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Amazing Johnathan

John Edward Szeles (b.1958-d.2022), better known by the stage name The Amazing Johnathan, was an American stand-up comedian/magician.

Biography

His act was mostly composed of hijinks, interaction with one specific audience member and a few legitimate magic tricks which often failed for comic effect. From 2001, he was a year-round headliner in Las Vegas. Self-described as the "Freddy Krueger of Comedy", Szeles usually performed wearing his ever present headband and his shows frequently used gore, such as pretending to suck on his own hanging eyeball, cutting his wrists, and skewering his own tongue. He was also good friends with fellow performer Criss Angel, and had helped Angel perform a variety of illusions, most notably during his three guest appearances on Mindfreak.

Szeles, who began his career performing in the streets of San Francisco, first appeared on television in The 8th Annual Young Comedians Show in 1983 and later went on to become the host of the short-lived 1991 syndicated variety/game show Ruckus. He appeared on various talk and variety shows from the mid-80s to mid 2000s. His only credited performance as an actor was The Obligatory Holiday Episode of The Weird Al Show (playing the part of Uncle Johnathan). He had made several appearances on Late Night with David Lettermen, a record 24 appearances on Fox's Comic Strip Live, and had several specials on Comedy Central including Comedy Central Presents, Lounge Lizards and his own one hour special entitled "Wrong on Every Level." (November 18, 2006), He dedicated the special to his Uncle Eugene, who showed him his first card trick which "started this whole mess". His only film appearance was the 2005 documentary The Aristocrats

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