Orson Welles

May 6, 1915 – October 10, 1985

Most people know Orson Welles as an American actor, director, writer, and producer who worked in theatre, radio, and film. He is remembered for his innovative work in all three: in theatre, most notably Caesar (1937), a Broadway adaptation of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar; in radio, the legendary 1938 broadcast "The War of the Worlds"; and in film, Citizen Kane (1941). What is not as known is that Orson was a very accomplished magician.

In 1943, Welles invested some $40,000 of his own money to create his life long dream, an extravaganza he co-produced with his friend Joseph Cotten - The Mercury Wonder Show for Service Men.

His love for magic was seen in the theater and the television shows that he was part of for most of his career.

A 2014 documentary by Chuck Workman, Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles, was released to critical acclaim.