Channing Pollock (magician)

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For the writer, see Channing Pollock (writer).

Magician Channing Pollock

Channing Pollock (August 16, 1926 in Sacramento, California, USA – March 18, 2006) was an American magician and film actor.

Has one of the most sophisticated and charismatic practitioners of his craft; strikingly handsome with an enigmatic stage presence, he was best known for an act in which he would elegantly produce doves out of thin air and he was often billed as "the most beautiful man in the world". He first became interested in magic at the age of 21. He trained at the Chavez School of Magic in Los Angeles, graduating in 1952. Pollock's early work as a magician was on the nightclub circuit, where his talents were enhanced by his good looks.

He appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1954 and went on to make several appearances at the London Palladium. By the mid-1950s Pollock was unsurpassed in his field, and he had spawned a great many imitators. But his act was unique, and the excitement in his routine was so tied up with his own personality (he always made a point of never smiling until he was taking his final bow) that copyists were never as good. He appeared at cabaret venues and in special shows all over the world, performing for President Eisenhower, the Queen and at the wedding of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly. At the height of his career he was one of America's highest-paid entertainers.

In 1959 his act was seen in the film Europe by Night, and the following year he decided to give up his career as a magician to become an actor. He went on to appear in a number of thrillers and dramas, including Moschettieri del mare (1960), wth Aldo Ray and Pier Angeli; Rocambole (1962); Sceicco rosso (1962); and Judex (1963), in which he played the romantic lead. He also appeared on several American variety shows such as Bonanza, Daniel Boone and The Beverly Hillbillies. In 1969 he abandoned showbusiness entirely, and he and his wife set up an organic farm at Moss Beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. He continued, however, to act as a friend and mentor to many aspiring magicians. He gave his own act, including his birds, to his chauffeur, who went on performing for several years.

He died in Las Vegas from complications due to cancer. He was 79.