Ricky Jay
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 | |
---|---|
Born | Richard Jay Potash June 26, 1946 |
Died | November 24, 2018 Los Angeles, California, U.S. | (aged 72)
Nationality | American |
Other names | Richard Jay Potash |
Occupation(s) | Magician, actor, author |
Years active | 1969–2018 |
Known for | Sleight of hand, card tricks, history of magic |
Spouse | Chrisann 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
changeJay was born Richard Jay Potash in Brooklyn, New York on June 26, 1946 to a Jewish family.[4]
Personal life
changeJay was married to Chrisann Verges.
Death
changeOn November 24, 2018, Jay died in Los Angeles, California of natural causes at the age of 72.[5]
References
change- ↑ Ancestry.ca. "Richard Potash in Births, New York, New York, from 1910 to 1965". Retrieved 25 November 2018.
- ↑ Singer, Mark (April 5, 1993). "Secrets of the Magus". New Yorker. Vol. 69, no. 7. p. 54.
- ↑ "Ricky Jay: Deceptive Practice | About the Film | American Masters | PBS". American Masters. 2014-12-03. Retrieved 2018-09-18.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ Saperstein, Pat (2018-11-25). "Ricky Jay, Master Magician and Actor in 'Deadwood,' 'Boogie Nights,' Dies at 72". Variety. Retrieved 2018-11-25.