Michael Ammar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Born
(1956-06-25) June 25, 1956 (age 56)
Logan, West Virginia
Occupation Magician
Known for Magic and Magic Training
Website: http://www.ammarmagic.com/

Michael Ammar (born June 25, 1956) is an American close-up magician.[1] He is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest living magicians.[2]

Contents
1 Background
2 Magician
3 Magic Instructor
4 Publications
5 Awards
6 References



Background
Ammar was born in Logan, West Virginia.[2]

Ammar earned a degree from West Virginia University in business administration in 1978.[2]

Magician
In 1982 Ammar competed with magicians from 30 countries to win the "Gold Medal in Close-up Magic" at Lausanne, Switzerland.[2]

It was during the 80's that he developed a close friendship with his mentor, Dai Vernon ("The Professor") – whose influence can be seen in every show Ammar performs.[citation needed]

Ammar was invited to perform on Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show" – where he was a repeat guest.[citation needed] He moved to Los Angeles - where he became a regular performer at the Playboy Mansion, and made appearances on the Merv Griffin Show, The Tonight Show, CNN, and Travel Channel.[citation needed]

Ammar appeared at the Magic Castle in Hollywood.[citation needed]. By 1990 the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood had awarded him its "Oscar" in six separate categories (the maximum number of awards for which his is eligible).[2]

He appeared on NBC's 1998 "Worlds Greatest Magic 5" special,[2] and has been a guest on the Late Show with David Letterman.

Ammar has made private performances at Universal Studios and the Vatican.[citation needed] He performed and coordinated the magic talent at George W. Bush's Presidential inaugural banquet.[2] He was the first featured performer at the "Caesars Magical Empire" at Caesars Palace.[citation needed]

Ammar has performed on television in many countries, including: England, France, Canada, Japan, Sweden, Norway, Australia and Russia.[2]

Magic Instructor
Ammar helped pioneer the magic lecture tour industry,[citation needed] and has been lecturing to other magicians since about 1982.[1]

In 1999 Magic Magazine named Ammar as "One of the Most Influential Magicians in the Twentieth Century".[2]

On August 26, 2010, Outside Magazine cited Ammar as the "go-to source" for magic instruction.[3] The magazine published a list of "100 Things to Do Before You Die", and numbered 45 as "Learn a magic trick"—suggesting studying with the master, Michael Ammar.[3]

Publications
This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living people that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately. (November 2012)
"The Topit Book"
"Success and Magic"
"Videonics videos with Dai Vernon"
"Encore 1"
"Encore 2"
"Encore 3"
"The Magical Arts Journal"
"Brainstorm in the Bahamas"
"The Magic Video"
"Making Magic Memorable"
"Negotiating Higher Performance Fees"
"Restaurant Magic Business"
"The Magic of Michael Ammar"
"The Crazyman's Handcuffs"
"Easy to Master Card Miracles"
"Easy to Master Money Miracles"
"Easy to Master Thread Miracles"
"Easy to Master Business Card Miracles"
"The Topit DVD"
"Exciting World of Magic"
"Amazing Secrets of Card Magic"
"Complete Introduction to Coin Magic"
"Icebreakers"
"Classic Renditions 1 - The Floating Bill"
"Classic Renditions 2 - Rubber Band Magic"
"Classic Renditions 3 - The Thumbtip Bill Switch"
"Classic Renditions 4 - Roll Over Aces"
"Live at the Magic Castle"
"The Topit Pattern"
"Any Signed Card to Any Specatators Wallet"
"Cups to Lemon"


Awards This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (November 2012)

Distinguished Alumni Award from West Virginia University 2003
Magician of the Year, Tannens, NY 2000[2]
Best Close Up Magic, World Magic Awards, 1999[2]
Gold Medalist, World Sleight-of-Hand Competition, FISM, 1982
Best Sleight-of-Hand, International Magic Awards, 1991
Best Sleight-of-Hand, International Magic Awards, 1992
Best Parlor Magician, Academy of Magical Arts, 1990
Best Parlor Magician, Academy of Magical Arts, 1985
Best Close-Up Magician, Academy of Magical Arts, 1983
Best Lecturer, Academy of Magical Arts, 1983
Best Close-Up Magician, Academy of Magical Arts, 1981

References
1. Omar, Aref (October 28, 2007). "Get cool with magic". New Straits Times (Media Prima). Retrieved November 25, 2012. – via HighBeam (subscription required)

2. "Michael Ammar (‘78 BS)". Alumni (West Virginia University). 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2012.

3. "45. Learn a magic trick". Outside Online. Outside Magazine. August 26, 2010. Retrieved November 25, 2012.