hollywood: Channing Pollock

Saturday, 30 June 2012

Channing Pollock

Before becoming an actor in the early sixties, he was called one of the most elegant and sophisticated magic acts in the world.Master magician David Copperfield called the tuxedo-wearing Pollock "the James Bond of magic" who "inspired a generation of conjurers."Started his career in 1952 and shot to stardom with an appearance on Ed Sullivan's "Toast of the Town" show in 1954. He never spoke a word in his act.Pollock was recognized as one of the most sophisticated and charismatic practitioners of his craft. Strikingly handsome with an enigmatic stage presence, he was best known for an act in which he would elegantly produce doves out of thin air, and he was often billed as "the most beautiful man in the world". He first became interested in magic at the age of 21. He trained at the Chavez School of Magic in Los Angeles, graduating in 1952. Pollock's early work as a magician was on the nightclub circuit, where his talents were enhanced by his good looks.