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Dr. Giovanni
| Dr. Giovanni | |
 c. 1965 | |
| Born | Adolph Herczog November 23, 1896 Budapest, Hungary |
|---|---|
| Died | August 15, 1977 (age 80) Los Angeles, California |
"Dr." John Giovanni (1896-1977) was a professional comedy magician who performed a pickpocket act.[1]
Biography
He introduced his pickpocket act in London in 1929, later played the Palace in New York in 1932, he became known as "King of the Pickpockets." He used the title "Doctor" because he had been trained in the medical profession as a young man.[2]
He entertained royalty and world leaders include President Roosevelt, King George VI, and Winston Churchill.
Giovanni was performing in Brazil in 1953.
He retired to Los Angeles, California and his Jewish, Hungarian beginnings were not disclosed until after his death by his first wife in the Los Angeles Times.[3]
Giovanni's act was briefly described by Max Holden in his book Programmes of Famous Magicians (1968).
References
- ↑ Dramatic Magic by John Booth (1988)
- ↑ Conjuring by James Randi (1992)
- ↑ Genii Speaks, Genii 1977 September