The magician Copperfield
David Copperfield is not only an illusionist but 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.
Born September 16, 1956, Illusionist David Copperfield is one of the most experienced magicians in the modern world and one of the most important magicians of the 20 century. Forbes described Copperfield as the most commercially successful illusionist of all time. The Emmy Awards honored the American magician with 21 Emmies for David Copperfield’s magic TV specials.
“Dreams aren’t a matter of chance, but a matter of choice. When I dream, I believe I am rehearsing my future.”
David Copperfield
Who is the only living magician on the Hollywood walk of fame?
David Copperfield is the only living magician on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Copperfield was the first living magician to make a star on the Walk of Fame, a Sofia Vergara named highest paid celebrity in the world.
“The real secret of magic lies in the performance.”
David Copperfield
The man behind the curtain
Most famous for his integrating grand illusions with 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.
“When people say you can’t do it, never lose hope. Just because they couldn’t do it doesn’t mean you can’t do it.”
David Copperfield
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, 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 spenttwo 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 China.
“What you think is impossible in life is possible.”
David Copperfield
With a china marker, the folks at Kiplinger drew on a napkin from Copperfield’s stage shows. They supposed his wealth at between 500 million and 1 billion in 2012 and quoted Copperfield as 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 knighted by the French government and honored as a Living Legend by the US Library of Congress.
“Today, kids want to be famous. That’s the wrong approach. You have to be authentic about what you’re doing. You have to care about your message, then everything else will fall into place.”
David Copperfield
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.
“The most important thing is presentation.”
David Copperfield
Most magical David Copperfield illusions
- Disappearance of a Learjet illusion (1981)
- Vanishing and reappearance of the Statue of Liberty illusion (1983)
- Levitating above the Grand Canyon illusion (1984)
- Walking through the Great Wall of China illusion (1986)
- Escaping from Alcatraz prison illusion (1987)
- Making an Orient Express dining car disappear illusion (1991)
- Floating on stage magic illusion (1992)
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.
“Before there can be wonders, there must be wonder.”
David Copperfield
In the limelight: Copperfield on screen
David Copperfield has made a name for himself not only on the stage but 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. On March 14, 1986, in 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, disappearing 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 and then lowered it a few moments later to show that 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 were the 20 guests present 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 achieved online ticket sales of more than three billion dollars. Copperfield owns the world’s largest collection of magic memorabilia, artefacts, 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 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 media buzz due to their respective careers’ fame.
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 distance as factors. 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 fell in love with Chloe Gosselin, a talented French fashion designer.
The couple’s connection is not based on their mutual admiration for each other’s professional achievements but on their shared values and love for their family.
Who did David Copperfield have children with?
David Copperfield and Chloe Gosselin have a daughter named Sky.
David and Chloe are the proud parents of Sky, who was born in 2010. Despite the demands of their respective careers, Copperfield and Gosselin prioritize their family life, cherishing the time they spend together and creating magical moments for their daughter, Sky.
This testament to their love showcases that behind the grand illusions and dazzling performances, David Copperfield is a devoted husband and father.
Sky has brought joy and motivation to this extraordinary couple, and they are devoted to giving her a warm, caring environment. Even with the pressures of their individual careers, Copperfield and Gosselin prioritize their family, savoring the moments they share and making special memories for their daughter.
Their relationship highlights that authentic bonds can be established even in an enchanting world of magic and illusion. Their unique love story humanizes the larger-than-life figure that is David Copperfield, reminding everyone that behind his spectacular illusions and spellbinding performances, he is a dedicated spouse and father.
Is David Copperfield still alive?
Yes, David Copperfield is alive in 2023. He walks (or floats ) among us regular people.
How did David Copperfield die?
David Copperfield is alive and well. The famous magician and illusionist continues to perform and engage with his fans globally.
How old is David Copperfield now?
David Copperfield will be 68 years old in 2025. He was born on September 16, 1956. On September 16, 2024, he turned 68.
“An effortless thing for me in life…I always wanted to let stories move and inspire people. It is not all about levitations. It’s about theater shows, time travel, access to spaceships, TV specials, owning islands, and flying ducks.”
David Copperfield
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 don’t 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.
“It is the ethic of all magicians not to reveal the secrets.”
David Copperfield
