Profile of the Day: Harry Houdini

Posted March 24, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

On this day in 1874, illusionist Harry Houdini was born in Budapest, Hungary.

Image: Harry Houdini / Library of Congress

The legendary magician was born Erik Weisz to Rabbi Mayer Samuel and Cecilia Weisz. One of seven children, Houdini took on several odd jobs as a child. He made his public debut at the age of 9 as a trapeze artist and called himself “Ehrich, the Prince of the Air.”

When he launched his career as a professional magician, he changed his name to Harry Houdini after the famous French magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin. Houdini quickly became known as “The Handcuff King” for his remarkable ability to escape from handcuffs, ropes, straightjackets, and chains.

Magic wasn’t Houdini’s only interest. An avid aviator, Houdini sought to become the first person to take flight in Australia. Although he was successful in getting his biplane in the air in 1910, it was discovered later that Captain Colin Defries made the first successful short flight in December 1909.

On October 24, 1926, Houdini made his last performance at the Garrick Theater in Detroit, Michigan. Although he was suffering from appendicitis, Houdini completed the show for the theater’s audience despite the constant pain. He died of peritonitis caused by a ruptured appendix a few days later on October 31, 1926 at the age of 52.

Explore Harry Houdini’s family tree and share your connection to one of history’s greatest illusionists.