Fred Wicks

Fred Wicks
Cover of Genii (1945)
Born	Fred E. Wicks June 7 1891 Cleveland, Ohio
Died	July 18, 1947 (age 56) Cleveland, 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".

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.