Help us get to over 8,748 articles in 2024.

If you know of a magician not listed in MagicPedia, start a New Biography for them. Contact us at magicpediahelp@gmail.com

Difference between revisions of "Rich Ferguson"

From Magicpedia, the free online encyclopedia for magicians by magicians.
Jump to: navigation, search
(Biography)
Line 91: Line 91:
 
[[Category:Biographies]]
 
[[Category:Biographies]]
 
[[Category:American magicians]]
 
[[Category:American magicians]]
[[Category:Mentalists]]
+
[[Category:Mentalist]]
[[Category:Rich Ferguson]]
+
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ferguson, Rich}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ferguson,Rich}}
+

Revision as of 07:04, 30 September 2011


Rich Ferguson
BornRichard Evans
December 1, 1970
Salinas

Known for combining magic and mentalism for close up entertainment at high profile private events.

Biography

Rich Ferguson, aka "The Ice Breaker", is a magician, inventor and creative consultant. He is the producer and host of the Official Poker Chip Tricks and Card Handling DVD Series. Rich is the creator of dozens of effects including numerous instructional DVDs such as "Tagged", "Serial Biller" and "This is Mentalism." He is best known for his ability to perform impromptu mind-reading effects combining magic and mentalism using opportunity, observation and psychology. Using techniques from mentalism and combining improvisation, Rich performs interactive styled entertainment that focuses more on the spectator rather than the trick. Rich Ferguson went to college for engineering and worked for United Parcel Service prior to becoming a full time entertainer and creative consultant in 1997. Ferguson married Traci Adams August 8, 2008.

Ferguson was born Richard Evans in Salinas, California. His biological mother, Deborah Eden-Evans was murdered in 1974. His biological father, Ronnie Evans, has spent multiple life sentences in various penitentiaries since 1971 for drug trafficking and various crimes on society. Ferguson was removed from Salinas and adopted at the late age of 12 on December 12, 1982 by Roy and Margaret Ferguson in San Luis Obispo, California. After being tested for placement and learning to read at the age of 12, Ferguson showed intelligence of an equivalent 16th grade level.

Rich is a spokesperson and mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America|Big Brothers Big Sisters. In 2005, a Telly award winning documentary was made revealing Rich's unusual childhood.[1] Rich has been recognized from city, state and congress for his community and business excellence receiving Congressional Certificates,[2] The Everest Award and has been showcased during special events for groups like Social Services. Rich is seen on the cover of the San Luis Obispo city map, visitor's guide and business membership directory 2009-2010.[3]

In 2004, Ferguson produced and hosted a series of poker chip and card handling DVDs sold by WEA and seen in mainstream stores like Costco.[4] Currently, Ellusionist distributes his magic and mentalism DVDs of which one was awarded "Trick of the Year" by the magic community.

In addition to performing for clients and creating books and DVDs, Ferguson is a creative consultant to other entertainers such as The Pendragons and companies such as Apple. Blank Gag Books and Tricks to Pick Up Chicks are the newest books Rich has authored.

In February, 2011, Ferguson appeared on FOX and CBS news twenty-one consecutive times performing a new trick a day. In March, 2011 Rich was a special guest on the Ellen Degeneres Show. [5] In August 2011, Rich Ferguson was featured in The Linking Ring.

Awards and Honors

  • 2004 Gold Medal Award Winner – The Academy of Magical Arts, The Magic Castle – Strolling Magic

  • 2005 Grand Champion Magician nominee – The Academy of Magical Arts, The Magic Castle
  • 2004 40 under 40 Business Award Winner

  • 2005 Telly Award

  • 2003 Everest Award Recipient given by the state of California for Personal Achievement and Business Excellence
  • 2003 California State Assembly Certificate of Recognition, Abel Maldonado

  • 2003 Certificate of Recognition From California State Assembly, Member of the Assembly, California State Legislature, Hannah-Beth Jackson, for Business Progress and Accomplishments

  • 2003 Certificate of Recognition From the California State Senate, Senator Tom McClintock

  • 2003 From the United States Congress, Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for outstanding and invaluable service to the community

  • 2008 Best Entertainer, New Times

  • 2009 20 under 40 Achievement Award
  • 2008 Trick of the Year Winner

  • 2011 Best Entertainer, New Times

Bibliography

Books

  • Tricks to Pick Up Chicks - Magic Tricks, Lines, Bets, Scams & Psychology - Book (2010)
  • What Men Know About Women - Gag Book (2011)
  • Why I Love My Job - Gag Book (2011)
  • Life After Retirement - Gag Book (2011)
  • What I Know About Being a Mom - Gag Book (2011)
  • What I Know About Being a Dad - Gag Book (2011)
  • The Truth About Government - Gag Book (2011)
  • Sex After 50 - Gag Book (2011)
  • Sex After 60 - Gag Book (2011)
  • Sex After Marriage - Gag Book (2011)
  • What Women Know About Men - Gag Book (2011)
  • What I Learned in College - Gag Book (2011)
  • What I Learned in High School - Gag Book (2011)

Videos

  • Official Poker Chip Tricks DVD (2004)
  • Official Poker Card Stunts DVD (2005)
  • Official Poker Shuffles & Cuts DVD (2005)
  • Official Poker Flourishes DVD (2005)
  • Tagged - Magic Training DVD (2008)
  • Serial Biller - Magic Training DVD (2009)
  • This is Mentalism - Magic Training DVD (2010)
  • This is Mentalism 2 - Magic Training DVD (2011)

References and External Links

Wikipedia-logo.png This page incorporated content from Rich_Ferguson,

a page hosted on Wikipedia. Please consult the history of the original page to see a list of its authors. Therefor, this article is also available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License