Channing Pollock

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Magician Pollock dies at 79
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Las Vegas Review-Journal (NV)-March 21, 2006
Author: Carol Cling
By CAROL CLING

REVIEW-JOURNAL

Magician Channing Pollock , who performed on the Strip and around the world — and mentored such conjurers as Lance Burton and David Copperfield — died Sunday at his Las Vegas home of complications from cancer. He was 79.

Before his 1970 retirement, Pollock "had a profound influence on the art of magic," Burton said in a statement. "He was the most emulated magician of the 20th century and perhaps the most revered."

Burton shared that reverence for Pollock, who is credited with perfecting the modern "dove" act.

"As a young boy, I idolized Channing Pollock and wanted to be Channing Pollock when I grew up," Burton recalled. "Over the past 23 years he has been a mentor to me, a teacher and one of my closest friends."

Another Strip headliner, David Copperfield, called Pollock "the perfect magician," describing him in a statement as "the James Bond of magic."

Citing his "impeccable technique" and "handsome, cool" stage presence, Copperfield said Pollock "inspired a generation of conjurers. Channing was like a second dad to many. I am one of his 'sons.'"

Pollock, born in Sacramento, Calif., on Aug. 16, 1926, began his career in 1952, touring the United States after graduating from Los Angeles' Chavez College of Magic. A master card manipulator, Pollock also "set the standard for producing doves from thin air," according to the Internet site for "Magic: The Science of Illusion," a California Science Center exhibit touring museums nationwide.

Pollock "dressed formally, smiled only at the very end of his act and inspired magicians around the world," the exhibit's Internet site noted. "His handsome face, serious air and graceful moves left nightclub audiences spellbound. As he made doves appear, he seemed to be shaping them from air with his hands. Magicians everywhere copied his moves."

A 1954 performance on television's "Ed Sullivan Show" (then titled "Toast of the Town") proved Pollock's breakthrough, leading to appearances on the "Jack Benny Summer Show" with Sammy Davis Jr. and a Hilton Hotels tour that included the United States and Caribbean.

Pollock performed for President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1955, then traveled to Europe.

In addition to a Royal Command Performance for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Pollock participated at a performance for the 1956 wedding of Monaco's Prince Rainier to movie star Grace Kelly and later performed at their children's birthday parties.

The 1959 movie "Europe by Night," a compendium of popular nightclub acts, showcased his artistry.

After returning to the United States in 1959, Pollock appeared in the Tropicana's "Folies Bergere" and the Stardust's "Lido de Paris." He later toured with Liberace.

In addition to his renowned magic act, Pollock created an illusion show and played leading roles in several European movies, including "Musketeers of the Sea" (1960), "Rocambole" and "The Red Sheik" (both released in 1962) and "Judex" (1963).

On television, Pollock guest starred in such popular series as "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Bonanza."

He also continued to perform magic on such '60s variety shows as "The Hollywood Palace" and "The Andy Williams Show."

In addition to his wife, Joann , Pollock is survived by his son, Russell of California.

Private family funeral arrangements were pending; a Las Vegas memorial service will be at 1 p.m. May 13 at the Monte Carlo.

The family requested donations be made to the Encore Foundation, which assists magicians in need, at 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW, PMB 106-379, Washington, D.C. 20016.

Section: News
Page: 4B
Index Terms: Carol Cling, Channing Pollock, Folies Bergere, Lance Burton, Lido de Paris, obituary died, photo courtesy
Record Number: POLLOCK OBIT-mar216468612
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