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Harry Blackstone, Jr. |
Career and life
Blackstone was born in Three Rivers, Michigan, the son of noted stage magician Harry Blackstone, Sr. (also known as "The Great Blackstone").
As an infant, he was used as a prop in his father's act. Rather than utilize the routines his father developed, Blackstone developed his own and modernized his performance, though onstage he would, on occasion, perform a sequence of his father's illusions in a period setting.
Harry Blackstone, Jr. created four magic kits, from beginner to advanced, which were the best selling of all time. In the early 1970s, he promoted a "PF Magic Wedge Kit" on a television commercial for PF Flyers sneakers, and he appeared on several commercials for Jiffy Pop popcorn.
In 1985, on the 100th anniversary of his father's birth, Harry Blackstone, Jr. donated to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. the original floating light bulb — designed and built by Thomas Edison — and the original Casadega Cabinet, used in the "Dancing Handkerchief" illusion. This was the first ever donation accepted by the Smithsonian in the field of magic.
He famously performed during the half-time show at the 1987 Orange Bowl, in which many parts of the act went horribly wrong. Four of the five tricks Blackstone performed failed due to missed cues and poorly designed props.
It has been written that: "Perhaps his proudest work on television was his recurring role on PBS's Square One TV, where he used magic tricks to teach Mathematics to young people."
He appeared as a guest on The Tonight Show, Donahue, The Today Show, Reading Rainbow and The Super Mario Bros. Super Show. He also made occasional appearances as the mysterious Dr. Mephisto on the TV soap opera Santa Barbara.
He received the Magician of the Year Award in 1979 and 1985.
Blackstone was born in Three Rivers, Michigan, the son of noted stage magician Harry Blackstone, Sr. (also known as "The Great Blackstone").
As an infant, he was used as a prop in his father's act. Rather than utilize the routines his father developed, Blackstone developed his own and modernized his performance, though onstage he would, on occasion, perform a sequence of his father's illusions in a period setting.
Harry Blackstone, Jr. created four magic kits, from beginner to advanced, which were the best selling of all time. In the early 1970s, he promoted a "PF Magic Wedge Kit" on a television commercial for PF Flyers sneakers, and he appeared on several commercials for Jiffy Pop popcorn.
In 1985, on the 100th anniversary of his father's birth, Harry Blackstone, Jr. donated to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. the original floating light bulb — designed and built by Thomas Edison — and the original Casadega Cabinet, used in the "Dancing Handkerchief" illusion. This was the first ever donation accepted by the Smithsonian in the field of magic.
He famously performed during the half-time show at the 1987 Orange Bowl, in which many parts of the act went horribly wrong. Four of the five tricks Blackstone performed failed due to missed cues and poorly designed props.
It has been written that: "Perhaps his proudest work on television was his recurring role on PBS's Square One TV, where he used magic tricks to teach Mathematics to young people."
He appeared as a guest on The Tonight Show, Donahue, The Today Show, Reading Rainbow and The Super Mario Bros. Super Show. He also made occasional appearances as the mysterious Dr. Mephisto on the TV soap opera Santa Barbara.
He received the Magician of the Year Award in 1979 and 1985.
Harry Blackstone, Jr. (June 30, 1934 – May 14, 1997) was an American stage magician, author, and television performer.
Death
Blackstone lived in Redlands, California for many years. He died May 14, 1997 in Loma Linda, California at the age of 62 due to complications arising from pancreatic cancer.
After his passing, much of his performance equipment was sold off in a highly publicized internet auction. Many of the pieces went to collectors, scattered across the world and numerous of the props have made it into actual shows. Las Vegas performer Scarlett now owns and uses his Topsy Turvy. Touring illusionist Aaron Balcom now uses the Owen-built Clown Jammer. Washington state performer John Walton uses his menacing Buzz Saw. Dutch illusionist Hans Klok became the custodian of Blackstone, Sr.'s famous "floating light bulb" illusion afther the death of Blackstone, Jr.
The Performing Arts Theater at Redlands East Valley High School is now named in his honor. His widow, Gay Blackstone, is a former president of The Magic Castle in Hollywood.
