The Genii Forum

TMZ is reporting that Harry Anderson has died at age 65.
Developing story...

Confirmed by a local news affiliate:

http://www.wspa.com/news/night-court-ac ... 1126241637

Too early. So sad. RIP, Mr. Anderson.

I had many interesting exchanges with Harry. This is really sad.

This is how I'm always going to remember him:

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/ ... ogue/n9337

Sigh.
I'm sorry to hear this. I met Harry only once - at a Tannen's Jubilee - where he was the guest of honor.
He autographed his book for me. He was very kind to take time for me.
He was a funny man and a clever magician. His appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson were wonderful.
Condolences to Harry's family and friends.

http://variety.com/2018/tv/news/harry-a ... 202754949/

erdnasephile wrote:This is how I'm always going to remember him:

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/ ... ogue/n9337

I'm happy to report that NBCs website is unable to play the clip at the moment. Apparently, Harry had a lot of fans who want to remember him tonight.

My thoughts go out to his wife, and family. He was one of the best entertainers I've ever seen. Full stop.

A complete surprise, and terribly sad.

The script for Wise Guy as performed at Oswalds, and as with additional commentary by Jon Racherbaumer, is a sheer masterpiece of theatre ... not just magic theatre, but all live theatre, as performed anywhere in the world.

I hear Harry's voice every time I read it (about once every three or four months).

I was saddened to hear this news. And only 65 years young. A great loss to the magic community and all the laymen who were yet to be entertained by this unique and engaging performer. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Harry was always very kind to me and was fun to hang out with. If you'd like to hear his voice one more time you can do so here:
http://bit.ly/HHat2 I haven't done the podcast in too long and miss these conversations.

Best
Dodd

Really enjoyable interview, Dodd--vintage Harry. Loved his description of his relationship with the Professor and the Castle gang.

Great interview!

Interesting fact from the interview - apparently Harry Anderson appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson more than any other magician. Always in his role as an actor.

It is a sad passing for the world of magic. Harry gave a great Penguin Live lecture a few years ago. Very special.

Anderson was a master at Three Card Monte in its various incarnations.

I also found Harry's thoughts about stage fright (in Part 2) really interesting.

Anderson died from a stroke.

I like this line from Steve Bryant's website:

WISE GUY -- You would think that, if anyone could out-con Death at his own game, it would be Harry Anderson. Alas.

One of my favorite magic CDs is Harry Anderson's Magic: An Insider's View. It's not only a fantastic introduction to magic, Harry is genuinely entertaining all through the CD. Only wish I could play it on my laptop. I have a new Windows 10 laptop and I have several magic CDs I wish I could play on it,  just for old  times sake.

I remember we used to buy the TV Guide, and you would turn to The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson hoping to see the word "magician or illusionist" in the show preview. But if you saw the name Harry Anderson, you knew it was going to be a must watch episode. Crank up the VCR, tape it, and watch it over and over again. Harry was one of a kind.

Further to my earlier post about Harry's show "Wise Guy", the show that he performed regularly at Oswalds ... does anybody know if there was ever any video released of Harry performing this specific show in Oswalds?

I've read comments from those who saw the show, and they referenced the "geek" portion of the show "terrifying" ... which is pretty amazing considering it was just Harry sitting on a stool with a single red light on him.

I'd love to one day see footage of Harry performing Wise Guy at Oswalds ... if indeed there is any in existence.

Here's a collection of Harry's appearances on Late Night with David Letterman:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzDzHQ4sXXw

Harry performs the Sliding Knot at about the 17-minute mark.

I discuss Harry on both the April and May editions of Little Egypt Magic.

-- Steve

http://littleegyptmagic.com/magic.html

Meir Yedid's most recent newsletter tells of a Celebration of Life of Harry Anderson last weekend, and links to a video montage from Turk Pipkin's Facebook page.

That video was so great! (and includes the most convincing Needle Through Arm footage ever )

Thanks for posting the link!

erdnasephile wrote:That video was so great! (and includes the most convincing Needle Through Arm footage ever )

Yes, it's the "Professional" version . . . .

Mike Caveney wrote a really nice obit in the June MUM.