Michael Ammar

Michael Ammar (born June 25, 1956) is an American close-up magician.[1] He is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest living magicians.[2]

Michael Ammar
Born (1956-06-25) June 25, 1956
Logan, West Virginia
OccupationMagician
Known forMagic and Magic Training
Websitehttp://www.ammarmagic.com/, http://www.michaelammar.com, http://worldsgreatestmagic.com

Background

Ammar was born in Logan, West Virginia.

Ammar earned a degree from West Virginia University in business administration in 1978.[2]

Magician

In 1982, Ammar competed with magicians from 30 countries to win the "Gold Medal in Close-up Magic" at Lausanne, Switzerland.[2]

During the 1980s he developed a close friendship with his mentor, Dai Vernon ("The Professor"), whose influence is apparent in Ammar's performances.

Michael Ammar has many television credits. He was the magic week finale on Late Night with David Letterman in 2010. He has made multiple appearances on The Tonight Show.[3] He moved to Los Angeles - where he became a regular performer at the Playboy Mansion, and made appearances on the Merv Griffin Show, The Tonight Show, CNN, and Travel Channel.

Ammar appeared at the Magic Castle in Hollywood.. By 1990, the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood had awarded him its "Oscar" in six separate categories (the maximum number of awards for which he is eligible).[2]

He appeared on NBC's 1998 "Worlds Greatest Magic 5" special,[2] and has been a guest on the Late Show with David Letterman.

Ammar has made private performances at Universal Studios and the Vatican. He performed and coordinated the magic talent at George W. Bush's Presidential inaugural banquet.[2] He was the first featured performer at the "Caesars Magical Empire" at Caesars Palace.

Ammar has performed on television in many countries, including: England, France, Canada, Japan, Sweden, Norway, Australia and Russia.[2]

Magic Instructor

Ammar helped pioneer the magic lecture tour industry, and has been lecturing to other magicians since about 1982.[1]

In 1999, Magic Magazine named Ammar as "One of the Most Influential Magicians in the Twentieth Century".[2]

On August 26, 2010, Outside Magazine cited Ammar as the "go-to source" for magic instruction.[4] The magazine published a list of "100 Things to Do Before You Die", and numbered 45 as "Learn a magic trick"—suggesting studying with the master, Michael Ammar.[4]

Publications

Awards
  • Distinguished Alumni Award from West Virginia University 2003
  • Magician of the Year, Tannens, NY 2000[2]
  • Best Close Up Magic, World Magic Awards, 1999[2]
  • Gold Medalist, World Sleight-of-Hand Competition, FISM, 1982
  • Best Sleight-of-Hand, International Magic Awards, 1991
  • Best Sleight-of-Hand, International Magic Awards, 1992
  • The Academy of Magical Arts Parlour Magician of the Year (1985, 1990)[5]
  • The Academy of Magical Arts Close-Up Magician of the Year (1981, 1983)[5]
  • The Academy of Magical Arts Lecturer of the Year (1982, 1983)[5]

References
  1. Omar, Aref (October 28, 2007). "Get cool with magic". New Straits Times. Media Prima. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2012 – via HighBeam.
  2. "Michael Ammar ('78 BS)". Alumni. West Virginia University. 2012. Archived from the original on July 19, 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
  3. "About Michael Ammar".
  4. "45. Learn a magic trick". Outside Online. Outside Magazine. August 26, 2010. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
  5. "Hall of Fame". The Academy of Magical Arts.
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