This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Murray SawChuck.
Murray Sawchuck, who headlines at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in “Murray: The Celebrity Magician,” also performs for the third year in a row on several episodes of CW’s popular “Masters of Illusion.”
He made his mark as a household name when he exploded onto the entertainment scene after his successful run as a semi-finalist on NBC-TV’s “America’s Got Talent.” The #1 network summer series was viewed by more than 22 million fans nationwide. SawChuck produced a Ferrari from thin air, transforming a girl locked in a cage into a 450 pound tiger and did the largest trick ever on “AGT” by vanishing an entire 1918 steam train locomotive in mere seconds. All of these illusions took place before a “live” and national TV audience.
SawChuck has just become one of YouTube’s newest sensations with his first viral video hitting more than 37 million views and all his other videos going over 1 million views. Murray is a regular guest star on History Channel’s “Pawn Stars” as a magic expert. He has also been featured on over 20 reality shows from “America’s Got Talent”, “Pawn Stars,” CW’s “Masters of Illusion,” SYFY’s “Wizard Wars,” VH1’s “Celebracadabra,” and many more.
SawChuck was born in Burnaby, British Columbia – Canada and always had the passion for adventure. At age 3, he began swimming and golfing. He learned how to play the accordion, keyboard and saxophone at 5 years old. At age 7, he began dance lessons that included: ballet, Russian, swing, break dancing, ballroom, etc. He was an avid athlete and enjoyed participating in soccer, baseball, snow skiing, horseback riding, etc.
SawChuck’s parents presented him with a Siegfried and Roy magic kit when he was 7 years old and his uncle and aunt gave him a magic gift that changed his life. SawChuck envisioned himself as an entertainer incorporating magic, music and dance in his routines. He wanted to perform for audiences like his idols Dean Martin, Johnny Carson, Lucille Ball, Danny Kaye and Phyllis Diller.
As a teen, SawChuck had more thanb 21 different jobs from bus boy to fixing bicycles, and lifeguard at local pools. He continued to entertain folks by dancing, playing the accordion and saxophone. He continued his studies and received a degree in Broadcast Communications and Journalism.
When SawChuck was a young man, he met Marvyn and Carol Roy, a.k.a. “Mr. Electric.” The couple had toured worldwide for over 50 years and mentored him while he grew from an accomplished magician to an international star.
SawChuck was the only magician who invented a magic act that included the manipulation of a multitude of compact discs when he began his professional career called “The CD Act.”
He has won more than 32 awards for his performances nationally and internationally and received the title of “World Champion.” Recently he was honored with “The Hollywood FAME Award for contribution to Magic on TV, the LA Comedy Award for BEST COMEDY SHOW, TOP 100 Business Men of Nevada and 100 Most Distinguished Men of Nevada.