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On This Day in Magic History: Remembering Pioneering Magician Richard Potter

 On September 30, the magic community can look back on the remarkable life of Richard Potter, one of the earliest professional magicians to achieve widespread fame in the United States and a pioneering Black entertainer whose career helped shape American popular entertainment.

Potter was born in Massachusetts around 1783 and built a career combining magic, ventriloquism, sleight of hand, comedy, and other theatrical feats. By the early 1800s, he was touring professionally at a time when traveling entertainers were helping establish what would eventually become the American variety and stage-entertainment tradition. Historian John Hodgson has described Potter as America's first Black celebrity, while other accounts identify him as the first American-born magician and ventriloquist to achieve national fame.

Potter's rise was particularly extraordinary because he achieved that success while facing the racial prejudice of early 19th-century America. His tours took him throughout the United States, including parts of the South, where travel could be especially dangerous for a free Black performer.

One documented episode occurred in Mobile, Alabama, where Potter was reportedly refused accommodations at a hotel because of his race. Nevertheless, he continued performing and built a reputation strong enough to attract audiences across the country.

More Than a Magician

Potter's performances went far beyond traditional sleight of hand.

Historical accounts describe acts featuring ventriloquism, illusion, fire demonstrations, knife throwing, and feats designed to make audiences question what they were seeing. At various points, advertisements promoted Potter performing seemingly impossible demonstrations involving heated metal, fire, and other dramatic stage effects.

Much like the great magicians who followed him later in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Potter understood that successful magic was about more than simply performing a trick. It was about creating a personality and an experience audiences would remember.

His success eventually allowed him to purchase a sizable property in Andover, New Hampshire. The surrounding area became known as Potter Place, a name that remains connected to the community today.

The Mystery of Potter's Death Date

Even Potter's final days contain a small historical mystery.

Several modern historical sources list Richard Potter's death as September 20, 1835.

However, Potter's gravestone records his death as September 30, 1835, at the age of 52. Historians have noted inconsistencies involving dates and ages recorded on the Potter family headstones, making it difficult to know with complete certainty which date is correct.

Because September 30 appears directly on Potter's grave marker, the date remains an appropriate occasion to remember his contributions to magic.

A Legacy That Deserves to Be Remembered

Richard Potter performed decades before names such as Harry Houdini, Howard Thurston, Harry Kellar, and Alexander Herrmann would become synonymous with American magic.

Yet Potter helped establish the idea that a magician could become a nationally recognized professional entertainer.

His story is also an important part of Black entertainment history. Achieving widespread fame as a Black performer in the early 1800s required navigating social and racial barriers that most entertainers of his era never encountered.

Nearly two centuries after his death, Potter's influence continues to be remembered. The New Hampshire community associated with his estate still carries the Potter Place name, and historians continue researching a performer whose career once made him one of America's most celebrated entertainers.

On this day in magic history, we remember Richard Potter — magician, ventriloquist, showman, and one of the true pioneers of American magic.

Mind2Mind Wins the Milbourne Christopher Mentalist Award

 The award-winning mentalism duo Mind2Mind has added another prestigious honor to its growing collection. James Harrington and Marina Liani received the 2026 Milbourne Christopher Mentalist Award during a ceremony held September 26 at the Garde Arts Center in New London, Connecticut.

The husband-and-wife team was among nine honorees recognized by the Milbourne Christopher Foundation for contributions to the art of magic, including performance, writing, publishing, preservation and invention.

An Extraordinary Year for Mind2Mind

The latest recognition continues an impressive run of achievements for the British-Ukrainian duo, who have performed together as Mind2Mind since 2018.

In 2025, they captured the gold medal in mentalism at the FISM World Championships in Italy, becoming only the fourth mentalism act in the competition's 77-year history to receive the top honor.

Their success continued in 2026 when the Academy of Magical Arts named them Stage Magicians of the Year at Hollywood's Magic Castle. The Milbourne Christopher Award adds another significant distinction to their careers.

Honoring the Legacy of Milbourne Christopher

The Milbourne Christopher Awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to magic.

Named in honor of magician, author and magic historian Milbourne Christopher, the awards celebrate accomplishments across multiple disciplines, from close-up magic and mentalism to stage performance and the preservation of magic history.

This year's ceremony marked the foundation's 35th anniversary. Foundation chairman David E. Haversat and vice chairman Thomas A. Ewing presented the awards.

From World Championships to Las Vegas

Mind2Mind's success isn't limited to competitions and awards. The duo has appeared on America's Got Talent, Britain's Got Talent and Masters of Illusion, introducing television audiences to their distinctive approach to mentalism.

Their performances combine apparent mind reading, predictions, psychological illusions and audience participation, often incorporating their signature second-sight demonstrations.

The pair also announced an extension of their Las Vegas residency at Azul inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Beginning October 9, 2026, their engagement will continue through February 2, 2027, with performances scheduled Fridays through Tuesdays at 8 p.m. The intimate lounge setting allows audiences to experience their mentalism demonstrations up close.

For Harrington and Liani, the Milbourne Christopher Award represents another milestone in a career that has taken them from international television appearances to world championship recognition and the Las Vegas stage.

With multiple major awards and an extended residency, 2026 is proving to be a remarkable year for Mind2Mind.

For more information about the duo and their upcoming performances, visit

Mind2Mind's official website

.

Jeff McBride Brings His Legendary “King of Cards” Routine to Masters of Illusion

 When it comes to the art of card manipulation, few names are as recognizable as Jeff McBride. Known for his remarkable sleight of hand, theatrical presentations and dedication to the art of magic, McBride has spent decades demonstrating that a simple deck of playing cards can become an extraordinary stage spectacle.

On July 14, 2017, McBride appeared on The CW's Masters of Illusion, performing his world-famous "King of Cards" routine. His appearance was part of Season 4, Episode 5, titled Technological Beverages and Rapid-Fire Cards.

The King of Cards Takes the Stage

McBride's "King of Cards" routine showcases a branch of magic that requires extraordinary dexterity, precision and countless hours of practice.

Unlike traditional card tricks, which often involve spectators selecting cards or magicians predicting their choices, stage card manipulation transforms playing cards into an elegant visual performance.

Cards appear, vanish and multiply through a carefully choreographed display of sleight of hand. McBride's theatrical approach elevates these techniques beyond a demonstration of manual skill, turning them into a complete entertainment experience.

His performance illustrates why card manipulation remains such an important part of the classical stage magic tradition.

A Master of Magical Performance

McBride is known not only for his performances but also for his contributions to magic education. Through his teaching, lectures and mentorship, he has helped generations of magicians develop their technical abilities and theatrical presentation.

His approach emphasizes that successful magic requires more than knowing how to perform a trick. Movement, timing, character and the emotional connection between performer and audience are equally important.

His "King of Cards" routine brings these elements together, demonstrating how a familiar object can become the centerpiece of an elaborate theatrical performance.

Masters of Illusion Celebrates the Art of Magic

Hosted by Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion features professional magicians performing everything from sleight of hand and comedy magic to large-scale illusions and escapes before a live studio audience.

McBride's 2017 episode also featured RJ Cantu, Bill Cook, Tommy Wind, Jarrett & Raja, Jibrizy, Scott Pepper and Chris Randall.

His appearance offered television viewers an opportunity to experience a style of magic that has entertained audiences for generations while showcasing the extraordinary technical skill required to perform it.

Jessica Jane Brings Fire and Magic to Penn & Teller: Fool Us with “Don’t Try This at Home!”

 When magician Jessica Jane stepped onto the stage of Penn & Teller: Fool Us, she brought something a little more dangerous than the usual card trick. Combining fire, illusion and theatrical showmanship, Jessica delivered a performance designed to capture the attention of both the audience and two of magic's most recognizable performers.

Her appearance aired on August 3, 2017, during the show's fourth season, in an episode titled 50/50 Chance. Filmed at the Penn & Teller Theater at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the episode also featured magicians Matt Johnson, Siegfried Tieber and Jason Fields.

Playing with Fire on National Television

Jessica's routine, titled Don't Try This at Home!, showcased her specialty in fire magic. Rather than relying on traditional playing cards or everyday objects, she incorporated flames into her performance, bringing an additional element of danger and visual excitement to the stage.

Fire magic presents a unique challenge for performers. Beyond the illusion itself, the magician must combine precise timing, carefully rehearsed choreography and strong audience engagement while working with an inherently hazardous element.

Jessica's appearance demonstrated how fire can become part of a larger theatrical magic presentation, creating a spectacle suited to the bright lights of Las Vegas.

More Than a Television Magician

Jessica Jane's career extends well beyond her appearance on Fool Us. Based in Los Angeles, she has headlined on international cruise ships, including Holland America Line and Norwegian Cruise Line.

She has also entertained American service members overseas through Armed Forces Entertainment and appeared in Netflix's Prince of Peoria. Her television credits additionally include Penn & Teller: Try This at Home.

Her combination of theatrical magic and fire performance has helped distinguish her from more traditional stage magicians.

Watch Jessica Jane's Performance

Whether you're a longtime magic enthusiast or simply enjoy spectacular television performances, Jessica Jane's Fool Us appearance offers an entertaining look at the theatrical possibilities of fire magic.

Darwin Ortiz Collection (10 Video set) video DOWNLOAD

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• CardShark, Voluesm 1-3
• Scams & Fantasies with Cards, Volumes 1-4

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At The Card Table, Volumes 1-3

Darwin Ortiz makes his living with a deck of playing cards. As a full-time professional close-up magician and gambling consultant, he is constantly in demand to appear at colleges and business conventions, as well as consult with casinos worldwide. His corporate clients have included IBM, American Express, Aetna and Price Waterhouse. He is considered to be the world's foremost expert on crooked gambling and his books written for the public on the subject are said to be the best of the genre. Darwin Ortiz has brought the art of sleight-of-hand to a new level of perfection. He is a rarity, an expert who is as entertaining as he is informative. Now Darwin shares his magical secrets with you, detailing some of the effects that have made him one of magic's most respected performers.

• VOLUME 1: Jumping Gemini, The Vegas Shuffle, Darwin's 3-Card Monte, The Pinky Count, Darwin's Wild Card, Hitchcock Aces, The Dream Card, The Zarrow Shuffle.
• VOLUME 2: Greek Poker, Modern Jazz Aces, Regal Aces, Back Off, Nine-Card Location, Do As I Did
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CardShark, Volumes 1-3

Virtually every review of the CardShark material raved about it from every aspect-plot, presentation, method and entertainment value. What do the top three magazine reviewers have to say about the material in CardShark?

"The material is extraordinarily dazzling . . . Highest recommendation." Mike Close, Magic Magazine

"This is truly exceptional card magic . . . Highest recommendation." Phil Wilmarth, Linking Ring Magazine

"A wealth of material for the serious Cardician." Jamy Ian Swiss, Genii Magazine

• VOLUME 1: The Cross, Psychotronic Card, The Showdown, One-Handed Poker Deal, The Unholy Three, Museum Piece, Four to One, plus numerous sleights and moves!
• VOLUME 2: Kartenkunste, The Phantom Card, Signature Effect, Beyond Sleight-of-Hand, Blind Aces (performance only), The Marker, Darwin's Poker Deal, Harry in Your Pocket.
• VOLUME 3: Blockbuster, From the Cellar, Beat the Dealer, Pick-Up on South Street, Time & Again, Face-Up Centers, The Sting (performance only), Mr. Lucky

Scams & Fantasies with Cards, Volumes 1-4

Throughout this entire set of groundbreaking videos, Darwin provides psychological insights, presentational angles, performing tips and suggestions based on his extensive experience performing these effects for real audiences. The plots, presentations, methods and handlings are all designed for maximum audience impact. Impossible effects, entertaining presentations, rock-solid construction and performing wisdom combine to produce a must-have set of videos for all lovers of great card magic!

• VOLUME 1: The Last Laugh, Fastest Gun Alive, Darwin's Ambitious Card, Appointment in Samarra, Hitchcock Travelers, Ultimate Oil & Water, Ultimate Fusion
• VOLUME 2: Pass the Garbage, Remote Control, Maximum Risk, No Way Out, The Color of Money, Liar's Poker, God of Gamblers
• VOLUME 3: The Quick & The Dead, Walkaround Triumph, Cannibal Holocaust, Ace in the Pocket, Beat the Devil, The Zen Master
• VOLUME 4: Déja Vu Poker, The Brush, Combination Cull, Shark Attack, The Professional, Raw Deal

Happy Birthday, Jasper Maskelyne! The Magician Who Took His Illusions to War

 On this day in magic history, September 29, 1902, British magician Jasper Maskelyne was born in Wandsworth, London.

Today marks the 124th anniversary of his birth, and his story remains one of the most fascinating—and debated—in the history of magic.

Born into one of Britain's most celebrated magical families, Maskelyne followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, John Nevil Maskelyne, and his father, Nevil Maskelyne, both prominent figures in British stage magic.

Born Into a Family of Magicians

Magic was practically the family business.

His grandfather helped establish St. George's Hall in London as a celebrated venue for magic and theatrical illusions. Jasper grew up surrounded by performances, mechanical inventions and elaborate stage productions.

His first appearance onstage reportedly happened at just three years old, when he wandered into a performance at St. George's Hall.

In 1912, he made a more formal appearance assisting David Devant at the first Royal Command Performance for music hall artists.

By the late 1920s, Jasper was managing St. George's Hall and subsequently developed a career touring British variety theaters.

The Magician Goes to War

When World War II began, Maskelyne volunteered for military service.

He was eventually deployed to North Africa, where his knowledge of stagecraft, mechanics and illusion became relevant to the military's efforts to deceive enemy forces.

Maskelyne was associated with experimental camouflage work, dummy military equipment and instruction in escape and evasion techniques. He also taught Allied personnel how to conceal small objects, including maps and compasses, inside everyday items.

These activities helped establish his enduring nickname: The War Magician.

Did He Really Make an Entire Harbor Disappear?

Over the years, extraordinary stories have circulated about Maskelyne's wartime achievements, including claims that he helped conceal major military installations and created enormous illusions to confuse enemy aircraft.

His own 1949 book, Magic—Top Secret, helped popularize these accounts.

However, historians and researchers have questioned the scale of his personal involvement in some of the most spectacular operations attributed to him.

While his military service and involvement in deception work are documented, the more dramatic stories should be distinguished from established historical facts.

That uncertainty has made his story an enduring subject of investigation among both military historians and magic enthusiasts.

Life After the War

Following World War II, Maskelyne returned to performing before eventually moving to Africa.

He settled in Nairobi, Kenya, where he pursued other business and professional interests, including establishing a driving school.

Jasper Maskelyne died on March 15, 1973, at the age of 70.

His legacy combines an established career in theatrical magic with an unusual chapter in the history of military deception.

More than a century after his birth, researchers continue to investigate the man behind the legend and the extent of his contributions during World War II.

Today, Magic News Daily remembers a magician whose career extended far beyond the theater and whose remarkable story continues to capture the imagination.

Happy Birthday, Jasper Maskelyne!

September 29, 1902 – March 15, 1973