Jean Eugne Robert-Houdin (Magician) - On This Day
Profession: Magician
Biography: Considered the father of modern magic. Robert-Houdin is the first magician to perform in a theatre in formal clothes, a format followed by many of his successors. His best-known tricks included making an orange tree grow before an audience's eyes and an alternating light and heavy chest.
In 1856 he was even sent by Napoleon III on a mission to Algeria to quell Algerian Marabouts, who with their supposed magic were inspiring revolutionary actions against the French.
Harry Houdini later adopted his stage in honour of Robert-Houdin
Born: December 7, 1805
Birthplace: Blois, France
Star Sign: Sagittarius
Died: June 13, 1871 (aged 65)
Cause of Death: Pneumonia
Career Highlights
- 1845-07-03 Pioneering French magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin opens his magic theatre in Paris
- 1856-10-28 French Magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin performs for Algerian Marabouts in Algeria to convince them that French magic is the stronger
Personal Life
- 1830-07-08 French magician Jean Eugène Robert (24) weds Parisian watchmaker's daughter Josèphe Cecile Houdin (18 or 19), both take on the hyphenated Robert-Houdin surname
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