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David Blaine, 51, Announces Retirement After One Final Stunt Inspired by Harry Houdini

BBG News

Illusionist David Blaine shares that he’s currently planning his final spectacular act, as he aims to call it a career next year when he turns 52 – an age similar to that of his role model, Harry Houdini, at the time of his death.

One of Blaine’s remarkable achievements involves spending 63 hours enclosed in ice, and another feat is staying submerged underwater for an entire week.

Instead, he expresses a reluctance to perform dangerous stunts like his idol Houdini did at an advanced age, fearing something might go wrong and superstition plays a role in this decision. Consequently, he plans to focus on close-up magic again.

Houdini, despite being entombed six feet deep in soil and plummeting from bridges while handcuffed, managed to survive. However, his life ended tragically in Detroit in 1926 due to an inflammation of the peritoneum, a condition known as peritonitis.

On the “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” podcast, Blaine, aged 51, shared: ‘I’m quite superstitious; Harry Houdini, my lifelong hero and source of inspiration, passed away at the age of 52.’

Despite having severe abdominal pain and being hospitalized, he persisted onstage due to not wanting to let down the audience, ultimately collapsing during a water tank performance. His physical fitness was remarkable, as he appeared rock-hard, yet tragically this resilience couldn’t save him from his health issues.

I’ve consistently felt that 52 represents a significant milestone; it’s crucial not to overstep boundaries or risk burning out. I have a few more years left of hard work before I can transition into something I’m passionate about and that people appreciate – performing magic for children in hospitals, which brings me immense joy as their reactions are truly heartwarming.

‘I love pushing myself but I don’t want to push myself to the point you actually break.

I find one trick particularly daunting, yet I’m dedicatedly practicing to make it happen. It will serve as my finale, a secret masterpiece.

One project, a blend of all my past work, has me completely captivated. However, it’s an exceptionally grand concept, bordering on extravagant, so I’m working diligently to bring it to life. Once completed, this will be my final magnum opus before I transition to card tricks.

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2025-02-16 05:20

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