Who is illusionist David Copperfield?

The Magician Copperfield

David Copperfield is not only an illusionist but also a magician, known for his captivating performances that blur the line between these two art forms. Starting his journey with simple card tricks, Copperfield rapidly evolved into grand-scale illusions. Today, Copperfield is one of the most renowned illusionists worldwide, captivating audiences with the impossible made possible.

The Man Behind the Curtain

Most famous for his integrating grand illusions with captivating storytelling in the Copperfield show, over the course of four decades David Copperfield achieved world-wide acclaim. He was named a Living Legend by the US Library of Congress, won a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, got himself knighted by the French government, and earned 11 Guinness World Records.

The busiest magician of our time, Copperfield has sold more tickets than any other entertainer to date, earning him over four billion dollars and selling 33 million tickets. According to Forbes, Copperfield is ranked in the top 20 of the highest-earning public figures in the galaxy.

Copperfield’s Early Years

From Birth to Stage: The Making of A Magic Icon

At age 10, David Seth Kotkin billed himself as Davino the Boy Magician. Two years later, SAM (the Society of American Magicians) crowned him the youngest member of the SAM fraternity. He was introverted and a lone wolf, so he used magic to try to fit in. In David Copperfield’s teen years, he sneaked into Broadway musicals every week. By the time he was 16 years old, at the University of New York, he was leading a class in magic.

When he was 18 years old and had spent just two and a half weeks at University, David dropped out of school, adopted the moniker “David Copperfield,” and played the lead in The Magic Man in Chicago.

Copperfield took his stage name from Charles Dicken’s novel, David Copperfield.

Before turning 20 years old, Copperfield produced the first of 18 television specials “Magic of David Copperfield.”

Now a billionaire, the early success of the celebrated illusionist resulted in a job hosting an ABC special The Statue of Liberty Vanish.

He would go on to escape from Alcatraz prison, float around the Grand Canyon, and walk through the Great Wall of China.

With a china marker the folks at Kiplinger drew on a napkin from Copperfield's stage shows and supposed his wealth at between 500 million and 1 billion in 2012, and quoted Copperfield him to be the most commercially successful magician ever, more than all other virtual magician illusionists combined.

Career Highlights: A Journey Through Magic

Over his four-decade career, Copperfield has crafted a unique blend of storytelling and magical feats, earning him critical acclaim and numerous accolades. He has 21 Emmy Award wins from 38 nominations, has secured 11 Guinness World Records, and has been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was also knighted by the French government and honored as a Living Legend by the US Library of Congress.

Remarkable Illusions: Unforgettable Magical Moments

Copperfield's repertoire of grand illusions is nothing short of awe-inspiring. His notable works include the disappearance of a Learjet in 1981, the vanishing and reappearance of the Statue of Liberty in 1983, levitating above the Grand Canyon in 1984, walking through the Great Wall of China in 1986, and escaping from Alcatraz prison in 1987, among others.

Exploring the Mind of an Illusionist: David Copperfield’s History of Magic

In his book, David Copperfield’s History of Magic, readers are offered an opportunity to delve into Copperfield's creative genius. The book reveals the secrets behind his most iconic illusions, such as making the Statue of Liberty disappear and walking through the Great Wall of China.

In the Limelight: Copperfield on Screen

David Copperfield has made a name for himself not only on the stage but also on the small and big screens. His television specials, guest appearances on popular shows like “Scrubs” and “The Simpsons,” and various movies have further solidified his status as a household name.

David Copperfield's television specials were a yearly tradition on CBS. In March 14, 1986, The Magic of David Copperfield VIII — Walking through the Great Wall of China, the illusionist walked through the Great Wall.

While magicians such as Harry Houdini had previously vanished an elephant in a collection of items, David really stole the show in the Statue of Liberty disappear in front of a live audience at Liberty Island.

The Art of Illusion: The Iconic Statue of Liberty Disappearance

Among Copperfield's memorable illusions, the most daring was making the Statue of Liberty disappear on April 8, 1983. This bold act, televised to a live audience, stunned the world due to the sheer size and significance of the statue.

How did David Copperfield make the Statue of Liberty disappear?

Copperfield raised the curtain, then lowered the curtain a few moments later to show the space where the Statue of Liberty once stood was vacant. A helicopter was flying overhead to give an aerial view of the grand illusion. Not only the 20 guests present were there to experience it, but the entire world watched on television.

This iconic illusion, orchestrated with masterful misdirection and manipulation of perspective, cemented Copperfield's reputation as a master illusionist.

Turning Magic into Fortune: Copperfield's Business Ventures

Copperfield has turned his passion for magic into a lucrative career, amassing a fortune. His long-running show at the MGM Grand David Copperfield Theater in Las Vegas is an iconic part of the city’s entertainment landscape, attracting millions of visitors annually.

How much is David Copperfield worth?

David Copperield’s net worth is $1.2 billion USD.

The world's richest illusionist performed 515 stage shows at the MGM Grand before Las Vegas shut down in March 2020. Between 2012 and 2019, Copperfield had achieved online ticket sales of more than three billion dollars. Copperfield owns the world's largest collection magic memorabilia, artifacts, and books of historical significance.

How much does David Copperfield make per show?

David Copperfield makes $78,000 USD per show. The illusionist is one of the highest-earning entertainers in the world. In 2015, Forbes reported his earnings at $63 million for the previous year, ranking him as the 20th highest-earning celebrity globally. Much of Copperfield’s income comes from his long-running Las Vegas show, merchandise, and his significant real estate holdings.

Over his career, the illusionist won 22 Emmy Awards and also opened the International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada, which will be dedicated to preserving the history and art of magic.

David Copperfield’s Personal Life

How long were David Copperfield and Claudia Schiffer together?

David Copperfield and Claudia Schiffer were together for six years. The two met in 1993, became engaged in 1994, and ultimately ended their relationship in 1999.

David Copperfield's romantic life caught public attention when he was in a high-profile relationship with German supermodel Claudia Schiffer.

David and Claudia were romantically linked in the mid-1990s, creating quite the media buzz due to their respective fame in their careers.

The love story between the master illusionist and the supermodel added a new layer of intrigue to Copperfield's persona.

Why did David Copperfield and Claudia Schiffer separate?

Both David and Claudia cited the pressures of their demanding careers and the distance as a factor. Their professions often kept them apart geographically, which added to the challenges.

Who is David Copperfield married to?

David Copperfield is married to Chloe Gosselin since 2006.

After a series of high-profile relationships, in 2006 David Copperfield found love with Chloe Gosselin, a talented French fashion designer.

The couple’s connection is not just based on their mutual admiration for each other’s professional achievements, but also on their shared values and love for their family.

Is David Copperfield still alive?

Yes, David Copperfield is alive in 2023. He walks (or floats 🕴🏻) among us regular people.

How old is David Copperfield now?

David Copperfield is 66 years old in 2023. He was born on September 16, 1956, so September 16 2023 he will be 67 years old.

"An effortless thing for me in life…I always wanted to take what I did obviously, and do what I love. That was let stories move and inspire people. It is not all about levitations. It's about theater shows; it's about time travel; it is about access to spaceships; it's about TV specials and owning islands; and it's about flying ducks and aliens and dinosaurs—nothing you can see within this ancient location." - David Copperfield (illusionist)

Where is David Copperfield now?

Copperfield now takes center stage at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, where he headlines in his own magical residency. In contrast to other magicians who perform the same routines for decades, Copperfield's show is renowned for its frequent evolution.

The year 2023 promises exciting things for David Copperfield, with plans to continue his iconic Vegas show and potential new projects in the pipeline. As the best magician in the world, Copperfield’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence is set to captivate audiences for years to come.

Booking Tickets to Copperfield's Magic Shows

How long is the David Copperfield show?

The show length for David Copperfield is 90 minutes, and there isn’t any intermission. David Copperfield's shows are always in high demand, often selling out quickly. To experience the magic of this renowned illusionist firsthand, it's essential to book tickets in advance, promising a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many.

Does the David Copperfield show have a dress code?

David Copperfield's show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas does not have a dress code. The attire at Las Vegas shows ranges from casual to semi-formal. However, most attendees choose to dress smart casual.

Vanishing Point: Wrapping Up the David Copperfield Journey

As we pull back the curtain on our exploration of David Copperfield's mesmerizing world, we are left with an even deeper sense of wonder and respect for this master stage magician and grand illusionist.

David Copperfield's unparalleled ability to create magical experiences has transformed him into a cultural icon. His bold vision and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to inspire generations of magicians and illusionists, proving that the impossible can indeed become possible in the hands of a master like David Copperfield.

Copperfield's extraordinary fusion of storytelling and spectacle has forever transformed the landscape of magic, inspiring a new generation of illusionists while continually delighting audiences worldwide.

His grand illusions and intimate tricks, from vanishing the Statue of Liberty to his famous Flying illusion, transcend simple sleight of hand, becoming timeless pieces of performance art.

We do not say goodbye but merely take a bow, knowing the magic of David Copperfield persists. Copperfield’s magic continually challenges our perception of the possible and impossible.

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