Harry Houdini was an influential Hungarian-American magician and escape artist. Houdini performed elaborate and dangerous stunts, many of which involved his escape from handcuffs or a straightjacket while placed in extreme conditions. A renowned skeptic of Spiritualism, Houdini participated in paranormal investigation and eances in an effort to debunk claims of psychic activity and speaking with the dead. Houdini's career crossed-over into motion pictures once movies became widely produced at the turn of the 20th century, though his most famous performances were his acts on vaudeville.
Fast Facts:
- Full name: Erich Weiss
- Born: March 24, 1874
- Birthplace:Budapest, Hungary
- Died: October 31, 1926
- Cause of death: Peritonitis due to a ruptured appendix
- Also known as "The Great Houdini"
- Influenced: Criss Angel David Copperfield