Michael Ammar | |
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| Born | (1956-06-25)June 25, 1956 (age 68) |
| 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 Americanclose-up magician.[1][2]
Ammar was born inLogan, West Virginia. His father's background wasSyrian.
Ammar earned a degree fromWest Virginia University in business administration in 1978.[2]
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 thePlayboy Mansion, and made appearances on theMerv Griffin Show,The Tonight Show,CNN, andTravel Channel.[citation needed]
Ammar appeared at theMagic 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 theLate Show with David Letterman.
Ammar has made private performances atUniversal Studios and theVatican.[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" atCaesars 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 ofTopit, 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".
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]
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