Johnny Ace Palmer
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Johnny "Ace" Palmer is an award winning American close-up magician. He is very famous within the worldwide magical community for his abilities.
Palmer entered the competition at FISM in 1988. His skills won him the title of World Champion Magician. In doing so, he became the first close-up magician in history to receive the Grand Prix award, and only the second American to win (Lance Burton was the first in 1982).[1] This award is only given out once every three years.
The Magic Castle has awarded Palmer with the award for Best Close-Up Magician two years in a row (1987, 1988) as well as Lecturer of the Year (1996, 1999). As of 2006, Palmer is the only magician to be awarded both the International Brotherhood of Magicians' Gold Cups Award of Excellence (which he received in 1983) and the Society of American Magicians' Gold Medal Award of Honor (which he received in 1986).[2]
His knowledge was utilized by Mattel when the company vied for the merchandising contract to create toys for the Harry Potter film franchise. Palmer assisted the company in designing toys with a magical theme. Warner Brothers ended up awarding the contract to Mattel.
In 1994, the Library of Congress created an exhibit to be displayed at schools, libraries and malls across the country. Called Grand Illusion: The Art and Practice of Magic, the exhibit featured only five living magicians, one of which was Palmer.
