NationMaster - Encyclopedia: David Copperfield (illusionist)

David Copperfield (born David Seth Kotkin on September 16, 1956) is an American magician and illusionist best known for his combination of illusions and storytelling. If you hold the copyright to an image (e. ... is the 259th day of the year (260th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... A car from 1956 Year 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Metuchen borough highlighted in Middlesex County Metuchen is a Borough in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. ... â€œIllusionistâ€ redirects here. ... Magician redirects here. ... A theatre director is a principal in the theatre field who oversees and orchestrates the mounting of a play by unifying various endeavors and aspects of production. ... A theatrical producer is the person ultimately responsible for overseeing all aspects of mounting a theatrical production. ... A writer is anyone who creates a written work, although the word more usually designates those who write creatively or professionally, or those who have written in many different forms. ... The word Jew ( Hebrew: יהודי) is used in a wide number of ways, but generally refers to a follower of the Jewish faith, a child of a Jewish mother, or someone of Jewish descent with a connection to Jewish culture or ethnicity and often a combination of these attributes. ... is the 259th day of the year (260th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... A car from 1956 Year 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... â€œIllusionistâ€ redirects here. ...

Biography

Born in New Jersey as David Seth Kotkin^[1], Copperfield began practicing magic at the age of 12, and became the youngest person ever admitted to the Society of American Magicians.^[2] By age 16, he was teaching a course in magic at New York University.^[3] At age 18, he enrolled at Fordham University, and was cast in the lead role of the Chicago-based musical The Magic Man (directed by Holland, MI's John Tammi) three weeks into his freshman year,^{[citation needed]} adopting his new stage name "David Copperfield" from the Charles Dickens book of the same name. At age 19, he was headlining at the Pagoda Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii.^[4] This article is about the U.S. state. ... The Society of American Magicians is the oldest fraternal magic organization in the world. ... New York University (NYU) is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational research university in New York City. ... Fordham University is a private, coeducational research university[3] in the United States, with three campuses located in and around New York City. ... Dickens redirects here. ... For David Copperfield the illusionist, see David Copperfield (illusionist). ... For the city and county of Honolulu, see City & County of Honolulu. ...

David Copperfield played the character of Ken the magician in the 1980 horror film Terror Train. He also made an uncredited appearance in the 1994 film Prêt-à-Porter. Most of his media appearances have been through television specials and guest spots on television programs. His illusions have included making the Statue of Liberty disappear, flying, levitating over the Grand Canyon, and walking through the Great Wall of China. Terror Train is a 1980 horror film directed by Roger Spottiswoode. ... PrÃªt-Ã -Porter (English: Ready to Wear) is a 1994 satirical black comedy written, directed and produced by Robert Altman and shot during the Paris, France, Fashion Week with a host of international stars, models and designers. ... For other monuments to freedom, see Monument of Liberty. ... Making the Statue of Liberty appear to disappear on live television is one of David Copperfields most remembered tricks. ... David Copperfield performs a flying levitation created by John Gaughan that is considered by both magicians and laymen to be the worlds finest. ... For other uses, see Levitation (disambiguation). ... This article is about the canyon in the southwestern United States. ... The Great Wall of China (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: ; literally Long wall) or (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: ; literally The long wall of 10,000 Li (é‡Œ)[1]) is a series of stone and earthen fortifications in China, built, rebuilt, and maintained between the 5th century BC and the 16th...

In 1982, Copperfield founded Project Magic,^[5] a rehabilitation program to help disabled patients regain lost or damaged dexterity skills by using sleight-of-hand magic as a method of physical therapy. The program has been accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, and is in use in over 1100 hospitals throughout 30 countries worldwide. David Copperfield has been using magic in his off-stage time to help cure patients. ... For the town in the Republic of Ireland, see Hospital, County Limerick. ...

Copperfield was engaged to the supermodel Claudia Schiffer, but the couple parted ways in 1999 after a six-year relationship. For the RuPaul song, see Supermodel (You Better Work). ... Claudia Schiffer (born August 25, 1970[2]) is a German supermodel and actress, who reached the height of her popularity during the 1990s. ... Events of 2008: (EMILY) Me Lesley and MIley are going to China! This article is about the year. ...

David Copperfield at one time was ready to open a theme restaurant called "Magic Underground." There were to be two locations, one in New York City and one in Walt Disney World (built in the shape of a Hidden Mickey). These locations would allow "D.A.V.I.D" (Digital Audio-Video Interface Device) to remotely interact with the guests in the restaurant. It was basically a high tech videophone system. Other things such as the very table you were sitting at might "Float" around the room and even the waiters were to be involved performing magic as they brought your order to you. Eventually the New York project ran into trouble and the Walt Disney World location was aborted. A Hidden Mickey mixed in the spots of a closed Disneyland shop. ...

In 1996, Copperfield joined forces with Dean Koontz, Joyce Carol Oates, Ray Bradbury and others for “David Copperfield’s Tales of the Impossible,” an anthology of original fiction set in the world of magic and illusion. A second volume was later published in 1997, called “David Copperfield's Beyond Imagination.” Dean Ray Koontz (born July 9, 1945 in Everett, Pennsylvania) is an American writer. ... Joyce Carol Oates (born June 16, 1938) is an American author and the Roger S. Berlind 52 Professor in the Humanities with the Program in Creative Writing at Princeton University, where she has taught since 1978. ... Ray Douglas Bradbury (born August 22, 1920) is an American literary, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and mystery writer best known for The Martian Chronicles, a 1950 book which has been described both as a short story collection and a novel, and his 1953 dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451. ...

Copperfield has a collection of magic and conjuring memorabilia and historical artefacts that he stores in a warehouse in Las Vegas.^[6] He calls the collection the International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts. It is not open to the public. For other uses, see Las Vegas (disambiguation) and Vegas (disambiguation). ...

Forbes Magazine reported that Copperfield earned $57 million in 2003, making him the tenth highest paid celebrity in the world. It also estimated that he made $57 million in 2004 (35th) and $57 million in 2005 (41st) in merchandise and tour revenue.^[7] Copperfield performs over 500 shows per year throughout the world.^[8] Alternate meaning: For the Boston Brahmin family associated with John Forbes Kerry, see Forbes family. ... The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States. ... For other uses, see Celebrity (disambiguation). ...

Personal life

In April 2006, Copperfield and two female assistants were robbed at gunpoint after a performance in West Palm Beach, Florida. His assistants gave the robbers their money, passports, and a cell phone. However, according to his police statement, Copperfield did not hand over anything, claiming that he used sleight-of-hand to hide his possessions.^[9] One of Copperfield's assistants wrote down most of the license plate number, and the suspects were later arrested.^[10] Seventeen year old Terrance Riley pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison for three counts of robbery with a weapon and one count of attempted robbery. Riley was also ordered to testify against his two co-defendants, his brother eighteen year old Dwayne Riley, and seventeen year old Markeith Jones.^[11] April 2006 : â† - January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December- â†’ Marcos Pontes, Brazils first astronaut, reaches the International Space Station. ... Nickname: Location in Palm Beach County and the state of Florida. ... Sleight of hand, also known as prestidigitation (quick fingers) or lÃ©ger de main (from the French for lightness of hand), is the set of techniques used by a magician (or card sharp) to manipulate objects such as cards and coins secretly. ...

David Copperfield said in August 2006 that he has found the "Fountain of Youth" in the southern Bahamas, amid a cluster of four tiny islands called Musha Cay, which he had purchased on July 14th of that year. He claims that the water brings dead leaves back to life, and brings near dead insects back to life^[12]. He said he has hired biologists and geologists to examine its potential effect on humans. [2] [3] August 2006 is the eighth month of that year, and has yet to occur. ... For other uses, see Fountain of Youth (disambiguation). ...

FBI investigation

On October 18, 2007, the website TMZ.com reported that David Copperfield was being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The raid reportedly stemmed from an ongoing case in Seattle. KTNV-TV Channel 13 in Las Vegas reported that 12 agents stormed a warehouse belonging to Copperfield. The agents seized a computer hard drive, a digital camera system and—according to early reports—nearly US$2 million in cash. is the 291st day of the year (292nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... F.B.I. and FBI redirect here. ... City nickname Emerald City City bird Great Blue Heron City flower Dahlia City mottos The City of Flowers The City of Goodwill City song Seattle, the Peerless City Mayor Greg Nickels County King County Area - Total - Land - Water - % water 369. ... KTNV (Channel 13 analog, 12 digital) is a U.S. television channel. ...

The Las Vegas Review-Journal printed a story confirming the raid at the warehouse in an investigation of possible sexual misconduct by the illusionist, citing a source with knowledge of the investigation.^[13] Copperfield’s accuser, a 21-year-old Seattle woman, claimed she was raped, assaulted and threatened by Copperfield while alone with him on his private island in the Bahamas, described as a $50-million private retreat at Musha Cay, in a tiny string of white-sand islands 85 miles southeast of Nassau, Bahamas.^[14] The young woman told Seattle police, and later the FBI, that Copperfield raped and struck her during her two days on the island, said sources familiar with her allegations. She said that, afterwards, Copperfield threatened her, telling her she'd better keep quiet, and then escorted her onto a plane.^[14] A rape kit was assembled, and a federal source has confirmed that some of her clothing was taken into evidence. The Las Vegas Review-Journal, also known as The R-J, is published in Las Vegas, Nevada. ... [--168. ...

The case was under the FBI’s jurisdiction because the accuser is a U.S. citizen and did not report the incident while staying in the Bahamas.^[15]

Copperfield later issued a statement through his attorney denying all allegations of misconduct.

Lawsuit

In November 2007, promoters sued Copperfield for nearly $2.2 million, after he pulled out of 48 shows in the face of rape claims. Filed November 6 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the breach of contract suit names Copperfield, his company and one of his attorneys.^[16] The new lawsuit claims Copperfield backed out of a deal involving 10 performances in the United Arab Emirates and 38 shows in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore this autumn because he did not want to face questioning by reporters. An attorney for Copperfield said last month that the shows were cancelled after Asian tour operators defaulted on their contracts. November 2007 is the eleventh month of that year. ...

The lawsuit was filed by California-based Viva Art International Ltd. and Maz Concerts Inc. of Ontario. They claim they gave Copperfield approximately $2.2 million to cover his costs before he cancelled the shows.

Achievements and awards

David Copperfield's success has been recognized by a number of awards. The illusionist has been nominated 35 times for Emmy Awards and has won 21 times^{[verification needed]}. A press photograph of David Copperfield. ... A press photograph of David Copperfield. ... The Great Movie Ride is an attraction at Walt Disney Worlds Disney-MGM Studios theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. ... Cinderella Castle, at the center of the Magic Kingdom, is Walt Disney World Resorts most recognizable icon Introduction Owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company, the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, USA is home to four theme parks, two water parks, several resort hotels and golf courses... Disney-MGM Studios is a theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA. The third park to open at the resort, it debuted on May 1, 1989. ... An Emmy Award. ...

The Guinness Book of World Records has calculated that he has sold more tickets in his career than any other solo entertainer. Other Guinness World Records held by Copperfield include being the most awarded magician in history and being the first living magician to receive a star on the Hollywood 'Walk of Fame'.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in London created a wax likeness of Copperfield. Tussauds redirects here. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ...

David Copperfield has a French knighthood, received the Living Legend Award from the Library of Congress and appears on postage stamps in 6 countries.^{[verification needed]}

He is the founder of The International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts, the largest museum of its kind.^[17]

Television specials

Bonnie Tyler (born June 8, 1951 in Skewen in Wales, United Kingdom) is a pop/rock singer. ... Holding Out for a Hero is a song by Bonnie Tyler that was originally released in 1984. ... Ben Vereen (born October 10, 1946) is an American actor. ... Emma Samms Emma Samms (born Emma Samuelson on 28 August 1960, in London) is a British television actress // Career Samms played Holly Sutton Scorpio on the daytime soap opera General Hospital from 1982 to 1985, and from 1992 to 1993 and again in 2006. ... The Orange County Peforming Arts Center is a performing arts complex located in Costa Mesa, California. ... Cities in Orange County Orange County is a county in Southern California, United States. ... Kim Alexis on the cover of Glamour Kim Alexis (born July 15, 1960) in Lockport, New York. ... The Orange County Peforming Arts Center is a performing arts complex located in Costa Mesa, California. ... Cities in Orange County Orange County is a county in Southern California, United States. ... Jane Seymour OBE (born Joyce Penelope Wilhelmina Frankenberg on February 15, 1951) is an English actress probably best known today as the co-star of the James Bond film Live and Let Die and star of the TV series and film Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. ... Fort Lauderdale, known as the Venice of America, is a city located in Broward County, Florida. ... James Earl Jones (born January 17, 1931) is an American Academy Award-nominated, Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actor of film and stage well known for his deep basso voice. ... Fort Lauderdale, known as the Venice of America, is a city located in Broward County, Florida. ... Wayne Douglas Gretzky, OC (born 26 January 1961 in Brantford, Ontario) is a retired Canadian-American professional ice hockey player who is currently part-owner and head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes. ... Caesars Palace is a luxury hotel and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. ... For further information, see Las Vegas metropolitan area and Las Vegas Strip. ... The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is located downtown on a nine-acre site along the east bank of the Hillsborough River in Tampa, Florida. ... Tampa Bay is a large natural harbor and estuary on the western coast of Florida. ... Claudia Schiffer (born August 25, 1970[2]) is a German supermodel and actress, who reached the height of her popularity during the 1990s. ... Carson Jones Daly (born June 22, 1973 in Santa Monica, California) is an American television personality. ... The Mid-South Coliseum, also known as The Entertainment Capital of the Mid-South, is a multipurpose arena that seats 10,085 people in Memphis, Tennessee. ... For other uses, see Memphis (disambiguation). ... The Mid-South Coliseum, also known as The Entertainment Capital of the Mid-South, is a multipurpose arena that seats 10,085 people in Memphis, Tennessee. ... For other uses, see Memphis (disambiguation). ...

Famous illusions

Filmography

Terror Train is a 1980 horror film directed by Roger Spottiswoode. ... Scrubs is an Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning American situation comedy/comedy-drama that premiered on October 2, 2001 on NBC. It was created by Bill Lawrence and is produced by Touchstone Television. ... List of Scrubs episodes My Lucky Day is the 33rd episode of the American sitcom Scrubs. ...

See also

Making the Statue of Liberty appear to disappear on live television is one of David Copperfields most remembered tricks. ... This illusion was performed by David Copperfield in several magic shows. ... David Copperfield performs a flying levitation created by John Gaughan that is considered by both magicians and laymen to be the worlds finest. ...

References

^ Witchel, Alex. " A Maestro of the Magic Arts Returns to His Roots", The New York Times, November 24, 1996. Accessed December 6, 2007. "David Seth Kotkin was born in Metuchen, N.J., 40 years ago; David Copperfield was born when David Kotkin turned 18, at the suggestion of the wife of a New York Post reporter. Which is why his passport reads David Kotkin, a k a David Copperfield."
^ A&E Biography - David Copperfield Bio
^ Short bio from Chicago Gigs on Copperfield
^ Short bio from Chicago Gigs on Copperfield
^ USA Today [1]
^ Cops: Seattle Woman Claims David Copperfield Raped Her. Fox News. Retrieved on 2008-04-08.
^ Forbes.com 2005 listing and 2004
^ Basquille, Mark. "David Copperfield to Captivate Seoul Audience", The Seoul Times, May 2004.
^ David Copperfield tricks robbers. CNN. Retrieved on 2008-03-30.
^ David Copperfield Robbed At Gunpoint. The Smoking Gun (2006-04-26).
^ Thief tricked by David Copperfield pleads guilty. CNN (2006-11-10).
^ David Copperfield's Fountain of Youth.
^ "Copperfield raid related to Bahamas incident".
^ ^a ^b Grand jury investigates Copperfield allegations. Seattle Times (2007). Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
^ "FBI raids Copperfield's warehouse", reviewjournal.com.
^ Promoters Sue David Copperfield for $2.2 Million. Voice of America (2007). Retrieved on 2007-12-11.
^ Houdini in the Desert. Forbes (2006-05-08). Retrieved on 2007-12-28. “The greatest collection of magic in the world lies hidden inside a nondescript Las Vegas warehouse.”
^ New York Times article reviewing Dreams and Nightmares
^ Picture of David on Forbes cover
^ Picture of David on Archictectural Digest cover
^ Picture of David on Esquire cover

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External links

The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is an online database of information about movies, actors, television shows, production crew personnel, and video games. ... â€œIllusionistâ€ redirects here. ... â€œIllusionistâ€ redirects here. ... 2700BC - The first known performance of a conjuring effect (cups and balls) by the magician Dedi in ancient Egypt 100AD - The Acetabularii performed the Cups and balls in ancient Rome using stones and small vinegar cups (hence the name Acetabularii) 1584 - Reginald Scott publishes The Discoverie of Witchcraft (sic) a... Parlor magic is done for larger audiences than close-up magic (which is for a few people or even one person) and for smaller audiences than stage magic. ... There are numerous manufacturers of and designers of magic tricks. ... A card manipulator performing a flourish with a deck of playing cards. ... This does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... This article is about the performing art. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Harry Houdini, a famous escapologist and magician. ... Exposure in magic refers to the practice of making magical methods (the secrets of how magic tricks are performed) available to those who are not magicians. ... This article may contain original research or unverified claims. ... // A magicians assistant is a performer whose role during a magic act is to hold the props that are used by a magician, to transport props onto and off the stage, and to serve as a prop in illusions that involve manipulation of the human body. ... The following is a list of terms used by magicians, sorted alphabetically. ... This page contains a list of magic tricks. ... XCM, or Xtreme Card Manipulation is the use of standard deck of playing cards to show dexterity and coordination. ...

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