René Lavand
Héctor René Lavandera, usually known as René Lavand (24 September 1928 – 7 February 2015), was a magician from Argentina specialising in close-up performance. He appeared in Ed Sullivan's and Johnny Carson's television shows as well as shows at Hollywood's Magic Castle.
After losing a hand at the age of 9 in a car crash, Lavand endured a gradual entry into the magic world, self-taught because, in his own words, "all books and techniques are for two-handed magicians". After working as a cashier in a bank, at the age of 32 he appeared in Buenos Aires' Tabarís Theater, following which his career took off, leading to world tours. The catchphrase he used to close several of his tricks is "No se puede hacer más lento" (Spanish for "it cannot be done any slower"), referencing the intentional slow pace at which he performs.
In between international tours, he resided in Tandil, Argentina and adapted a train wagon which he turned into a magic saloon where he taught illusion. He also co-wrote (with Richard Kaufman) the book "Mysteries of my Life". The book is an autobiography as well as an instructional book on Rene's magic.
Lavand died of pneumonia at the Chacabuco Clinic in Tandil, aged 86.[1]
Selected filmography
- Un Oso rojo (A Red Bear) directed by Adrian Caetano (2002) : plays El Turco
References
- ↑ "Murió el ilusionista René Lavand, uno de los artistas más grandes de la historia de Tandil". Eleco.com.ar. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
External links
- Short Biography (Spanish)
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