Herbert L. Becker

Herbert Lawrence Becker is an American former magician who also wrote a computer program described by him as "broadcasting analog signals over the internet in real time" in 2000.[1][2] He is also the author of several books, an actor, and the creator/director of the Masked Magician TV specials for Fox TV.[3]

Herbert L. Becker
Herbert Becker (right)
Born
Herbert Lawrence Becker

Hollywood, Florida, U.S.
OccupationMagician, escapologist, stunt performer, author, businessman

Magic

Voted Best USA Magician in 1975 and 1976 by Houdini Magic Magazine, Becker performed under the name "The Kardeen Brothers" with Marc Nicols. Later, he worked solo as "The Great Kardeen". He helped open the first Guinness Museums, toured with Guinness on Parade and performed at the Steel Pier and Radio City Music Hall (1976) with the Guinness show.

As a magician, Becker toured worldwide until he retired in 1978. He was the opening act for such bands as Elton John and Genesis. Later bands which opened for him included Hall & Oates. He had long runs in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Becker appeared as himself (a magician) on the television programs "Bozo the Clown" (1975–1977 appearing weekly) and "The Maury Povich Show" (2001).[4]

In his book All the Secrets of Magic Revealed: The Tricks and Illusions of the World's Greatest Magicians, Becker explained how magicians such as Harry Houdini, David Copperfield, Doug Henning, and Siegfried and Roy created some of their most famous illusions, to the consternation of his colleagues.[5] Becker caused more unhappiness among magicians when he appeared on the television talk show of Maury Povich in March 1997 and exposed the secrets behind such well-known magic tricks as sawing a person in half.[5] Becker was believed to be the anonymous Masked Magician, who, in a series of Fox TV specials, explained exactly what is behind the tricks of the magic trade. Becker has written Magic Secrets and So That's How They Do It.[5]

Becker replaced Houdini as the world's fastest escape artist from a regulation straitjacket in the 1976 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.[6]

Litigation

Becker has been involved in legal disputes with David Copperfield. Copperfield sued Becker in an attempt to prevent publication of All the Secrets of Magic Revealed: The Tricks and Illusions of the World's Greatest Magicians (Lifetime Books, Inc. (March 11, 1997); ISBN 978-0-8119-0822-1) which Copperfield maintained revealed some of Copperfield's secrets; Copperfield settled out of court to avoid the loss, and the book was published. Becker then sued his publisher, Lifetime Books, for purportedly colluding with Copperfield to remove details of Copperfield's illusions.[7][8] Since then, Becker and Copperfield have made up and become very good friends. In fact, when Becker retired and left the world of magic, he bequeathed many a trick to Copperfield.

Other interests and career

Becker was CEO of boutique book publishing house Barclay Road, retiring on July 2, 2008 but continuing as an advisor until the company ceased operations.

Books
  • 101 Greatest Magic Secrets Exposed, Citadel (March 2002); ISBN 978-0-8065-2154-1
  • All the Secrets of Magic Revealed: The Tricks and Illusions of the World's Greatest Magicians, Lifetime Books, Inc. (March 11, 1997); ISBN 978-0-8119-0822-1
  • More Magic Secrets, Lifetime Books, Inc. January 1997 ISBN 1-890167-00-2
  • John Lennon: Between the Lines, Lifetime Books, Inc. October 1997 ISBN 978-1-890167-01-1
  • The magic secrets of David Blaine: The street magician revealed, Lifetime Books, Inc. 2007 (English and French Edition)ISBN 9780811912341 ISBN 0811912345
  • Magic Hands: Professional Card Trick Secrets Revealed, Cedar Fort, Inc (April 11, 2017) ISBN 978-1462120598

References
  1. "Herbert Becker creates Masked Magician".
  2. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0065434/
  3. "More Magic Secrets". Archived from the original on September 25, 2011. Retrieved July 14, 2009.
  4. 1977 Guinness Book page 467, second paragraph. Sterling Publishers ISBN 0-8069-0016-4.
  5. "America's top two magicians locked in bitter legal battle". New Straits Times. August 1, 1997. Retrieved July 13, 2009.
  6. "Copperfield Loses Court Bid to Keep Rabbits in the Hat". San Jose Mercury News. September 1, 1994. Retrieved July 13, 2009.
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