Harry Houdini

Harry Houdini was an American magician and escape artist best known for his thrilling escapes, illusions, and performances. Born Erich Weiss on March 24, 1874, in Budapest, Hungary, he became a legendary figure in the world of entertainment.

Personal and Family Life

Harry Houdini was one of five children born to Mayer Samuel Weiss, a rabbi, and Cecilia Weisz. His family emigrated to the United States when he was four years old, and he often referred to Appleton, Wisconsin, as his hometown. Houdini married Wilhelmina Rahner, known as Bess, on June 22, 1894, in a ceremony that honored both their faiths, as Bess was a Roman Catholic.

Career Highlights

Houdini’s fascination with magic began at a young age, inspired by a performance from a traveling magician. He started performing with his friend Jack Hayman and later made a name for himself with daring escape acts. Houdini became famous for escaping from handcuffs, straitjackets, and even being buried alive, captivating audiences with his remarkable skill and showmanship throughout the early 20th century.

Death and Legacy

Harry Houdini died on October 31, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, from peritonitis caused by a ruptured appendix. His death followed an injury in which he was punched in the stomach, which contributed to his declining health. Houdini’s legacy lives on, with annual séances held by his wife Bess attempting to contact him and influence the world of magic for generations to come.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
The Master Mystery 1918-11-18 Quentin Locke
The Man from Beyond 1922-04-02 The Man From Beyond
The Grim Game 1919-10-11 Harvey Hanford
Terror Island 1920-04-08 Harry Harper
Haldane of the Secret Service 1923-09-29 Heath Haldane
The Golden Twenties 1950-04-08 Self (archive footage)
Days of Thrills and Laughter 1961-03-21 Self (archive footage)
Houdini 1996-10-05 Self (archive footage)
An Honest Liar 2014-04-18 Self (archive footage)
Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World 2016-03-04 Self – Escape Artist (archive footage)
Magic with the Stars 1982-01-17 Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Les exploits d’Houdini à Paris; ou, Les merveilleux exploits d’Houdini 1909-07-23 Self
The Magic Behind ‘d’ILLUSION: The Houdini Musical – The Audio Theater Experience’ 2020-12-20 Self (archive footage)
Buzzfeed Unsolved: True Crime 2016-02-04 Self (archive footage)
The UnXplained 2019-07-19 Self (archive footage)