Michael Ammar
| Michael Ammar | |
|---|---|
| File:Michael ammar itallian headshot.jpg | |
| Born | June 25, 1956 Logan, West Virginia |
| Occupation | Magician |
| Known for | Magic and Magic Training |
| Website | http://www.ammarmagic.com/ |
Michael Ammar (born June 25, 1956) is an American close-up magician.[1] He is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest living magicians.[2]
Contents
Background
Ammar was born in Logan, West Virginia. He is of Lebanese Christian heritage.[2]
Ammar earned a degree from West Virginia University in business administration in 1978.[2]
Magician
In 1982 Ammar competed with magicians from 30 countries to win the "Gold Medal in Close-up Magic" at Lausanne, Switzerland.[2]
It was during the 80's that he developed a close friendship with his mentor, Dai Vernon ("The Professor") – whose influence can be seen in every show Ammar performs.[citation needed]
Ammar was invited to perform on Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show" – where he was a repeat guest.[citation needed] He moved to Los Angeles - where he became a regular performer at the Playboy Mansion, and made appearances on the Merv Griffin Show, The Tonight Show, CNN, and Travel Channel.[citation needed]
Ammar appeared at the Magic Castle in Hollywood.[citation needed]. By 1990 the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood had awarded him its "Oscar" in six separate categories (the maximum number of awards for which his is eligible).[2]
He appeared on NBC's 1998 "Worlds Greatest Magic 5" special,[2] and has been a guest on the Late Show with David Letterman.
Ammar has made private performances at Universal Studios and the Vatican.[citation needed] He performed and coordinated the magic talent at George W. Bush's Presidential inaugural banquet.[2] He was the first featured performer at the "Caesars Magical Empire" at Caesars Palace.[citation needed]
Ammar has performed on television in many countries, including: England, France, Canada, Japan, Sweden, Norway, Australia and Russia.[2]
Magic Instructor
Ammar helped pioneer the magic lecture tour industry,[citation needed] and has been lecturing to other magicians since about 1982.[1]
In 1999 Magic Magazine named Ammar as "One of the Most Influential Magicians in the Twentieth Century".[2]
On August 26, 2010, Outside Magazine cited Ammar as the "go-to source" for magic instruction.[3] The magazine published a list of "100 Things to Do Before You Die", and numbered 45 as "Learn a magic trick"—suggesting studying with the master, Michael Ammar.[3]
Publications
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Awards
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- Distinguished Alumni Award from West Virginia University 2003
- Magician of the Year, Tannens, NY 2000[2]
- Best Close Up Magic, World Magic Awards, 1999[2]
- Gold Medalist, World Sleight-of-Hand Competition, FISM, 1982
- Best Sleight-of-Hand, International Magic Awards, 1991
- Best Sleight-of-Hand, International Magic Awards, 1992
- Best Parlor Magician, Academy of Magical Arts, 1990
- Best Parlor Magician, Academy of Magical Arts, 1985
- Best Close-Up Magician, Academy of Magical Arts, 1983
- Best Lecturer, Academy of Magical Arts, 1983
- Best Close-Up Magician, Academy of Magical Arts, 1981
References
External links
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- Use mdy dates from November 2012
- Use American English from November 2012
- All Wikipedia articles written in American English
- Pages with broken file links
- Articles with hCards
- Articles with unsourced statements from November 2012
- Official website not in Wikidata
- 1956 births
- Living people
- American magicians
- Professional magicians
- People from Logan, West Virginia
- Entertainers from West Virginia
- West Virginia University alumni
- American people of Moroccan descent
- American people of Moroccan-Jewish descent
