Help us get to over 8,749 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
George Marquis
| George Marquis | |
 | |
| Born | George Marquis Kelly February 9, 1906 Muncie, Indiana |
|---|---|
| Died | January 1980 (age 73) Los Angeles, California |
George Marquis (1906-1980) achieved some fame in the 1930s and early 1940s as Marquis the Magician until alcohol gradually destroyed his career.[1]
Biography
Marquis became interested in magic at the age of thirteen, after witnessing a performance by Horace Goldin in his home town of Ohio. He was tutored by W. W. Durbin (the founder of Egyptian Hall Museum) and gave his first performances on the stage of Egyptian Hall.[2]
His companion Willa Levolo worked as "The Hollywood Mistress of ESP".
During the War years, Marquis spent much of his time entertaining servicemen. After the War's end, Blackstone sponsored the Marquis tour as a joint endeavor. Blackstone apparently considered the possibility of passing him the "mantle", but Marquis' 1946 tour heading the Blackstone second unit was a disaster due to his alcohol addiction. Marquis continued but would never enjoy the success he had envisioned.[3]
By 1957 Marquis had given up magic and married his seventh wife.
References
- ↑ WOES OF SOME WORKING WIZARDS, Magic, February 2001
- ↑ Obit, Genii 1980 February
- ↑ http://forums.geniimagazine.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=11057
