If you’ve just entered the world of mentalism and magic, there are several famous mentalist magicians you should know about.
These mentalist magicians are well-known for their contributions to the world of magic. Most of them also performed mind-blowing stunts and tricks that everyone interested in magic and mentalism can learn from.
Without further ado, let’s go ahead and get to know these world-renowned mentalist magicians!
1. David Berglas
David Barglas is a British mentalist and magician. He was one of the first magicians to perform magic tricks on British television. He also had his own show in 1954.
He started being passionate about magic when he had the chance to meet a well-known British magician Ken Brooke. Because of this meeting, he studied psychotherapy and specialized in medical hypnosis.
He was the one who created the technique called the “Holy Grail” of card magic also referred to as the “The Berglas Effect”. This effect is still being used by magicians today.
2. Lior Suchard
Lior is an Israeli magician and mentalist. He is a self-proclaimed mystifier who is performing “supernatural entertainment”.
He started doing mind tricks at the age of seven. And today, he has been one of the most sought-after magicians and mentalists. He performed in more than 50 countries.
Suchard is also known for his miraculous predictions and mind-reading. He appeared on The Late Night Show and impressed the people by reading the entire audience’s minds.
3. Joseph Dunninger
Joseph Dunninger is also known as The Amazing Dunninger. He is a world-renowned mentalist and magician.
He specialized in telepathy and mind-reading. Although, he never claimed to have psychic powers.
He performed his first magic tricks when he was just in elementary. And because of his extraordinary talent, he was even invited to perform in the White House.
When his career started in 1943, he performed magic tricks on radio and television. By 1950, he became one of the most famous magicians.
He often offered $10,000 to any medium to demonstrate supernatural or psychic means that could not be done using trickery or scientific explanation. But, there were no takers.
He died at the age of 82 due to Parkinson’s disease.
4. Katherine Mills
Katherine Mills is an English mentalist and magician. When she was a teenager, she was interested in magic and David Blaine’s work.
But when she entered university, she gave up on her dream to be a magician. At that time, she had a degree in Social Psychology.
In 2008, she joined The Magic Circle. Her show called Katherine Mills: Mind Games was aired in 2014.
5. Banachek
Banachek or Steven Shaw is a famous magician and mentalist. His stage name originated from his favorite movie— Banacek.
He is also an author and wrote books about mentalism. He is considered legendary in the world of magic because he invented various mentalism and magic effects such as the buried alive stunt and the Penn and Teller bullet catch.
Just like other mentalists, he debunked psychic claims. As a director of James Randi Educational Foundation, he came up with the million-dollar challenge. Anyone who can demonstrate paranormal and supernatural ability will win the prize.
No one was able to win the prize and the test was discontinued in 2015.
6. Richard Osterlind
Richard Osterlind is a well-known mentalist, magician, and speaker. He also creates magic effects.
He became interested in magic as a kid when he received magic kits as gifts. Since then, he has performed magic and mind-reading.
He started as a drummer in a band called Merlin. During their performances, Osterlind would also perform illusions.
Throughout his career, he has appeared in various international television programs. He is one of the most sought-after mentalists today.
7. Dynamo
Steven Frayne or better known as Dynamo is a British magician. Just like most magicians, he discovered his talent in performing magic tricks.
His first TV appearances began in 2002 where he showed off his magic abilities. He even performed magic in music videos and commercials.
In 2004, he moved to London to start building his career as a magician. Since then, he has gained more media attention.
One of his most popular stunts was when he was able to walk on the water in the River Thames.
In 2016 and 2017, he was included in the Forbes’ list of “The World’s Highest-Paid Magicians”.
8. David Blaine
David Blaine is an American magician and illusionist. When he was just four years old, he saw a magician performing on the subway. That’s where the interest sparked for him.
In 1997, he had his first-ever television special David Blaine: Street Magic. Since then, he has appeared on a variety of television shows performing breathtaking stunts.
Blaine is known for his astounding and mind-blowing stunts such as the Drowned Alive stunt where he was submerged in a water-filled sphere while on chains and handcuffs. He suffered liver and kidney damage during the stunt.
9. Paul Draper
Paul Draper is a magician, mentalist, film-maker, and anthropologist. His childhood dream was to be a magician. At the age of eight, he would perform magic tricks on his friends.
He gave up his career as an anthropologist to pursue magic and mentalism. He used to work as a house magician at a hotel and casino in Las Vegas. Draper blended his performances with magic and mentalism.
He is a regular performer in different places, including Disneyland!
10. Keith Patrick Barry
Keith Bary is a magician, mentalist, activist, and hypnotist. Ever since the age of 14, his fascination with magic began when he read the book Magic for the Complete Klutz.
His television career started in 2003 when he had his TV series entitled Close Encounters with Keith Berry. This show aired in 28 countries worldwide.
His performances include various mental feats and illusions. In one stunt, he blindfolded a man from the audience and told him to lift his arm when he feels that they are touching him. The man felt the touch and lifted his arm when Barry and another audience only moved their hand from afar.
Another mind-blowing stunt he performed on television was driving a car at full speed while blindfolded.
Conclusion
Who was your favorite mentalist magician on the list?
Aspiring mentalists or magicians can learn a lot from these people. So if that’s you, then definitely go check them out. Or better, if you can, watch one of their performances live!