Harry Houdini Harry Houdini Harry Houdini (; born Erik Weisz, later Ehrich Weiss or Harry Weiss; March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926) was a Hungarian-born American illusionist and stunt performer, noted for his sensational escape acts. He first attracted notice in vaudeville in the US and then as "Harry Handcuff Houdini" on a tour of Europe, where he challenged police forces to keep him locked up. Soon he extended his repertoire to include chains, ropes slung from skyscrapers, straitjackets under water, and having to escape from and hold his breath inside a sealed milk can with water in it. In 1904,
Silvan (illusionist) Silvan (illusionist) Silvan (born May 18, 1937) is an Italian illusionist, writer and television personality. Born Aldo Savoldello in Venice, Silvan started his career at 20 years old and made his television debut in 1956, in the RAI show "Primo applauso" ("First applause"). He gained mainstream popularity in 1973 hosting the RAI Saturday night magic and illusionism show "Sim Sala Bim". Silvan won two Merlin Awards, in 1998 and in 2011, being the first Italian illusionist to win the award. The Academy of Magical Arts awarded him "Magician of the Year" twice, in 1990 and in 1999. He is also