Michael Weber (magician)

Michael Weber (born 1961 in Southern California) is an American magician, illusionist, and magic consultant best known for his work in film, television, and theater.[1][2] He lent his expertise to numerous films, collaborating with his close friend and business partner Ricky Jay.[3] In 1981 he won the Junior Achievement Award and in 2009 a Creative Fellowship, both from the Academy of Magical Arts.[4]

Early life and training

Weber discovered magic as a teenager and became a member of the Junior Society of the Magic Castle in Hollywood at age 14.[5] He studied card magic under sleight‑of‑hand artist Charlie Miller, which helped shape his highly technical, mystery‑oriented style.[6]

Career and consulting work

In 1993 Weber co‑founded Deceptive Practices with fellow magician Ricky Jay.[1] Among the productions they worked on were the films Ocean's Thirteen (2007), The Prestige (2006), The Illusionist (2006 film) (2006), Heartbreakers (2001), The Parent Trap (1998), Forrest Gump (1994), Wolf (1994), I Love Trouble (1994), Congo (1995), and Sneakers (1992)[4] as well as and the Broadway production of Angels in America: Perestroika.[7]

He worked worked on early David Blaine television specials[8] and later with the touring company of Beetlejuice.[6]

Philosophy and legacy

Weber is widely regarded as a “magician’s magician,” admired by peers for his deep understanding of psychology, misdirection, and the protection of magic’s secrets.[9]

References

  1. 1 2 Michael Weber Magicana, April 26, 2018
  2. ↑ News Magic Week, Number 176, 8 November 2003
  3. ↑ Conjuring up the magical in movies By Ricky Jay and Michael Weber, Los Angeles Times, Oct. 30, 2006
  4. 1 2 Michael Weber at Magicpedia
  5. ↑ Magical Mathematics: The Mathematical Ideas That Animate Great Magic Tricks by Persi Diaconis and Ron Graham Princeton University Press, 2012, ISBN 0691151644
  6. 1 2 "Beetlejuice" musical in Denver features work of legendary Hollywood magician "Beetlejuice" musical in Denver features work of legendary Hollywood magician CBS News, Aug 30, 2023
  7. ↑ Movies Come to This Place for Magic By Steve Martin, The Metrograph, Issue 1, Dec 10, 2024
  8. ↑ Michael Weber at IMBd David Blaine: "Frozen in Time", TV Special, 2000
  9. ↑ Beetlejuice Illusionist Michael Weber Puts the “Super” in Supernatural by Lisa Bornstein, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, July 26, 2023
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