Theodore Hardeen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Theodore Hardeen (March 4, 1876 – June 12, 1945) was a magician and stunt performer, best known as Harry Houdini's brother. He was the founder of the Magician's Guild.
He was born as Ferencz Deszo Weisz or Weisz Ferenc Dezső in Budapest, Hungary and went by the name of Theodore Weiss when the family was living in Appleton, Wisconsin. He was known as Deshi and later Dash by his parents.
Will Goldston wrote that:
Hardeen learnt his business from Houdini, and he learnt it well, as no man could have failed to do with such a master. But the natural ability was always there. Even if Houdini had not existed to point the way, it is quite likely that Hardeen would have become an escape artiste. I have seen him perform several times, and have marvelled at his achievements. The huge chains in the cartoon are hardly an exaggeration of those from which he breaks loose. The handcuffs but a simple thing compared with those with which he is used to toy. Hardeen, like his more famous brother Harry Houdini is a great favourite in the magical world. He is a man of considerable culture and one of the best raconteurs I have ever met. Like Houdini, he is willing to expend both time and money freely to further the cause of magic. Both the amateurs and the professionals of our number regard him as a friend. And the general public regard him as a brilliant artiste and a thrilling entertainer.
[edit] References
- Jews in Magic
- Will Goldston; The Magician Annual (1911-1912)
- New York Times; June 13, 1945, Wednesday; Illusionist, Escape Artist, a Founder of Magician's Guild. Gave Last Show May 29. Theodore Hardeen, a brother of he late Harry Houdini, illusionist and a prominent magician in his own right, died yesterday in the Doctors Hospital. His age was 69.
