It was in large part an organ for Houdini’s airing of his personal opinions and grievances and was exceedingly short-lived (he even turned on his former idol, Robert-Houdin, eventually even writing a book attacking his predecessor). In 1906, Houdini launched his own publication, the Conjurers’ Monthly Magazine.

Beck booked Houdini on the Orpheum circuit and his career took off. Paul, Minnesota, where Beck suggested Houdini focus on being an escape artist.

In 1899, Houdini met vaudeville impressario Martin Beck in in St.

In the early years, Houdini teamed with his brother Theodore (who went by “Dash”), but when he met and married Wilhelmina Beatrice “Bess” Rahner, herself a performer, he changed partners.

After reading French magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin‘s autobiography in 1890, Wiesz was inspired to change his name to Harry Houdini (it’s said he was under the mistaken impression that an I at the end of a word meant “like”).

In his early years on stage, Houdini focused on card tricks, and it was slow going for him.

Houdini began his career as magician in 1891, working with a strongman in appearances in tent shows, slideshows and museums (which then tended to exhibit show business acts and cultural oddities-think Barnum’s museums of that era).

In 1887, Rabbi Weisz parted ways with Zion and he and young Erich moved to NYC (the rest of the family would follow after they were settled).

They lived in Appleton, Wisconsin, where Rabbi Weisz led the Zion Reform Jewish Congregation. Erik Weisz was born in Budapest to a Jewish family.

Houdini’s father, Rabbi Mayer Sámuel Weisz, was a rabbi who moved the family to the United States when Houdini was four years old.

Master illusionist Harry Houdini was born Erik Weisz 133 years ago today in Budapest.

Harry houdini mayer samuel weisz