Ricky Jay was an American actor who is best known for Magnolia, Boogie Nights, and Heist. Born as Richard Jay Potash on June 26, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, he was also a writer and performer known for his magic and sleight-of-hand skills. He passed away on November 24, 2018, in Los Angeles, California.
Personal and Family Life
Ricky Jay was married to Chrisann Verges from 2002 until his death in 2018. He was the son of Shirley Katz and Samuel Potash. Jay had a passion for both acting and magic, which influenced much of his work in the entertainment industry.
Career
Ricky Jay was frequently featured in films by notable directors such as David Mamet and Paul Thomas Anderson. He gained acclaim for his unique performances and contributions to the world of magic and storytelling. His roles showcased a blend of his acting talent and expertise in magic, earning him a distinctive place in cinema.
Death and Legacy
Ricky Jay died of natural causes on November 24, 2018. His legacy lives on through his memorable performances and his significant impact on both the film industry and the magic community. Jay is remembered as a masterful storyteller and one of the best magicians in the world.
Filmography
Title
Release Date
Character
Magnolia
1999-12-17
Burt Ramsey / Narrator
Tomorrow Never Dies
1997-12-11
Henry Gupta
Last Days
2005-06-12
Detective
Boogie Nights
1997-10-07
Kurt Longjohn
The Brothers Bloom
2008-09-09
Narrator (voice)
House of Games
1987-10-11
George
Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants
1996-12-17
Self
Mystery Men
1999-08-06
Vic Weems
The Spanish Prisoner
1997-12-03
George Lang
The Great Buck Howard
2008-01-18
Gil Bellamy
Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay
2012-10-04
Himself
Ricky Jay Plays Poker
2007-02-13
Self
Lost Masterpieces of Pornography
2010-06-02
Narrator
Homicide
1991-05-28
Aaron
The Automatic Hate
2016-03-11
Uncle Josh
The Prestige
2006-10-17
Milton
Redbelt
2008-04-07
Marty Brown
Sink or Swim
1997-09-19
The Hat
State and Main
2000-08-26
Jack
Things Change
1988-10-21
Mr. Silver
Heist
2001-11-09
Don ‘Pinky’ Pincus
The Making of Last Days
2004-01-01
Himself
That Moment: Magnolia Diary
2000-01-01
Self
David Mamet on House of Games
2007-08-21
Himself
Dai Vernon: The Spirit of Magic
2017-07-04
Self
Incident at Loch Ness
2004-12-17
Self – Party Guest
Ring of the Musketeers
1992-12-01
Kerns
Heartbreakers
2001-03-23
Dawson’s Auctioneer
The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky
1995-06-15
Hawkes
The Water Engine
1992-08-24
Ratty Inventor
Deadwood
2004-03-21
Eddie Sawyer
The X-Files
1993-09-10
The Amazing Maleeni / Herman Pinchbeck / Albert Pinchbeck