Harry Bouton Blackstone Jr. (June 30, 1934 – May 14, 1997) was an American stage magician, author, and television performer.[2] He is estimated to have pulled 80,000 rabbits from his sleeves and hats.[1]
In his performances, Blackstone used several of his father's tricks and illusions, including the "floating light bulb", "sawing a woman in half", and the "dancing handkerchief".[4]: 149 His wife, Gay Blackstone, was his magician's assistant, keeping his performances running smoothly onstage and offstage.[4]: 149
Blackstone created four levels (beginner to advanced) of magic kits that were the best selling in the field.[5] In the early 1970s, he promoted a "PF Magic Wedge Kit" on a television commercial for PF Flyers sneakers,[6] and he appeared on several commercials for Jiffy Pop popcorn.
In 1985, on the 100th anniversary of his father's birth, Blackstone donated to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. the original floating light bulb – designed and built by Thomas Edison – and the original Casadega Cabinet, used in the "Dancing Handkerchief" illusion. This was the first donation accepted by the Smithsonian in the field of magic.[7]
Blackstone designed the illusions used on SeaWorld's water show featuring the DC Comics superheroes. They included The Joker cutting Batgirl up into multiple pieces, a variation of a classic multi-box illusion, and the first use in many years of the Jarrett pedestal to vanish Wonder Woman.
During his career, Blackstone toured the U.S. extensively. Notably, his Blackstone! The Magnificent Musical Magic Show played in 156 U.S. cities and Broadway at the Majestic Theatre from May 13 to August 17, 1980.[8] It played 118 performances.[9]
After his death, much of his performance equipment was sold off in two highly publicized auctions held by Sotheby's and Darien Julian. Many of the pieces went to collectors scattered around the world, and numerous props have made it into actual shows. Las Vegas performer Scarlett now owns and uses his Topsy Turvy. David Copperfield houses the Tire Vanish (performed by Harry Blackstone Sr.) in his museum of magic. Touring illusionist Aaron Balcom uses the Owen-built Clown Jammer. Washington state performer John Walton uses his menacing Buzz Saw. Dutch illusionistHans Klok and Darren Romeo perform the famous "Blackstone Floating Light Bulb" illusion under a licensing agreement with Blackstone Magik Enterprises Inc. (It is one of only two magic illusions to be protected as intellectual property.)[12]
His third wife and widow, Gay Blackstone, is the former president of The Magic Castle in Hollywood.[15] Their daughter Bellamie is a television producer; Harry and Gay's other children include son Harry Bouton Blackstone III.[16]
Gay Blackstone appeared in the season 10 episode 14 Pawn Stars episode "Tricky Ricky," in 2014, and sold a vanishing birdcage prop used by both Harry Sr. and Harry Jr. to Rick Harrison for $2,600.
Blackstone, Harry Jr., and Charles Reynolds and Regina Reynolds. The Blackstone Book of Magic and Illusion (1995) 248 pages. ISBN978-1557041777. (New York: Newmarket Press, 2002). ISBN1557044929
Blackstone, Harry Jr. There's One Born Every Minute Los Angeles, Calif.: Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc, 1976. Softcover. ISBN0874770564.
Blackstone, Harry Jr. My Life As A Magician Paperback (Aladdin: 1992-05-01) ISBN978-0671644369.
He also re-edited his father's Blackstone's Secrets of Magic. Paperback ISBN978-0879802608[7]
