists and mediums who claimed to communicate with the deceased.
David Copperfield (1956-present)
Besides being the most well-known magician in the world, David Copperfield is financially prosperous as well. Born as David Seth Kotkin, he has become a billionaire through his 40+ years of magical career. His most famous grand illusions are:
- Statue of Liberty disappearance (1983): This illusion was performed live on TV with a studio audience. The magician disappeared the entire statue from Liberty Island. The great illusion was done through a combination of strategic lighting, carefully positioned curtains, and audience positioning.
- Walking through the Great Wall of China (1986): Copperfield apparently walking through a solid section of the Great Wall of China while covered by a sheet. Spectators were positioned on both sides to witness the effect.
He still performs 15 shows every week at the MGM Grand Theater in Las Vegas. That makes him one of the hardest-working magicians in Las Vegas.
Did You Know? Copperfield holds 11 Guinness World Records: Most tickets sold by a solo entertainer, Most magic shows performed by a magician, Largest audience for a magic show and several others dedicated to his illusions and career longevity. He even appeared on some US postage stamps in 2018. He also owns a chain of private islands in the Bahamas – Musha Cay and the Islands of Copperfield Bay.
Penn Jillette (1955-present) and Teller (1948-present)
Penn Jillette was born on March 5, 1955, and previously worked as a juggling entertainer. Raymond Joseph Teller aka Teller was born on February 14, 1948 and briefly worked as a Latin teacher before his magic career. They started entertaining as a duo in 1981, while gaining popularity after their PBS special “Penn & Teller Go Public” earned an Emmy Award in 1985. This magical duo is celebrated as modern magic entertainers.
They are also known for their certain outrageous performances and revealing how certain tricks work. Their historic Las Vegas show at The Rio got 8 wins as “Las Vegas Magicians of the Year”. Moreover, the Los Angeles Times named it “The single best show in Vegas”.
Penn and Teller often use their platform to call-out pseudoscience and fake psychics. They have hosted a famous TV show “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” where magicians try to mystify them with original tricks.
Did You Know? Teller is the silent partner while Penn does all the talking during performances, though Teller talks normally in interviews. They are both talented musicians – Penn plays the bass, while Teller is on drums.
Dai Vernon (1894-1992)
He is a Canadian magician, born as David Verner in Ottawa. He has earned the legendary nickname “The Professor” for his incredible performances. He became widely known as the father of modern sleight-of-hand magic technique.
Since the age of 6, he was fascinated with magic and decided to become a professional conjurer. He was regarded as one of the 20th century’s most renowned performers of “up-close” magic and card tricks.
Harry Houdini often claimed that if he saw a card trick being done three times in a row he would be able to figure it out. But Vernon showed his Ambitious Card trick multiple times without Houdini being able to solve it. This has led him to get the famous title “The Man Who Fooled Houdini.”
Vernon transformed close-up magic by pioneering legendary routines i.e. the Triumph card trick and Vernon’s version of the Cups and Balls. These techniques are still practiced and performed by magicians around the globe. He learned the sleight of hand technique before studying mechanical engineering and eventually relocating to New York to pursue his magical career.
Did You Know? Until his 40s, Vernon didn’t earn from magic. Instead, he made most of his income by working as a silhouette portrait cutter. He spent his last 30 years being the resident magician at The Magic Castle in Los Angeles.
Lance Burton (1960-present)
Burton got his international magic recognition in 1982 by winning the Grand Prix at FISM (Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques) at age of 22 years. This made him the youngest magician ever to win this prestigious award in the world championships of magic.
Born as William Lance Burton in Columbia, Kentucky. He started practicing magic at age 5 after receiving a magic set. At that time, he developed his signature dove act that gained recognition worldwide. His amazing dove manipulation routine is still considered to be the most incredible version ever performed by combining technical skill with artistic presentation.
Burton’s Las Vegas career was legendary. He earned Magician of the Year twice from the Academy of Magical Arts. Consistently sold out shows made him one of the most successful headliners in Las Vegas history. After officially retiring in 2010, he couldn’t keep himself from the stage for long. So, he returned to touring with his “Lance Burton & Friends” show.
Did You Know? Lance performed 15,000+ shows that were enjoyed by over 5 million people during his residency at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino from 1996-2010. He was once seen in an episode of the TV show Knight Rider, playing as a magician.
David Blaine (1973-present)
He completely revolutionized TV magic with his first special “Street Magic” show aired in 1997. He was born David Blaine White in Brooklyn, New York. He started practicing magic at age of 4 after inspiring from a magician, performing in a subway. By reaching his teens, he was already developing his signature style of intimate reaction-based magic.
Instead of regular studio performances with pre-defined sets and formal attire, he took magic from stages to city streets. He loved to perform for ordinary people in routine environments while capturing their genuine reactions of amazement. His breakthrough approach of capturing real-time reactions from unsuspecting individuals created a new genre of TV magic.
Beyond street magic, Blaine was famous for his dangerous endurance stunts. Some of his unique stunts were: being buried alive for 7 days, standing on a 100-foot pillar for 35 hrs, and also being encased in a block of ice for 63 hrs. His incredible blend of close-up magic and dangerous physical challenges has proved him as one of the most recognizable magicians in the world. He became an inspiration for a generation of performers to bring magic outside the traditional venues.
Did You Know? His autobiographical book “Mysterious Stranger” has a treasure hunt to find $100,000 USD. Don’t be excited, as this was solved by Sherri Skanes 16 months later and got the cash prize.
Paul Daniels (1938-2016)
Daniels earned remarkable international fame through “The Paul Daniels Magic Show.” This very show aired for 15 seasons from 1979-1994 and became one of the most successful magic programs in television history.
He was born Newton Edward Daniels in South Bank, Middlesbrough, England. He began performing magic as a teenager. Before becoming a full-time entertainer in his thirties, he worked multiple jobs including as a grocer and accountant.
His TV show reached a weekly audience of 15 million people only in the UK and was sold to 43 countries globally. This has led him to become a household name across various countries worldwide. Daniels was famous for his quick wit and his signature catchphrase “You’ll like this… not a lot, but you’ll like it.” He was also known for his versatility to perform everything from intimate close-up tricks to large-scale stage illusions with his assistant and later wife, Debbie McGee.
His Paul Daniels Magic Sets became bestsellers among young ones and became an inspiration for countless children to the art of conjuring. He inspired a generation of British magicians who credit him as their first inspiration.
Beyond TV, he performed in theaters, nightclubs, and corporate events throughout his magic career. He maintained his status as one of the UK’s most beloved entertainers till his tragic death from a brain tumor in 2016.
Did You Know? Paul famously wore a wig early in his magic career. In 2022, that wig was sold for £2,730 at an auction.
Criss Angel (1967-present)
Born Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos in Hempstead, New York. He has become one of the most renowned and polarizing figures in modern magic entertainment. He got fame through his popular TV series “Criss Angel Mindfreak,” that ran for six seasons. He performed his signature combination of street magic, grand illusions, and death-defying stunts at common places.
Angel’s theatrical style comprises elements of rock music, gothic imagery, and extreme physical challenges. This unique blend sets him apart from the typical magicians and attracts a younger demographic to magic. His veteran Las Vegas show “Mindfreak” at Planet Hollywood Resort has attracted millions of spectators. The show has led the fame as one of the highest-grossing magic acts in the city’s history.
Despite criticism from some old-school magicians, Angel has undoubtedly brought magic to mainstream popular culture. He also earned multiple world records, one being named “Magician of the Decade” by the International Magicians Society. His influence extends from magic to TV production, as he has created and starred in various series mainly on the art of illusion.
Did You Know? Once Angel was the lead singer for an industrial metal band – Angeldust, before becoming a magician. His theatrical style and controversial techniques gave him household fame.
Derren Brown (1971-present)
Derren Brown is a British mentalist, born in Croydon, England. He transformed psychological entertainment by blending traditional magic with the elements of psychology, suggestion, and critical thinking. He named it “psychological illusion.”
Brown studied law and German from Bristol University before stepping into magic. He claims to use natural psychological principles instead of supernatural powers. His groundbreaking TV series “Mind Control” aired in 2000 and that series widespread his innovative style of mentalism. He introduced Mentalism as a blend of predicting behavior, influencing decisions, and showing the power of suggestion.
Brown has won multiple awards including a BAFTA and two Olivier Awards. Additionally, his live theater shows have toured internationally and became a hit for the audiences, worldwide. Apart from entertainment, he has written numerous books for both the audiences and professional magicians. The books mainly explore topics spanning from happiness and confidence to the techniques behind his magic performances.
Did You Know? In 2016, Brown made a theme park ride for Thorpe Park in the UK known as “Derren Brown’s Ghost Train.” Later was redesigned and re-branded in the year 2022. His magic entertainment consistently challenges audiences to think critically about belief systems, decision-making, and the nature of perception. This made him more of an educator than solely an entertainer.
Juan Tamariz (1942-present)
Born in Madrid, Tamariz is a Spanish magician. He is globally admired within the magic community as one of the best card magicians and magical thinkers of all time. Even praised by the famous David Blaine who once named him “the greatest and most influential card magician alive.”
He gained his fame in Spain through his regular television appearances streaming over 20 years. These shows captivated audiences with his infectious enthusiasm and seemingly impossible card manipulations. His approach to magic is an amazing mix of technical skill with theatrical presentation and psychological misdirection. That’s the reason, these incredible performances blur the line between entertainment and art.
He has also some written works and lectures beside performances, which influenced the modern thinking about timing, misdirection, and the psychological aspects of magic. Despite his popularity in Spain, his expertise is most appreciated by fellow magicians who study his innovations in technique and presentation. This earned him the title “magician’s magician” whose work continues to influence magicians globally.
Did You Know? Tamariz founded a prestigious magic school named Escuela Mágica de Madrid, which continues to train some of the world’s finest magicians. The school has become a pilgrimage destination for ambitious students of the art.
Doug Henning (1947-2000)
In 1970s, Doug Henning changed the traditional staid and formal magic by adding the aspects of wonder and joy in it. He introduced magic to Broadway with his famous show “The Magic Show” in 1974. Henning born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA. Before pursuing his magic career, he studied psychology at McMaster University.
He emphasized more on the spiritual and transformative side of illusion rather than the mere aspect of trickery. Beside his fresh approach to magic, his vibrant costumes and enthusiastic personality portray magic accessible and exciting to a new generation. His persona was contrasting sharply with the formal tuxedo-clad magicians of old times.
“The Magic Show” aired for 1,900+ performances on Broadway and became the reason for making Henning the first magician to headline a successful Broadway production. He also won a Tony Award nomination for this very show. He followed this grand success with multiple television specials that portrayed his philosophy of “wonder and astonishment” to millions of homes. These TV specials broadcast large-scale illusions performed with infectious joy and real wonder.
Did You Know? In the final phase of his career, Henning became deeply involved in Transcendental Meditation and politics. He even tried to create a magic-themed amusement park before his sudden death at age 52 from liver cancer.
Siegfried Fischbacher (1939-2021) and Roy Horn (1944-2020)
Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn are a German-American magician duo. They redefined what a magic show could be by creating the most successful magic show in Las Vegas history. They introduced magnificent white tigers and lions into elaborate theatrical productions, reinventing the city’s entertainment.
Siegfried was born in Rosenheim, Germany, while Roy was born in Nordhausen. Destiny met them when they were both aboard a cruise ship in 1957. Siegfried was performing as a magician in that ship and Roy was working as a steward with a hidden passion for exotic animals. Their duo was made when Roy proposed Siegfried to incorporate his pet cheetah into his magic act. The collaboration spanned over four decades and featured 100+ exotic animals.
From 1990-2003, their show “The Mirage” became a hit that was seen by over 10 million people and grossed more than $1 billion. The show was known as one of the most financially successful entertainment acts in history.
Did You Know? In October 2003, their career tragically ended when Roy was severely attacked by one of their tigers during a performance. However, their influence on Vegas entertainment and magic remains immeasurable.
Dynamo (1982-present)
Steven Frayne, widely known as Dynamo earned international fame through his grand TV series “Dynamo: Magician Impossible,” aired in 2011. The famous series displayed his signature street magic performances in urban environments around the globe.
He was born in Bradford, England. During his childhood, Frayne discovered magic as a way to cope with bullying. later, developed his skills by practicing excessively and studying the unique techniques of master magicians. His career skyrocketed with the stunning publicity stunt of apparently walking on water across the River Thames in London. This popular illusion aired live and was witnessed by millions worldwide.
Dynamo’s approach to magic is a creative blend of traditional sleight-of-hand techniques with modern technology and creative presentation. His magic performances are done with everyday objects like mobile phones, banknotes, and playing cards in ways that seem impossible.
From the streets of London to the rooftops of Los Angeles, his television specials maintained an intimate, documentary-style approach that filmed genuine reactions from amazed spectators. His street magic style has influenced many contemporary entertainers.
Did You Know? Despite facing severe health challenges due to Crohn’s disease, Dynamo has continued to innovate and inspire. Maintaining his motivation for magic shows personal struggles can fuel artistic creativity and determination.
Justin Willman (1980-present)
Willman gained fame through his amazing Netflix series “Magic for Humans.” Premiered in 2018, this famous Netflix hit brought a fresh, comedic approach to TV magic that attracts more of younger audiences and families.
He was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Before pursuing magic as full-time, he was into television writing and comedy. That’s what his unique performance style is a perfect mix of entertainment background and magical skills. The Netflix series showcased the positive, uplifting approach to magic and ran for three seasons.
Besides impressive illusions, the series also showed some social experiments and heartwarming moments. Willman’s modern presentation of magic mainly came from his background in television production. Due to this, he knows both the technical and entertainment aspects of creating appealing magical content.
In COVID-19 pandemic times, he quickly adapted to virtual performances. He created multiple Zoom magic show versions of “Magic for Humans”. This virtual entertainment undoubtedly helped bring entertainment to isolated audiences worldwide.
His clean comedy style, modern presentation style, and approachable personality have made him an ideal choice for corporate events, TV appearances, and family-friendly magic shows across the US.
Did You Know? His destiny into magic came after breaking both arms during childhood. During his stay in hospital, his surgeon recommended him to learn magic. As it might be a good physical therapy for his hands.
Ricky Jay (1946-2018)
Ricky Jay was widely known as one of the most expert sleight-of-hand artists in magic history. He was well-regarded for his masterful card manipulations and comprehensive knowledge of magic’s historical traditions.
He was born Richard Jay Potash in Brooklyn, New York. He started to perform magic as a child prodigy. The famous Dai Vernon was his mentor and shaped his approach to the magic art. Jay was also an esteemed scholar and author, writing more about the history of magic and unusual entertainments. Some of his books are “Cards as Weapons” and “Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women.”
His acting career gave him popularity in mainstream entertainment. Films such as “Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia,” “The Prestige,” and the HBO series “Deadwood,” showcased his distinctive voice and commanding presence in supporting roles.
His intimate performances in Los Angeles attracted various celebrities and magic enthusiasts alike.
Did You Know? Jay’s jaw-dropping card-throwing demonstrations were one of his most famous feats. He could accurately throw playing cards with enough force and precision to pierce watermelons, stick into wooden surfaces, and even break glass.
Mac King (1959-present)
King has achieved a remarkable career span in Las Vegas entertainment with his afternoon show at Harrah’s Las Vegas. The show ran for more than 20 years, making him one of the longest-running headliners in the Vegas history.
King was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He created a special style of comedy magic that combines clever tricks with funny, humble jokes. His warm and friendly style makes people of all ages enjoy his shows. The Las Vegas show is famous for being family-friendly and appealing to families with children to enjoy world-class magic entertainment in the afternoons.
King’s signature plaid shirts, self-deprecating humor, and modest personality. His persona contrasts sharply with the typical flashy costumes and grand productions of Vegas magic shows. But he gained fame with his understated approach and has proven incredibly successful with both audiences and critics.
King also has appeared on various TV shows, written magic books, and even created illusions for other magicians. He is undoubtedly a unique performer and a creative force in the magic community.
Did You Know? King held the record for having most performances by a magician at a single Las Vegas venue, that entertained millions of visitors from around the globe.
The Amazing Kreskin (1935-2024)
George Joseph Kresge Jr., aka The Amazing Kreskin, has become amazing with mentalism and prediction skills. His magic journey spanned over six decades and 6,000+ TV appearances worldwide. Born in Montclair – New Jersey, Kreskin worked on his abilities from a very young age.
He started his television career back in 1960s and reached its peak with “The Amazing World of Kreskin” show. The show was broadcast on various TV channels which made him extremely well-known across North America and internationally.
His trademark feat is: having his paycheck hidden somewhere in the venue before each performance, and then using his mental abilities to locate it. He claims to perform for free if he fails, though he has only failed a bunch of times in thousands of shows. He has written several books about mentalism and the power of suggestion.
Did you know? Kreskin consistently positioned himself of using natural psychological principles rather than having supernatural powers. Kreskin claimed himself as a scientific entertainer who showcases the potential of the human mind that everyone possesses. He even offered $50,000 to anyone who can prove that he used confederates or stooges in his performances.
Adelaide Herrmann (1853-1932)
Adelaide Herrmann was one of the first famous female magicians, widely known as “The Queen of Magic.” Once performed as an assistant to her husband – Alexander Herrmann, she later took over the show after Alexander’s death in 1896.
Her career spanned 25 years of international touring. In 1899, she was called out as “The World’s Only Woman Magician” in an interview for Broadway Magazine. She once quoted this for herself “I shall not be content until I am recognized by the public as a leader in my profession, and entirely irrespective of the question of sex.”
Did you know? She was possibly a single female magician to perform the dangerous magic trick “bullet catch”. When she performed this act, she reportedly became more popular as compared to Houdini.
Chung Ling Soo (1861-1918)
Born as William Robinson, this American magician performed as a Chinese character, using makeup and costume to look Asian. He did this to amuse Western audiences who were interested in Eastern magic. His shows exhibited elaborate and impressive illusions. He also became one of the highest-paid performers of his era.
Did you know? Chung Ling Soo tragic death happened during a performance of the bullet catch trick when the gun malfunctioned. His final words, spoken in English, unveiled his original identity to the shocked audience.
The Evolution of Magic
These 20 great of all time represent different eras and styles of magic as entertainment. From Robert-Houdin’s elegant parlor magic to modern street magicians like David Blaine, each generation has shaped the way for magic to become more popular and professional.
Many of these entertainers faced similar setbacks such as proving their authenticity and adapting to new technologies and media. One of the major challenges is maintaining the delicate balance between revealing enough to entertain while preserving the mystery that makes magic truly magical.
Modern Magic’s Future
Today’s magic scene continues to evolve with this digital age. Social media, streaming platforms, AI and virtual reality create both new opportunities and challenges for magical entertainment.
Whether it’s an intimate close-up performance or a grand illusion, the influence of these 20 legendary magicians can be seen in every magic show. Their contributions in the magic world ensure that it will continue to amaze and inspire future generations. Young magicians should study these masters while developing their own unique styles and approach.
As, these legends have created a legacy that extends far beyond entertainment. They remind us that in a world full of explanations, there’s still room for mystery, amazement, and a little magic!
