Michael Ammar (born June 25, 1956) is an American close-up magician. He is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest living magicians.
Background
Ammar was born in Logan, West Virginia. He is of Lebanese Christian heritage.
Ammar earned a degree from West Virginia University in business administration in 1978.
Magician
In 1982 Ammar competed with magicians from 30 countries to win the "Gold Medal in Close-up Magic" at Lausanne, Switzerland.
It was during the 80's that he developed a close friendship with his mentor, Dai Vernon ("The Professor") â€" whose influence can be seen in every show Ammar performs.
Ammar was invited to perform on Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show" â€" where he was a repeat guest. 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 his is eligible).
He appeared on NBC's 1998 "Worlds Greatest Magic 5" special, 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. 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.
Magic Instructor
Ammar helped pioneer the magic lecture tour industry, and has been lecturing to other magicians since about 1982.
In 1999 Magic Magazine named Ammar as "One of the Most Influential Magicians in the Twentieth Century".
On August 26, 2010, Outside Magazine cited Ammar as the "go-to source" for magic instruction. The magazine published a list of "100 Things to Do Before You Die", and numbered 45 as "Learn a magic trick"â€"suggesting studying with the master, Michael Ammar.
Publications
Awards
- Distinguished Alumni Award from West Virginia University 2003
- Magician of the Year, Tannens, NY 2000
- Best Close Up Magic, World Magic Awards, 1999
- 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
- Best Parlor Magician, Academy of Magical Arts, 1990
- Best Parlor Magician, Academy of Magical Arts, 1985
- Best Close-Up Magician, Academy of Magical Arts, 1983
- Best Lecturer, Academy of Magical Arts, 1983
- Best Close-Up Magician, Academy of Magical Arts, 1981
References
External links
- Official website
- Michael Ammar on IMDb
- Documentary about Ammar on tour