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Fred Wicks: Difference between revisions

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== Biography ==
== Biography ==
In 1906, Wicks was a struggling character comedian. He ran away from home at  15 and joined a small variety troop. His father and mother had refused to allow him to use their name, so he adopted the name of "George E. Hoey".  [[Image:Wicks.jpg|thumb|Linking Ring Nov. 1945, page 31]]
In 1906, Wicks was a struggling character comedian. He ran away from home at  15 and joined a small variety troop. His father and mother had refused to allow him to use their name, so he adopted the name of "George E. Hoey".  [[Image:Wicks.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Linking Ring Nov. 1945, page 31]]
   
   
His interest in taking pictures led him to established his own portrait studio business in Cleveland, Ohio. A magician, [[Alex Alexander]], dropped in to have some pictures made. While there, he saw Wicks having difficulty with a youngster so Alexander captured the child's attention with some cigarette sleights. Impressed, Wicks learned a few tricks from Alexander. He also renewed
His interest in taking pictures led him to established his own portrait studio business in Cleveland, Ohio. A magician, [[Alex Alexander]], dropped in to have some pictures made. While there, he saw Wicks having difficulty with a youngster so Alexander captured the child's attention with some cigarette sleights. Impressed, Wicks learned a few tricks from Alexander. He also renewed

Revision as of 09:36, 9 November 2018

Fred Wicks

Cover of Genii (1945)
BornFred Earnest Wicks
June 7, 1891
Cleveland, Ohio
DiedJuly 18, 1947 (age 56)
Cleveland, Ohio
Resting placeMansfield Cemetery, Mansfield, Richland County, Ohio

Fred Wicks (1891-1947) was a vaudeville comedian (a.k.a. George E. Hoey) turned photographer and amateur magician.

Biography

In 1906, Wicks was a struggling character comedian. He ran away from home at 15 and joined a small variety troop. His father and mother had refused to allow him to use their name, so he adopted the name of "George E. Hoey".

Linking Ring Nov. 1945, page 31

His interest in taking pictures led him to established his own portrait studio business in Cleveland, Ohio. A magician, Alex Alexander, dropped in to have some pictures made. While there, he saw Wicks having difficulty with a youngster so Alexander captured the child's attention with some cigarette sleights. Impressed, Wicks learned a few tricks from Alexander. He also renewed a friendship with John Grdina and joined the I.B.M. (member no. 7713) and S.A.M. (member no. 3844).

Wicks also developed a comedy act as "So-So" the tramp clown done in pantomime.[1][2]

He also used the stagename of "S. Fredwick".[3]

References

  1. Cover Genii 1945 December
  2. Linking Ring, Nov 1945, page 31
  3. Who's Who in Magic: An International Biographical Guide From Past to Present by Bart Whaley (1990)