The Amazing Johnathan

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John Edward Szeles
Born	September 9, 1958 (1958-09-09) (age 49) Detroit, Michigan
Occupation	Comedian, Magician, Actor
Spouse	Sandra Szeles (1995? - 2000) [divorced]
Website www.amazingj.com

John Edward Szeles (born September 9, 1958 in Detroit, Michigan), better known by the stage name The Amazing Johnathan, is an American stand-up comedian/magician. His act is mostly composed of hijinks, interaction with one specific audience member and a few legitimate magic tricks which often fail to comic effect. Nicknamed "The Freddy Krueger of Comedy", Johnathan usually performs wearing his omnipresent headband and his shows frequently use gore for comedic effect. He is also good friends with fellow performer Criss Angel, and has helped Criss perform a variety of illusions, most notably during his three guest appearances on Mindfreak.

Johnathan first appeared in The 8th Annual Young Comedians Show in 1983 and later went on to become the host of the short-lived 1991 syndicated variety/game show Ruckus. He appeared on various talk and variety shows from the mid-80s to mid 2000s. His only credited performance as an actor was The Obligatory Holiday Episode of The Weird Al Show (playing the part of Uncle Johnathan). The 2005 documentary The Aristocrats was his last major performance until November 18, 2006 where he had a one-hour special on Comedy Central entitled "Wrong on Every Level.", his fourth such special with the network.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal has given Amazing Johnathan much praise, by including him on the coveted "Best of Las Vegas" list in the "Best Show" category, and also awarding him "Best Comedian of the Year" for 2002 and nominating him in 2003. Most recently, Amazing Johnathan was recognized as "Best Local Villain" by the Las Vegas Weekly Reader's Choice Awards in 2004 and 2005. He is also a two-time winner of the International Magic Award for "Best Comedy Magician."

Starting his professional career as a street performer in San Francisco, Johnathan turned his boyhood hobby of magic into a full-time job. After polishing his act on Fisherman's Wharf in the late '70's, he moved onto nightclubs and colleges in the '80's.

The Amazing Johnathan has performed for audiences all over the world, including countless dignitaries and high-profile officials like President Ronald Reagan and the president of France. His fan base stretches across the globe from the U.S. to the U.K., Europe, South America and Australia.

During the last 25-plus years of his career, Amazing Johnathan has appeared on numerous television shows including Comedy Central's Lounge Lizard and Premium Blend shows, F/X's The X Show, Fox's Comic Strip Live, The Arsenio Hall Show, HBO's Young Comedians Special, Late Night with David Letterman, Entertainment Tonight and The Wayne Brady Show, as well as television specials such as NBC's World's Greatest Magic II and The World's Wildest Magicians, ABC's Caesars Palace 30th Anniversary Special, Fox's Champions of Magic, Comedy Central Presents, American Airlines' CBS Eye on America, the Travel Channel's Amazing Vacation Homes, and The Greatest Magic Tricks In the Universe...Ever on England's Ch. 5 UK.

Despite making regular appearances on national television shows, his live shows are what Amazing Johnathan thrives on. He has entertained audiences with a style that has been described as a cross between Steve Martin and Alice Cooper. With his impulsive, raw humor and abrasive wit, he keeps audiences on the edge of their seats while exhibiting spontaneous magic and showcasing impressive special effects.

Amazing Johnathan performed at the Sahara Hotel & casino until January 23, 2008, appearing in the 550-seat Congo Room where legendary comedians including Johnny Carson, George Burns and Buddy Hackett have performed.

While at the Sahara, The Amazing Johnathan Show added new material but still showcased the same impulsive, bizarre humor and abrasive wit that has earned him widespread critical acclaim. Amazing Johnathan would also drag his wacky assistant of more than five years, Penny Wiggins (better known by the stage name Psychic Tanya,) with him to the Sahara Hotel & Casino. The energetic and uproarious blonde supported his act with silly banter and spontaneous hilarity resulting in a comic partnership that added a hysterical spark to Amazing Johnathan's already off-the-wall production

Johnathan has also authored a how-to book on practical jokes titled Every Trick in the Book, a compilation of both classic practical jokes and plain magic tricks, along with his own original material in both categories. He is currently finishing up his memoirs.

In March 2007 it was reported that Johnathan was diagnosed with "a serious heart condition".^[1] The performer's website identified the condition as cardiomyopathy, and went on to assert that due to a combination of weight loss and blood thinners, he is doing well and does not intend to retire.

On March 1, 2008, Johnathan opened at the Krave Theater around the corner from the Planet Hollywood casino and hotel.