A man who dedicated his life to inspiring freedom of the mind, Harry Houdini (1874–1926), the world’s most famous escape artist and illusionist, was born Ehrich Weiss in Budapest, Hungary.

Searching for a better life, his family moved to the United States in 1878. He later adopted the name Houdini in honor of Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, considered the father of modern magic.

Beginning as a card-trick performer, Houdini soon developed his legendary escape acts. Audiences watched in amazement as he freed himself from chains, handcuffs, prison cells, and padlocked underwater boxes.

Standing only 5'5", he trained relentlessly to develop the stamina and dexterity required for his feats. The results were breathtaking. He dazzled. He amazed. He became an international star.

“Treat me,” he once advised, “as you would the most dangerous of the criminal insane.”

A reviewer called him “the most mysterious and wonderful entertainer the world has ever seen.”

Self-confident and theatrical, Houdini made life itself feel larger than reality, revealing the transforming power of the imagination.

“I have tried through many sleepless nights to invent schemes to make an audience appreciate some worthy effort of mine,” he once explained. His vast library of magic was later bequeathed to the Library of Congress.

“Keep up your enthusiasm!” he urged. “There is nothing more contagious than exuberant enthusiasm.”

Of Houdini, contemporary illusionist David Copperfield said his message was simple: every obstacle could be overcome. The escapes themselves became a metaphor that gave people hope.