David Copperfield is one of the most iconic magicians of our time. He’s been performing in Las Vegas since the mid-1980s, captivating audiences with his incredible illusions, sleight of hand, and signature style.
Born David Seth Kotkin on September 16, 1956 in Metuchen, New Jersey, he got his start as a teenage magician, performing at local venues in the area. His career took off quickly, and soon he was appearing on TV shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and The Merv Griffin Show. Copperfield’s talent and charisma made him an instant hit with audiences around the world.
Youth and education
Kotkin was born into a Jewish family and enjoyed putting on shows for family members from an early age. At age 12, he legally changed his name to David Copperfield which was taken from the Charles Dickens novel “David Copperfield” because he wanted something more magical than his real name sounded.
His parents supported him by allowing him to perform regularly at local community theaters and civic events. He studied acting at Fordham University where he earned a degree in television production.
Become famous
At 18, Copperfield moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career as a professional magician. With his charismatic style and larger-than-life illusions, David Copperfield quickly became a household name in the late 1970s and 1980s.
He quickly gained recognition when he appeared on several television shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson on several occasions between 1977 and 1981.
In 1979, Copperfield had already been featured in Time magazine as one of America’s most promising artists under 30. In 1983 Copperfield set two Guinness World Records for the largest audience ever entertained with an audience of over 13,000 in Houston, Texas and then again. 3 years later with an audience of over 15,000 in Detroit, Michigan.
Residence in Las Vegas and exclusive illusions
By 1986, Copperfield had already become a household name across the United States, so much so that MGM Grand signed him up for a four-year residency at their hotel/casino. This made him the highest paid entertainer at the time, earning over $50 million during his run from 1986 to 1990.
As part of his show, Copperfield performed many of his signature illusions, such as levitating on stage, traversing the Great Wall of China, disappearing the Statue of Liberty, and appearing inside boxes. locks placed around the theater floor, among other things. All of this was done live with no camera tricks or editing!
Current work and legacy
Copperfield continues to tour extensively across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, performing live shows that often sell out arenas on every continent. Over 30 years later, Copperfield is still considered one of the greatest magicians of all time. He has won 21 Emmy Awards, more than any other magician in history, and received numerous other accolades. In 2019, he received the Living Legend Award from the Library of Congress, adding to his already impressive legacy.
Copperfield has also had a significant impact on the world of magic through his work with Project Magic, an organization he founded that helps people with disabilities learn sleight of hand as a form of therapy. Additionally, he has used his platform to support charitable causes, including Children International and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
With over 40 years of experience, Copperfield continues to inspire younger generations around the world who dream of one day becoming masterful magicians like him. His impact on the world of magic is undeniable and his legacy as one of the most innovative and successful magicians of all time is assured.
Conclusion
David Copperfield is one of the most brilliant and influential magicians in history, and his impact on the world of magic cannot be overstated. He has captivated audiences around the world with his amazing illusions, including walking through the Great Wall of China and having an audience member disappear into thin air right before their eyes. Additionally, Copperfield shows in Las Vegas have become an iconic part of the city’s entertainment scene.
Visitors to Las Vegas can enjoy a wide range of entertainment options, including games like first person blackjack, but few experiences are as unforgettable as a performance by David Copperfield. With his unique blend of creativity, showmanship and technical skill, Copperfield is sure to continue to wow audiences for years to come.
#Biography #David #Copperfield #famous #Las #Vegas #magician
