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Robert Heller

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Robert Heller
BornWilliam Henry Ridout Palmer
August 19 1829
Faversham, Kent
DiedNovember 28 1878 (age 49)
Philadelphia
NationalityEnglish
CategoriesBooks by Robert Heller
Robert Heller (1829 - 1878), also known as Joseph Heller, was born William Henry Palmer in Kent, England and died in Philadelphia, USA). He was an English magician, mentalist, and musician. The year of his birth is the subject of some speculation; some sources list it as 1829 while others claim 1830.[1]

As the son of a famous concert pianist, Heller began his life as a musician studying at the Royal Academy of Music. After becoming fascinated with magic at age 14, Heller began copying his idol Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, from whom he adopted his first name. Heller left his scholarship at the academy to become a professional magician. He rented the Strand Theatre in London in 1851 in order to launch his career. At this time he also took the stage name of Robert Heller.

Heller's magic career began in New York City by at least 1852.[2] In an attempt to copy the style of Houdin, Heller wore a dark wig and spoke in a French accent when he performed. His act was such a failure that he moved to Washington, D.C. to become a music teacher.

Heller married one of his pupils, the daughter of a wealthy Washington resident and would eventually return to New York. Deciding to try his magic act again, Heller abandoned the accent and image of before and focused on the presentation of his illusions. His tour that spanned from 1869 to 1875 became a success throughout much of the United States, Great Britain, Europe, and Asia.

He was the first to introduce second sight in America, which he termed "Hellerism".

Heller's success prompted fellow magician Harry Kellar to change his name as to avoid the impression that he was copying the greatness of Heller.

In New York City, he debuted in a performance in the basement of a theater called the Chinese Assembly Rooms. An invitation-only show for actors and journalists, Heller thought that people wanted to see a Frenchman, like Robert-Houdin (whose first name he adopted) so he actually put on an accent and a black wig, and dyed his enormous mustache black to match. [3]

But those initial performances were not successful. He moved to Washington D.C. for several years, where he taught music. He also married the daughter of a wealthy local.

Heller eventually returned to magic. Heller was famous for several innovations, especially the trick known as "the Second Sight Mystery." In this, the magician's assistant stands in the audience selecting people. The magician on stage tells them what they are holding (concealed from him), as if by magic.

By 1865, Heller was giving his performance of music and magic with some comedy, at the Salle Diabolique, a former French Theatre at 585 Broadway. It was one of the longest-running one-man shows in the history of New York theater at the time. Heller became nationally famous when he went on tour in 1869 for the next 6 years.

Heller retired from magic after his successful tour. He spent the remaining years of his life performing piano in Washington, D.C. In 1878, Heller died suddenly of pneumonia.

In 1907, Houdini reported in his Conjurers' Monthly Magazine (Vol 01, page 167) that he located his grave in poor condition at Mount Moriah cemetery in Philadelphia.[4]

Books

References

  1. ROBERT HELLER The Prince of Wizards " by Charles J. Pecor (Except from paper given on Robert Heller at the "Yankee Gathering" on November 7, 1998), Linking Ring, April 2003
  2. New York Times December 14, 1852
  3. Robert Heller: The Strange Man On Broadway
  4. Cover The Linking Ring, Vol. 10, no. 9, November 1930.


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