The key is for the audience never to know, so I have a plan B for every illusion.

From the very beginning, I studied acting, directing, lighting, dance and movement. I didn't rely on just the magic to take place. It's a shame that a lot of magicians just rely on the trick itself and they have no other abilities. They get away with the wonder factor, and I don't think that's enough. It's great, but it's not enough.

Before there can be wonders, there must be wonder.

I started as a ventriloquist, a very bad ventriloquist. And people saw my lips moving and it was ridiculous, so finally I decided I'd better change my occupation.

The first trick I bought at Macy's was a little wooden board where a quarter would appear and disappear.

When people say you can't do it - that it's impossible - never lose hope. Just because they couldn't doesn't mean you can't.

I record that I was born (as I have been informed and believe) on a Friday, at twelve o'clock at night. It was remarked that the clock began to strike, and I began to cry, simultaneously.