The name David Kotkin doesn’t
conjure up any magical images. It sounds like the name
of any other Metuchen, New Jersey, native. But David Kotkin
is, indeed, a magical man. He’s David Copperfield,
perhaps the most famous magician in the United States,
and maybe even the world.
Copperfield was born David Kotkin in 1956. He began
in his magical journey in his own hometown, performing
at birthday parties under the moniker “Davino:
Boy Magician.” Soon after, he was admitted to
the Society of American Magicians and was the youngest
performer ever to be allowed into the group. By 16,
he was teaching magic at New York University.
Copperfield went from teacher to student when he began
attending Fordham University, but his college days didn’t
last long. He left school for a lead role in the musical
“The Magic Man,” in Chicago, where he used
his now-famous pseudonym for the first time. The show
became the longest-running musical in Chicago and featured
Copperfield’s singing and dancing. He also created
all of the show’s magic.
Not long after, in 1977, Copperfield signed on to do
a magic series for ABC television. It was a success,
and CBS then asked him to perform “The Magic of
David Copperfield” specials. Copperfield has been
no stranger to television from that point forward, even
winning Emmy awards for his specials that have included
illusions such as making the Statue of Liberty disappear.
In addition to his Emmys, Copperfield has been honored
by his hometown. In 1996, the town renamed one of its
streets Copperfield Lane, and the magician appeared
to receive the dedication. He has been on postage stamps
and has even been knighted by the French government.
Copperfield is one of the greatest illusionists of
his time, and he has brought his magic to the masses.
He still tours nationwide, and David Copperfield tickets
are sure to be a popular item at whatever arena or venue
he visits.
The magician has also channeled his gift into helping
others. He developed Project Magic, a rehabilitative
program which helps disabled patients strengthen their
motor skills and dexterity by teaching them simple sleights
of hand. Project Magic can be found in more than 30
countries and 1,000 hospitals across the world.
His field may be illusion, but Copperfield’s
fans don’t doubt that his talent is very real.
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