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Roy Benson

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Roy Benson
BornEdward Emerson Ford McQuaid
January 17, 1914
Courbevoie, France
DiedDecember 06, 1977 (age 63)

Roy Benson (Jan 17, 1914 - Dec 6, 1977), born Edward Emerson Ford McQuaid in Courbevoie, France, was a proficient musician, a professor, a close-up magician and magical stage comedian.

Biography

His mother was Dora Ford of the Four Fords and The Ford Sisters of Vaudeville fame. His father was Edward Emerson McQuaid of Vaudeville's Juggling team, Emerson and Baldwin.

He was a student of Nate Leipzig, and originated the Long Pour finish for the Salt Trick. Benson is also well known for his creation of the Benson Bowl routine. He performed many routines, including his salt pour, on TV in 1955. He built the monster for the movie The Flesh Eaters in 1964, directed by his cousin Jack Curtis.

He made many contributions to The Phoenix magazine.

He struggled with alcoholism and eventually died of emphysema.[1]

Books

  • Roy Benson by Starlight (2006) by Levent & Todd Karr
  • The Second Oldest Profession
  • Benson on Magic booklet

References

  1. December 2004 cover of Magic