Michael Ammar | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | June 25, 1956 |
| Occupation | Magician |
| Known for | Magic and Magic Training |
| Website | http://www.ammarmagic.com/, http://www.michaelammar.com, http://worldsgreatestmagic.com |
Michael Ammar (born June 25, 1956) is an American close-up magician.[1] [2]
Background
[edit]Ammar was born in Logan, West Virginia. His father's background was Syrian.
Ammar earned a degree from West Virginia University in business administration in 1978.[2]
Magician
[edit]In 1982, Ammar competed with magicians from 30 countries to win first prize ex aequo with Aurelio Pavito in Close-up Magic at Lausanne, Switzerland.[3]
During the 1980s he developed a close friendship with his mentor, Dai Vernon ("The Professor"), whose influence is apparent in Ammar's performances.[citation needed]
Ammar was the magic week finale on Late Night with David Letterman in 2010 and has made multiple appearances on The Tonight Show.[4] 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.[citation needed]
Ammar appeared at the Magic Castle in Hollywood.[citation needed]. 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.[citation needed] 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.[citation needed]
Ammar has performed on television in England, France, Canada, Japan, Sweden, Norway, Australia and Russia.[2]
Ammar's work includes the popularization of Topit, with his refinement of Topit technique and inspired a number of close-up magicians to adopt it. He has written "The Topit Book" and made "The Topit DVD".
Magic Instructor
[edit]Ammar 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 cited Ammar as the "go-to source" for magic instruction.[5] 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.[5]
Publications
[edit]Awards
[edit]- 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)[6]
- The Academy of Magical Arts Close-Up Magician of the Year (1981, 1983)[6]
- The Academy of Magical Arts Lecturer of the Year (1982, 1983)[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b 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 ].
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Michael Ammar ('78 BS)". Alumni. West Virginia University. 2012. Archived from the original on July 19, 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
- ^ FISM – The Book, 2015, page 181
- ^ "About Michael Ammar". Archived from the original on January 3, 2016.
- ^ a b "45. Learn a magic trick". Outside Online. Outside Magazine. August 26, 2010. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
- ^ a b c "Hall of Fame". The Academy of Magical Arts. July 2, 2014.
External links
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