Michael Vincent (born Michael Vincent Louis; 14 February 1964) is a British magician. He won The Magic Circle's Close-up Magician of the Year award three times (1983, 1991 and 2003)[1] and was also awarded the title of International Magician of the Year in 1993.
In July 2024, Michael Vincent was recently elected into the Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame. He is 1 of 18 living members currently on this coveted list.
Biography
He first became interested in magic in 1970, after watching magicians David Nixon, Doug Henning, Fred Kaps and Slydini perform on television. He was later mentored by escapologist and magician Alan Alan and studied with Slydini for 4 days. In an interview with DMC, Michael is quoted as saying, "This happened over a four day period. Never saw him again." "In that week, it was a mixture of Dingle, time at Harry Lorayne's place, time with Slydini, time with Richard Kauffman."[2][3] Vincent joined London's Magic Circle and was eventually awarded a life-membership of the club's Inner Magic Circle, with a Gold Star (for performing excellence).[citation needed]
In 2001, Vincent made the national newspapers in the United Kingdom, when he was hired by Scotland Yard to give a course to 20 top police chiefs involving the use of magic tricks to demonstrate communication skills.[4]
He performed at Hollywood's Magic Castle in 2003,[5] and his television appearances have included, Jim'll Fix It, The Paul Daniels Magic Show, Test the Nation (BBC 1) and Heroes of Magic - A Century of Wonder (Channel 4)[6][7][8]
In 2011, Michael suffered from sudden overnight hearing loss leaving him partially deaf, a condition which remains to this day.[9]
Michael appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us the on ITV1 on 7 January and again on 16 July 2011 demonstrating close up magic. Although he did not outfox Penn & Teller with either of his magic tricks, he nevertheless won praise for his classical technique and exemplary sleight of hand and was regarded by Penn as one of his favorite performers.[citation needed]
Screening in theatres in 2024, the documentary Lost In The Shuffle sees Shawn Farquhar explore the centuries old mysteries hidden in a deck of cards, while visiting fellow magicians, including Vincent, to explore their favourite card tricks.
Michael Vincent is also inducted into the Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame in July 2024.
Awards
Ron Macmillan's International Magic Studio Magician of the Year 1994
The Magic Circle Close up Magician of the Year 1983, 1991, 2003
Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame - July 2024.
Works
The Tapestry of Deception Part 1 DVD – The Introduction
The Tapestry of Deception Part 2 DVD – The Power of Assumptions
The Tapestry of Deception Part 3 DVD – Professional Card Magic
The Tapestry of Deception Part 4 DVD – The Evolution of a Classic
The Tapestry of Deception Part 5 DVD – The Poetry of Conjuring
The Joy of Magic DVD
The Sleight of Hand Artistry of Michael Vincent DVD
Close-up Classics Booklet
3 Professional Card Routines Booklet
The Tapestry of Deception Booklet + DVD
The Classic Magic of Michael Vincent, Volume 1 – The Pathway To Excellence DVD (Trilogy)
The Classic Magic of Michael Vincent, Volume 2 – Rhapsodies In Silver and Other Mysteries DVD (4 Vols.)
The Classic Magic of Michael Vincent, Volume 3 – Elegant Deceptions DVD (Trilogy)
The Classic Magic of Michael Vincent, Volume 4 – The Quest for Mastery DVD (4 Vols.)
Dual Control Revisited DVD – Michael Vincent's version of Alan Alan's astonishing magic
The One Shuffle Finale – As seen on Penn & Teller's: FOOL US Booklet
