The Genii Forum

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 1:01 am**

Terrible thing happened tonight: Daryl committed suicide by hanging himself at The Magic Castle. LAPD are on the scene and the Castle is closed for the evening.

It's a big shock, and I've known Daryl since the late 1970s.

R.I.P.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 1:12 am**

Richard Kaufman wrote:Terrible thing happened tonight: a famous magician committed suicide by hanging himself at The Magic Castle. LAPD are on the scene and the Castle is closed for the evening.

Until next of kin are notified, no name can be released. But it's a big shock, and someone I've known for many decades.

I just read this about half an hour ago. How terrible, it's shocking. Thoughts go out to the family of this sad sad incident....

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Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 6:32 am**

Dear friend Richard,

Here in Spain Carlos Hampton informed of a well-known magician that passed away last night.

For respect to his family I don't reveal the name until you will do it.

Our most sincere condolences to the family and our best wishes for you and yours from Barcelona-Spain.

Sincerely,

F. Amílcar Riega i Bello.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 6:58 am**

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/nationa ... -1.2981928

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 7:52 am**

Very shocking and sad.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 8:45 am**

This is shocking, awful news! My condolences to his family.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 9:01 am**

I'm waiting for the facts to come out. TMZ is more concerned about getting hits on their site instead of posting facts.

For the rest, fact checking unfortunately went out the window a long time ago.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 10:07 am**

The last person I would have expected to do this. Terrible. Poor man.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 10:13 am**

I just posted this on Facebook. I learned it was Daryl last night but could not post that information. It leaked, and so now is the time to lament.

We all now know that it was Daryl. I have known him since the late 1970s. Spent a lot of time in his company many decades ago, but have not spent any significant time with him in the last 10 years. His razzle-dazzle funny facade must have been masking a personal hell of some sort. Suicide is not a rational act except in cases of avoiding the worst part of a fatal illness. Suicide is the end of a very long dark road of depression. People kill themselves when they see no way out--and that's all they can see ... that killing themselves is a way to free themselves from pain and torment. They do not think about any of the many people who would help them out of the pit. All they can see is relief from their own personal torment. Daryl was always a very reserved person regarding his personal thoughts and private life. As long as I knew him, I never really knew him. I am shocked by this, but also not shocked. He was a great magician and I hope that he has found peace.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 10:23 am**

There have been many comments like: "He was the last person I believed could do this," or anything along that line.

While sometimes you know a person is in a deep dark hole and you're not surprised when he or she commits suicide, for many others there is not even the slightest hint of a problem to most of his or her friends and family. That is common. Daryl didn't seem to be a moody person, but he also kept himself well hidden behind a facade. I knew him, but also could never know him. He was obviously in a very dark place that none of his friends knew about.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 10:52 am**

I only knew him through his DVD's; specifically the 3 card Monte.

I recall his optimism and dedication to repetitiveness (muscle memory). I applied that concept to a lot of my routines.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 11:05 am**

Dear friends,

Daryl was so close to us in the 80's, Pepe Carroll, Michael Ammar, Tamariz and others. When Carlos Hampton has written this morning I can't believe it of him indeed.

I know that was ending a depresion era with add personal problem and lately he had solding a lot of magazine and books.

Anyway, our most sincere condolences to Alison Easton and rest of family from the bottom of our heart.

Magi-cardially yours,

F. Amílcar Riega i Bello.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 11:23 am**

This is incredibly shocking - an heartbreaking. The fact that he chose the Castle for this act adds a truly bizarre twist. Yet in some strange way, he must have thought it fitting. It seems reminiscent of what happened with Robin Williams. There can be only speculation right now as to what actually motivated this tragic final act. Was it depression? A terminal illness? A traumatic break-up of a relationship. What ever it turns out to be, I am left now, more than ever, with the conviction, as the song says, "What the World Needs Now [and always has] is Love..." To love one another is our highest and most noble purpose. Sincere condolences to Daryl's loved ones. I know he is joyfully entertaining right now in that Magic castle in the sky...

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 11:39 am**

I can't even bring myself to believe this. When I saw the headline, for a second, I just thought it was some stupid, cruel joke. I wish it were.

When I was young (and stupid), I had seen Daryl perform an unpublished routine at a convention that really impressed me. I eventually worked it out and was so proud and full of myself. I still have the hand written note where Daryl took the time to not just yell at me (which I fully deserved), but also explained exactly why this was so harmful to magic. It seems so terribly obvious now, but I'll always be grateful to him for setting me on the straight and narrow.

Like so many of you, I found him very kind and generous with advice and encouragement over the years. I just emailed with him 3 days ago, and he was just...Daryl.

My sincere condolences to Alison, their two daughters, and his many, many friends. I'm sure gonna miss him.

(PS: If anyone gets any information about how we can help Daryl's family, please post it here. Thanks!)

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 11:40 am**

I met Daryl many times over the last few years. He was always in seeming good spirits and open to conversation. This is really difficult for me to handle or even believe. My condolences to his family.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 11:50 am**

Robin Williams killed himself because he was terminally ill.
As far as we know, Daryl was healthy, so there is no reason to relate them at all.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 12:03 pm**

This is so tragic and sad. I saw him many times at the Castle a couple decades ago. He was an extremely skilled and entertaining performer and also such a likeable, down-to-earth person. His Ambitious Card book is one of my favorites. Hard to wrap my mind around this happening.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 12:08 pm**

Richard Kaufman wrote:Robin Williams killed himself because he was terminally ill.
As far as we know, Daryl was healthy, so there is no reason to relate them at all.

Actually, I wasn't relating Daryl and Robin Williams in regard to the reason why they committed suicide. My observation, and perhaps I could have been clearer, was that Daryl's suicide by hanging brought back memories of Robin's suicide, as they were both very kooky and comedic show biz personalities on the surface. That's all.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 12:25 pm**

I know that the whole magic community is in shock right now. I am too. This morning when I saw Richard´s post on FB I started asking myself who could that be...as I know many many magicians that work at the Castle regularly.
He was going to start a wonderful lecture tour plus a few shows that I booked for him in about 10 days. I had to do many calls and send many emails today....and I am very sad.
Daryl finally agree to do the full lecture tour in Spain, after my persistence for the last 13 years. In 2005 he did a couple of lectures when he and his family came down to visit a family member (I believe father in law).

I saw his lecture in Madrid a few years ago when he was booked for the national convention. Since the room was small we were divided up in 3 groups. I was in the last group and when it was our turn he has sold everything. From lecture notes to every single packet trick he brought with him. Only a true professional would pull off such a successful lecture like the one we were gifted to witness. He decided to do an impromptu lecture on Tarbell's course of magic. He did handlings of forgotten tricks that were superb and everyone was thrilled to experience such a great lecture versus the dealer show the other two groups witnessed.

This is the line up we had for him:

March 17

7-Mallorca,
8-As de Magia-Madrid
9-CIMAPS, Madrid
10-Sevilla, lecture + show
11-Malaga
12-OFF
13-SEI, Madrid
14-Espai Seca, Barcelona show
15-Mags Magics, Barcelona
16-SEI, Barcelona
17-San Sebastian
18-Pamplona
19-Santander
20 Bilbao
21-Gijon
22-Valladolid
23- Zaragoza
24- OFF
25 House of Illusions, Salou
26- OFF
27-CIVAC-Valencia
28-Gandia
29-Almussafes
30 Mar-2 Abril Festival de Almussafes, Close-up Gala

One last thing...when you find someone that is really depressed challenge them with the direct question to see if they have suicidal thoughts or thoughts about hurting themselves. Studies report that most people will not deny this when confronted directly with such a question. If their reply is positive do not let them alone! Ask, Care and Escort to someone that can provide the appropriate care, being a Dr. a Chaplain or someone, but don´t leave them alone. Unfortunately this can happen to everyone around you so please, please, please be on the lookout.

In any case, Daryl was considered a true master of close-up and parlor magic. He has influenced so many and I can only be grateful to him and his legacy. My most sincerest condolences to his family and to all my brothers in Magic.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 12:32 pm**

Like everyone else, I was and am completely stunned to see this on my first visit to the forums today.

I have had several opportunities throughout my life in magic to benefit from Daryl's experience, wit and charm. From when I first got into magic when I was in high school, his performances and lectures at many magic gatherings, magic shops, conventions, the Castle, and elsewhere, I always left feeling better about my magic and myself. Daryl's enthusiasm and dedication to the art were pleasantly infectious and unmistakeable.

Most recently, I had the honor and pleasure to spend some time with Daryl at the 2016 Midwest Magic Jubilee in St. Louis. He seemed as upbeat, razor-sharp and spot-on as ever. I was also thrilled that I was finally able to have him autograph my copies of the original paperbound Secrets of a Puerto Rican Gambler and For Your Entertainment Pleasure as well as the new updated hardbound reprints that I acquired directly from him.

Tonight, I'm going to break out some of my DVDs and spend another evening with Daryl.

My thoughts and prayers to his family and his friends.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 1:08 pm**

This is terrible and shocking news. I understand the depression and pain part, but I don’t understand why someone would choose to do such a thing in a public venue. What could possibly motivate someone to do this in such a public way?

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 1:55 pm**

Repeat a lie long enough and it becomes true... well it does if you are a news agency.

Fact checking is no longer a part of news reporting.

Remember all the news reports about Deez Nuts?

All the news agencies were repeating what they heard from each other.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 2:01 pm**

merenkov2 wrote:This is terrible and shocking news. I understand the depression and pain part, but I don’t understand why someone would choose to do such a thing in a public venue. What could possibly motivate someone to do this in such a public way?

I asked my wife about that and she wisely said, "Because he didn't want his wife to be the one to find him." Terrible, but boy that makes a lot of sense.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 2:43 pm**

brianarudolph wrote:Like everyone else, I was and am completely stunned to see this on my first visit to the forums today.

I have had several opportunities throughout my life in magic to benefit from Daryl's experience, wit and charm. From when I first got into magic when I was in high school, his performances and lectures at many magic gatherings, magic shops, conventions, the Castle, and elsewhere, I always left feeling better about my magic and myself. Daryl's enthusiasm and dedication to the art were pleasantly infectious and unmistakeable.

Most recently, I had the honor and pleasure to spend some time with Daryl at the 2016 Midwest Magic Jubilee in St. Louis. He seemed as upbeat, razor-sharp and spot-on as ever. I was also thrilled that I was finally able to have him autograph my copies of the original paperbound Secrets of a Puerto Rican Gambler and For Your Entertainment Pleasure as well as the new updated hardbound reprints that I acquired directly from him.

Tonight, I'm going to break out some of my DVDs and spend another evening with Daryl.

My thoughts and prayers to his family and his friends.

Yes, Brian, Daryl was truly one of a kind and gave so much to us. When you mentioned that you were going to break out some of your DVDs it reminded me that it has been a long time since I have watched my 8-volume set of his Encyclopedia of Card Sleights. It is absolutely mind-boggling how many moves, tricks and routines he mastered (and not just in the realm of cards). It seems impossible that someone could have been that prolific. And every sleight he teaches in that DVD series is performed smoothly and effortlessly. His Ambitious Card and Fooler Dooler videos are phenomenal as well. It truly seems impossible. He was the proverbial "walking encyclopedia!" But alas, it seems that, ultimately, he met the fate of many geniuses in the arts down through history...

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 2:54 pm**

I spoke with Daryl last time I saw him at a lecture about 5 years ago.

As his lecture was mostly very accessible stuff from his Fooler Dooler material, I asked him if he still performed his card routines from his two classic books.

He answered something along the lines of: "No. I have enough stuff to keep track of that fills up my head, I don't need to over-complicate things."

At the time it made a lot of sense, as I have most often forgotten more complex routines by the time I get a chance to perform them and tend to fall back on the easier stuff I know.

Today, his words take on a whole different meaning.

He was probably the most pleasant magician that I met and watch on his DVDs. I always imagined he would spend his old age at the Castle sharing his joy and wisdom. RIP

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 8:35 pm**

Reuters just reported that the LA County Medical Examiners Office ruled Daryl's death an accidental hanging:

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-calif ... SKBN16500H

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 9:04 pm**

WTF!

What does that mean? How could that happen with a bag on one's head?

Although I am a fan from a far, this event has permeated my thoughts.

I read a post by Eric Mead (I believe) about creative people and their hidden struggles. Can someone she'd some light on that? I have a fairly boring desk job that required years of monotonous studying and always day dreamed about being a magician. Is there some hidden cost to that globe trotting life?

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 9:20 pm**

A globe-trotting life is often tedious.
Artists (and professional magicians are performing artists) are notoriously beset by various types of demons and addictions.
Anyone can suffer from severe crushing depression. Some people die from it. No profession offers immunity.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 9:30 pm**

Richard Kaufman wrote:A globe-trotting life is often tedious.
Artists (and professional magicians are performing artists) are notoriously beset by various types of demons and addictions.
Anyone can suffer from severe crushing depression. Some people die from it. No profession offers immunity.

Ahem. Can someone please change the title of this thread out of respect? Thank you.

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Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 10:33 pm**

The facts seem unclear at the moment. I read the Reuters report which says the coroner has ruled it to be an accident. It seems very quick to come to that conclusion. I swear that in Britain they have to have an actual inquest and legal proceeding before a verdict like that can be reached. The truth of the matter is that we just don't know.

However, I did see a friend of Daryll post on facebook that he recently visited him and had lunch with him. I know this gentleman personally and have had correspondance with him about unrelated matters and he is very reliable. It seems that Darryl confided in him that he was a bit depressed that he found it hard to make a living in magic and needed some advice. He asked about Buddhism which the gentleman in question is an authority on and seemed to be seeking spiritual sustenance of some kind. This may well have some bearing on the matter.

Take it for what it is worth.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 10:47 pm**

PickaCard wrote:WTF!

I always day dreamed about being a magician. Is there some hidden cost to that globe trotting life?

I day dream about NOT being a magician! At least a professional one. It ain't all it is cracked up to be. Even David Berglas who was VERY successful advises against turning professional. He even told me years ago he would never allow his sons to get involved in show business. Sometimes it is very good indeed but sometimes it is all show and no business. It is a feast or famine business. I can think of quite a few magicians who have done themselves in-both past and present.

Many professional magicians look down on amateurs. I never have. I ENVY them beyond the imagination! They get so much fun and joy out of magic! I lost my passion for this work decades ago. I have always said that as soon as money enters the picture the joy goes out of it. Sure there may well be exceptions but these are the ones who prove the rule.

I have no passion or love for magic any more and that is a tragedy. All I can do is do what I do very well indeed, take the money and love that more than the magic. And my God--I LOVE money! Sad, isn't it?

No, don't envy the pros. The grass is always greener on the other side. I envy the amateurs. I see their excitement when they buy the latest trick that they will never be able to do properly or devour the latest book or DVD the contents of which they will probably never perform and I am bitter with envy that I don't have that excitement any more.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 10:51 pm**

PickaCard wrote:WTF!

What does that mean? How could that happen with a bag on one's head?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erotic_asphyxiation

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 10:52 pm**

This was not a case of autoerotic whatever.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 10:53 pm**

Here's another article: https://www.yahoo.com/news/magicians-de ... 19544.html

No suicide note?

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 11:18 pm**

That's just a repeat of the earlier Reuters article.

If there was a suicide note, it has not been made public.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 11:21 pm**

PickaCard wrote:I read a post by Eric Mead (I believe) about creative people and their hidden struggles. Can someone she'd some light on that? I have a fairly boring desk job that required years of monotonous studying and always day dreamed about being a magician. Is there some hidden cost to that globe trotting life?

I can't speak from experience, but have you watched the documentary that came out recently? http://www.magiciansmovie.com It's available on iTunes and Amazon, and also on Netflix. It shows some of the ups and downs of working on the road. I can see how it's possible to feel lonely, even when working multiple gigs a week- of course we have no idea of what happened in this instance.

I'll echo the rest of the magic community, I was very saddened by the news. I learned a lot from Daryl, even though I never met him in person. RIP

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 11:21 pm**

Perhaps the link below provides some realistic insight into the matter.

http://www.tinseltown.news/uncategorize ... for-years/

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 11:28 pm**

If that article is to be believed, it's the first published confirmation we've had of his struggles with depression and trouble in their marriage.

Posted: **February 25th, 2017, 11:47 pm**

Orlan wrote:
PickaCard wrote:I read a post by Eric Mead (I believe) about creative people and their hidden struggles. Can someone she'd some light on that? I have a fairly boring desk job that required years of monotonous studying and always day dreamed about being a magician. Is there some hidden cost to that globe trotting life?

I can't speak from experience, but have you watched the documentary that came out recently? http://www.magiciansmovie.com It's available on iTunes and Amazon, and also on Netflix. It shows some of the ups and downs of working on the road. I can see how it's possible to feel lonely, even when working multiple gigs a week- of course we have no idea of what happened in this instance.

I'll echo the rest of the magic community, I was very saddened by the news. I learned a lot from Daryl, even though I never met him in person. RIP

I watched that documentary a few days ago and a few of the magicians on there seemed to exhibit a form of depression or isolation .... I say that because I have been through similar in my life and I could pick up on it.

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Posted: **February 26th, 2017, 12:09 am**

Richard Kaufman wrote:If that article is to be believed, it's the first published confirmation we've had of his struggles with depression and trouble in their marriage.

I also have a facebook post by someone who knew him very well indeed who indicated that he discussed his money troubles and depression issues in a lunch meeting. I really don't want to post someone else's facebook post on here without permission but I will be happy to send it to Richard in a private message if he likes.

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