Ricky Jay

American magician and actor (1946–2018)

Richard Jay Potash (June 26, 1946[1] – November 24, 2018), known professionally as Ricky Jay, was an American stage magician, actor, and writer.

Ricky Jay
Jay at the premiere of Redbelt in April 2008
Born
Richard Jay Potash

(1946-06-26)June 26, 1946
DiedNovember 24, 2018(2018-11-24) (aged 72)
NationalityAmerican
Other namesRichard Jay Potash
Occupation(s)Magician, actor, author
Years active1969–2018
Known forSleight of hand, card tricks, history of magic
SpouseChrisann Verges

In a profile for the New Yorker, Mark Singer called Jay "perhaps the most gifted sleight of hand artist alive."[2] In addition to sleight of hand, Jay was known for his card tricks, card throwing, memory feats, and stage patter. He had also written extensively on magic and its history. His acting credits included The Prestige, The Spanish Prisoner, Mystery Men, Heist, Boogie Nights, Tomorrow Never Dies, House of Games, Magnolia, and Deadwood. In 2015, Jay was the subject of an episode of PBS' American Masters, making him the first magician to have ever been profiled in that series.[3]

Early life

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Jay was born Richard Jay Potash in Brooklyn, New York on June 26, 1946 to a Jewish family.[4]

Personal life

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Jay was married to Chrisann Verges.

On November 24, 2018, Jay died in Los Angeles, California of natural causes at the age of 72.[5]

References

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  1. Ancestry.ca. "Richard Potash in Births, New York, New York, from 1910 to 1965". Retrieved 25 November 2018.
  2. Singer, Mark (April 5, 1993). "Secrets of the Magus". New Yorker. Vol. 69, no. 7. p. 54.
  3. "Ricky Jay: Deceptive Practice | About the Film | American Masters | PBS". American Masters. 2014-12-03. Retrieved 2018-09-18.
  4. "Magician With A Lot Up His Sleeve | Article from The Washington Post | HighBeam Research". Archived from the original on 2012-10-22. Retrieved 2013-04-25.
  5. Saperstein, Pat (2018-11-25). "Ricky Jay, Master Magician and Actor in 'Deadwood,' 'Boogie Nights,' Dies at 72". Variety. Retrieved 2018-11-25.

Other websites

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