The Harry Albacker Centennial

Born 100 years ago today, magician Harry Albacker (1925-1994). His oft-told tale that he was born on Halloween, 1926, right after Houdini died, implying that he was his reincarnated spirit, was a show biz fib.

A lifelong native of the Pittsburgh area, early in his career Albacker had toured nightclubs, fairs, and carnivals from coast to coast, dressed in his trademark “Arabian” costume. His claims to fame included a regular show on local Pittsburgh television in the late ’60s and ’70s, and 42 performances at the White House, starting with Roosevelt and ending with Carter. During World War Two he entertained troops as part of the Special Services Division. He called his act TheHarry Albacker Funny Bunny Magic Show. Appropriately, he worked with rabbits, as well as guinea pigs, ducks, chickens, and even a python.

Learn more about Harry Albacker at the Heinz History Center website here.

For more about show business historyconsult No Applause, Just Throw Money: The Book That Made Vaudeville Famous, And please stay tuned for my upcomingElectric Vaudeville: A Century of Radio and TV Variety.