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Fred Wicks
| Fred Wicks | |
 Cover of Genii (1945) | |
| Born | Fred E. Wicks |
|---|---|
| Died | July 1, 1947 Cleveland, Ohio |
Fred Wicks was a vaudeville comedian (a.k.a. George E. Hoey) turned photographer and amateur magician.
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".
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]
References
- ↑ Cover Genii 1945 December