Max Malini
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Max Malini (born Max Katz Breit 1873 - October 3, 1942) was a magician who at his peak performed for several U.S. Presidents, had command performances at Buckingham Palace, and received gifts from monarchs across Europe and Asia. Magicians are said to revere him for his skill and bold accomplishments.
Malini's performance style was marked by great audacity. For instance, he would often walk up to people of great celebrity and unannounced simply bite a button from their cuffs and magically restore it.
Malini was born in the small town of Ostrov on the borders of Poland and Austria. At a young age, he emigrated to America with his family, settling in New York City. He studied juggling at age twelve, but under the tutelage of Professor Seiden he began his studies of magic (illusion) when he was fifteen. As he grew older, he began performing in bars. As his reputation grew, he would sell tickets to see a private show in his hotel room. He specialized in close-up magic, performing with coins and card magic.
Malini died in Honolulu, Hawaii. He had been quite ill for sometime and his last performances were done whilst sitting in a chair.
