March 24, 1874, Budapest, Hungary - October 31, 1926, Detroit, Michigan, US
Born Erik Weisz in Hungary, known as Harry Houdini, was one of the most famous magicians and entertainers in history. Immigrating to the United States with his family as a child, he later adopted the stage name Harry Houdini.
Houdini's career took off after he began performing daring escape acts and illusionary feats, earning him the nickname "The Handcuff King" and "The World's Greatest Escape Artist". Throughout his career, he challenged authorities to restrain him with increasingly complex devices, seemingly impossible situations, such as straitjackets, handcuffs, and even underwater restraints – always managing to break free.
Houdini performing his handcuff escape
The day when Harry Houdini almost died during handcuff stunt in Blackburn
“My brain is the key that sets me free.”
Not only was Houdini the highest-paid performer in the United States during his era, but he also delved into various other pursuits. He ventured into silent film acting, authored books, harbored a fascination with aviation, served as the president of the Society of American Magicians, and notably, was a skeptic of mediums and an active debunker of spiritualists.
“Never tell the audience how good you are, they will soon find out for themselves.”
Our fundraising call for Houdini birthplace memorial in Budapest.
We aim to install a memorial plaque at the downtown Budapest building where Houdini was born, commemorating one of the greatest illusionists in history. The design and size of the plaque will be determined by the funds raised; should the collected amount fall short, we'll opt for a smaller, but equally meaningful plaque. After our campaign our fundraisers will be displayed on this website.
Houdini was not only a renowned illusionist, but also a passionate advocate for the art of magic.
Houdini performing the suspended straight jacket escape
Houdini became renowned for several daring escapes throughout his career, including the Daily Mirror challenge, the Milk Can Escape, the Chinese Water Torture Cell, the Straitjacket Escape, and the Buried Alive stunt.
“The secret of showmanship consists not of what you really do, but what the mystery-loving public thinks you do.”
“Anyone who believes in magic is a fool.”
Houdini was born as Erik Weisz to a Jewish family, he was one of seven children.
The Weisz family moved with the 4 year old Erik from the old continent to America,
landed on July 3, 1878, for a better life.
The family changed their name to the German spelling Weiss, and Erik became Ehrich.
Facing severe financial difficulties, the family's children took on employment to
contribute to the family's upkeep. Houdini himself engaged in various odd jobs such as
selling newspapers, shining shoes, and running errands.
When he was nine years old, Houdini and a group of friends set up a five-cent circus,
where he sported red woolen stockings and adopted the moniker "Ehrich, Prince of the
Air." By the age of eleven, he had begun working as an apprentice locksmith.
When he was fifteen years old, Houdini stumbled upon the magician's book, "Memoirs of
Robert-Houdin", written by himself. Captivated by its contents, he stayed up all night
reading it.
Houdini would later attribute his profound passion for magic to this pivotal literary
discovery, he began calling himself "Houdini" incorrectly believing that an i at the end
of a name meant "like" in French. However, "i" at the end of the name means "belong to"
in Hungarian.
In 1887, Rabbi Weiss moved with Erik to New York City, where they lived in a boarding house on East 79th Street. He was joined by the rest of the family once Rabbi Weiss found permanent housing. As a child, Erik Weiss took several jobs, making his public début as a nine-year-old trapeze artist, calling himself "Ehrich, the Prince of the Air".
“Keep up your enthusiasm! There is nothing more contagious than exuberant enthusiasm.”
Harry HoudiniIn 1891, the Brothers Houdini showcased their repertoire of card tricks, coin manipulations, and vanishing acts at Huber’s Museum in New York City, as well as at Coney Island during the summer months. By 1893, the Brothers Houdini secured a performance slot outside the World's Fair in Chicago. During this time, Hyman departed from the act, and Houdini's actual brother, Theo ("Dash"), stepped in as his replacement.
“Failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone on the path to success.”
Harry HoudiniA romance blossomed between the 20-year-old Houdini and 18-year-old Wilhelmina Beatrice (“Bess”) Rahner, who was part of the singing and dancing duo known as the Floral Sisters. After a three-week courtship, she and Houdini married, with Bess replacing Dash in the act, which became known as "The Houdinis". For the rest of Houdini's performing career, Bess worked as his stage assistant.
“An old trick well done is far better than a new trick with no effect.”
Harry Houdini
“Never try to fool children, they expect nothing, and therefore see everything...”
Harry Houdini
In the spring of 1900, at the age of 26, Houdini, radiating confidence under the moniker "The King of Handcuffs," set out for Europe with hopes of achieving success. His inaugural destination was London, where he graced the stage of the Alhambra Theater. During his time there, Houdini faced a challenge to free himself from Scotland Yard’s handcuffs. True to form, he successfully escaped, drawing crowds to the theater every night for months on end.
“I always have on my mind the thought that next year I must do something greater, something more wonderful.”
Harry HoudiniOur fundraising call for Houdini birthplace memorial in Budapest.
We aim to install a memorial plaque at the downtown Budapest building where Houdini was born, commemorating one of the greatest illusionists in history. The design and size of the plaque will be determined by the funds raised; should the collected amount fall short, we'll opt for a smaller, but equally meaningful plaque. After our campaign our fundraisers will be displayed on this website.
LifeofHoudini.com endeavors to honor the legacy of one of the most remarkable illusionists in human history, on the occasion of the artist's 150th birthday.
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