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{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2014}}
{{Infobox_Person
{{Infobox person
|image =
| Name = George Schindler | image =
| name = George Schindler
| birth_name = George Schindler
| Background = ]
| Birth_name = George Schindler
| nationality = American | nationality = American
| known_for = | known_for =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1929|03|31}}
| Alias =
| Born = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1929|03|31}}<br>], ] | birth_place = ], New York City
| Occupation = ], ], ], ]. | occupation = ], actor, comedian, ], businessman
| birth_place = {{birth date and age|1929|3|31}}<br>], ]
| occupation = ], ]
}} }}
'''George Schindler''' is an American ], ], ], ], ] and ] based out of New York. In addition to creating noteworthy illusions and publishing many books on magic, Schindler has performed at venues around the world and is currently "lifetime ]" of the '']'', '''George Schindler''' is an American ], ], comedian, actor, ] and writer based in New York. In addition to creating noteworthy illusions and publishing many books on magic, Schindler has performed at venues around the world and is currently "lifetime ]" of the ],
having previous tenure in the "S.A.M. Hall of Fame" as well as president and spokesperson.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://money.cnn.com/2001/07/02/sbstarting/q_magic | title = Getting started in the magic business - July 2, 2001 | publisher = cnn.com | accessdate=2012-03-16}}</ref> having previous tenure in the "S.A.M. Hall of Fame" as well as president and spokesperson.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://money.cnn.com/2001/07/02/sbstarting/q_magic | title = Getting started in the magic business July 2, 2001 | publisher = cnn.com | access-date=March 16, 2012}}</ref>
From the 1950s to the 1960s, he had also been a frequent contributor to '']'s'' comedy, magic and vaudeville columns. From the 1950s to the 1960s, he had also been a frequent contributor to '']'s'' comedy, magic and vaudeville columns.


== Biography== == Biography==
Born in Brooklyn, Schindler first picked up an appreciation for magic at age 11 after seeing a magician at his school make a live goldfish appear in thin air. While studying ] and ] illusions during his teens, Schindler entertained friends and relatives in Brooklyn and the ], apprenticed for various New York City-area magic shops and eventually carried out magic acts before a community center audience in ]. By his early twenties, he had worked his way up to ], ], theater and ] gigs throughout New York City and Long Island.<ref>{{cite book

Born of ] and ] descent in Brooklyn's ] neighborhood, Schindler first picked up an appreciation for magic at age 11 after seeing a magician at his school make a live goldfish appear in thin air. While studying ] and ] illusions during his teens, Schindler entertained friends and relatives in Brooklyn and the ], apprenticed for various New York City-area magic shops and eventually carried out magic acts before a community center audience in ]. By his early twenties, he had worked his way up to ], ], ] and ] gigs throughout New York City and Long Island.<ref>{{cite book
| last = Sachs | last = Sachs
| first = Bill | first = Bill
| title = ] (Nightclubs/Vaudeville; article "Hocus Pocus"; page 45) | title = ] (Nightclubs/Vaudeville; article "Hocus Pocus"; page 45)
| publisher = ] | publisher = ]
| year = May 24, 1952 | date = May 24, 1952
| isbn = | isbn =
}}</ref> }}</ref>


Concurrent to his study of magic during the 1940s, Schindler had been a co-founder and early member of '']''<ref>{{cite web | url = http://houdini.org/fame.html | title = FAME Future American Magical Entertainers Magician Harry Houdini | publisher = houdini.org | accessdate=2012-03-16}}</ref> ("Future American Magical Entertainers"), an organization of young magicians whose alumni at the same time had also included ], ], ] and ], among others. Lewis' father, Abraham Hurwitz, a magician and ] professor, headed ''F.A.M.E.'' The club lasted until Hurwitz' death in 1981, in which ''F.A.M.E.'' splintered into other groups, namely the '']''. Concurrent to his study of magic during the 1940s, Schindler had been a co-founder and early member of '']''<ref>{{cite web | url = http://houdini.org/fame.html | title = FAME Future American Magical Entertainers Magician Harry Houdini | publisher = houdini.org | access-date = March 16, 2012 | archive-date = July 27, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160727192113/http://www.houdini.org/fame.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> ("Future American Magical Entertainers"), an organization of young magicians whose alumni at the same time had also included ], ], ] and ], among others. Lewis' father, Abraham Hurwitz, a magician and ] professor, headed ''F.A.M.E.'' The club lasted until Hurwitz' death in 1981, in which ''F.A.M.E.'' splintered into other groups, namely the '']''.


In the Summer of 1953, George Schindler traveled to ] to explore the demand for magicians on the West Coast and consulted with ]'s ] as well as various figures in the film and television industry, including ] and ] ] Sol Fielding (who had gotten ] his first break into movies the same year) and also George Boton, a talent ] for ]'s '']'' on ].<ref>{{cite book In the Summer of 1953, George Schindler traveled to ] to explore the demand for magicians on the West Coast and consulted with ]'s ] as well as various figures in the film and television industry, including ] and ] producer Sol Fielding (who had gotten ] his first break into movies the same year) and also George Boton, a talent ] for ]'s '']'' on ].<ref>{{cite book
| last = Lockman | last = Lockman
| first = Earl | first = Earl
| title = ] | title = ]
| publisher = ] | publisher = ]
| year = June 27, 1953 | date = June 27, 1953
| isbn = | isbn =
}}</ref> It was during this time that Schindler was inspired to incorporate comedy and acting with magic, and by the early 1960s, he had developed a nationally syndicated program of ] called ''"Days, Dates and Data"'' which he produced, recorded and distributed out of his residence in Brighton Beach.<ref>{{cite book }}</ref> It was during this time that Schindler was inspired to incorporate comedy and acting with magic, and by the early 1960s, he had developed a nationally syndicated program of ] called ''"Days, Dates and Data"'' which he produced, recorded and distributed out of his residence in Brighton Beach.<ref>{{cite book
Line 41: Line 38:
| title = ] Vol. 74, No. 36; page 58 | title = ] Vol. 74, No. 36; page 58
| publisher = ] | publisher = ]
| year = September 8, 1962 | date = September 8, 1962
| isbn = | isbn =
}}</ref> }}</ref>


While performing shows at ]'s celebrity-frequented ] in the early 1970s, Schindler met up with ] who he would collaborate with at the venue and as a co-founder of ''The School for Magicians'', which was active from 1973 to 1978. Schindler and Garcia also co-authored a number of books together including "''Super Subtle Card Miracles''" (1973), "''Amedeo's Continental Magic''" (1974) and "''Magic with Cards''" (], 1974). In 1985, Schindler debuted with his wife and magic-partner, Nina, at the ]. While performing shows at ]'s celebrity-frequented ] in the early 1970s, Schindler met up with ] who he would collaborate with at the venue and as a co-founder of ''The School for Magicians'', which was active from 1973 to 1978. Both magicians also co-authored a number of books together including "''Super Subtle Card Miracles''" (1973), "''Amedeo's Continental Magic''" (1974) and "''Magic with Cards''" (], 1974). In 1985, Schindler debuted with his wife and magic-partner, Nina, at the ].


Schindler received the "Magician of the Year" award in 1986 and '']'' bistro award in 1988, the former which he shared with ].<ref name="lybrary">{{cite web | url = http://www.lybrary.com/george-schindler-m-55852.html | title = George Schindler | publisher = lybrary.com | accessdate=2012-03-16}}</ref> The following year he worked onstage as an ] with director ] for two ] plays: ]'s ''The Devil and Billy Markum'', which starred ]; and ]'s '']'', which starred ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/04/theater/review-theater-mamet-s-tasteful-hell-for-a-movie-mogul.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm | title = Review/Theater; Mamet's Tasteful Hell for a Movie Mogul - December 4, 1989 | publisher = nytimes.com | accessdate=2012-03-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite book Schindler received the "Magician of the Year" award in 1986 and '']'' magazine's bistro award in 1988, the former which he shared with ].<ref name="lybrary">{{cite web | url = http://www.lybrary.com/george-schindler-m-55852.html | title = George Schindler | publisher = lybrary.com | access-date=March 16, 2012}}</ref> The following year he worked onstage as an ] with director ] for two ] plays: ]'s ''The Devil and Billy Markum'', which starred ]; and ]'s '']'', which starred ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/04/theater/review-theater-mamet-s-tasteful-hell-for-a-movie-mogul.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm | title = Review/Theater; Mamet's Tasteful Hell for a Movie Mogul December 4, 1989 | work = ] | date = December 4, 1989 | access-date=March 16, 2012 | last1 = Rich | first1 = Frank }}</ref><ref>{{cite book
| last = Sauer | last = Sauer
| first = David & Janice | first = David & Janice
| title = David Mamet: A Research and Production Sourcebook (page 71) | title = David Mamet: A Research and Production Sourcebook (page 71)
| publisher = ] | publisher = ]
| year = September 30, 2003 | date = September 30, 2003
| isbn = 0313318360 | isbn = 0313318360
}}</ref> }}</ref>


In 1992, Schindler was elected as president of S.A.M. and named its "dean" in 2005, succeeding ].<ref name="lybrary"/> In 1992, Schindler was elected as president of S.A.M. and named its "dean" in 2005, succeeding ].<ref name="lybrary"/>


Schindler's recent activity has included coaching aspiring magicians and ventriloquists, lectures on performance technique and the history of magic and magicians. Schindler was also instrumental in having an official S.A.M. "holiday" commemorate ], and worked with fellow magician, collaborator and ] curator ] in promoting the past magician's life, career and legacy. Schindler's recent activity has included coaching aspiring magicians and ventriloquists, lectures on performance technique and the history of magic and magicians. Schindler was also instrumental in having an official S.A.M. "holiday" commemorate ] (who was the S.A.M. president from 1917 to 1926), and worked with fellow magician, collaborator and ] curator ] in promoting the past magician's life, career and legacy.


== Television and film appearances ==
As of 2012, Schindler continues to devote his time as a magician, magician consultant and vendor of magic supplies.
George Schindler has appeared as a guest on many talk shows, including the 07/08/1976 episode (#214) of ]'s '']''<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.tv.com/shows/the-mike-douglas-show/july-8-1976-1162741 | title = The Mike Douglas Show, July 8, 1976 | publisher = tv.com | access-date=March 16, 2012}}</ref> and episodes of '']'' in the 1980s, in which host ] participated in the magician's card/sawing illusions.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.showbizmagic.net/magicom-stagev.html | title = clip from "The Morning Show with Regis Philbin", 1988 | publisher = showbizmagic.com | access-date = April 3, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140202172423/http://www.showbizmagic.net/magicom-stagev.html | archive-date = February 2, 2014 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Schindler discussed both his life and his 50 years in the magic profession with ] on a 1999 episode of '']''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://tv.msn.com/tv/episode/the-view/untitled.1245 | title = The View – MSN.TV | publisher = msn.com | access-date = April 3, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140219193748/http://tv.msn.com/tv/episode/the-view/untitled.1245/ | archive-date = February 19, 2014 | url-status = dead }}</ref>


During the 1970s, Schindler was the ] of ] "]" in a series of ] TV commercials.<ref name="lybrary"/><ref>{{cite book
== Television and Film Appearances ==

George Schindler appeared as the guest on the 07/08/1976 episode (#214) of ]'s '']''.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.tv.com/shows/the-mike-douglas-show/july-8-1976-1162741 | title = The Mike Douglas Show, July 8, 1976 | publisher = tv.com | accessdate=2012-03-16}}</ref>

During the 1970s, Schindler was the ] of ] "]" in a series of ] ]s.<ref name="lybrary"/><ref>{{cite book
| last = | last =
| first = | first =
| title = ] (book review of "Magic With Cards", page 92; "George Schindler who does those funny Nabisco commercials on TV has coauthored a book...") | title = ] (book review of "Magic With Cards", page 92; "George Schindler who does those funny Nabisco commercials on TV has coauthored a book...")
| publisher = ] | publisher = ]
| year = June 29, 1975 | date = June 29, 1975
| isbn = | isbn =
}}</ref> }}</ref>


In 1989, Schindler starred in the ]-directed segment of '']'', ''Oepedius Rex'' (starring Allen, ], ], ] and ]). Schindler played a theater magician who makes Allen's character's mother (played by ]) disappear. Woody Allen previously considered ] for the role but wanted a real magician to both play the part and perform the act, and personally cast Schindler.<ref>{{cite book In 1989, Schindler starred in the ]-directed segment of '']'', ''Oepedius Wrecks'' (starring Allen, ], ], ] and ]).<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIvsrA4suIM | title = film clip from "New York Stories" | publisher = youtube.com | access-date=April 3, 2012}}</ref> Schindler played a theater magician who makes Allen's character's mother (played by ]) disappear. Woody Allen previously considered ] for the role but wanted a real magician to both play the part and perform the act, and personally cast Schindler.<ref>{{cite book
| last = Lee | last = Lee
| first = Sander H. | first = Sander H.
| title = Eighteen Woody Allen films analyzed: anguish, God and existentialism | title = Eighteen Woody Allen films analyzed: anguish, God and existentialism
| publisher = ] | publisher = ]
| year = October 16, 2007 | date = October 16, 2007
| isbn = 0375415335 | isbn = 978-0375415333
| url-access = registration
}}</ref>
| url = https://archive.org/details/conversationswit00laxe
}}</ref>


Schindler was also featured in the program ''The Art of Ventriloquism'', produced for New York's ] affiliate ].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0426916 | title = The Art of Ventriloquism | publisher = imdb.com | accessdate=2012-03-16}}</ref> Schindler was also featured in the program ''The Art of Ventriloquism'', produced for New York's ] affiliate ].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0426916 | title = The Art of Ventriloquism | publisher = imdb.com | access-date=March 16, 2012}}</ref>


== Published works == == Published works ==

George Schindler has authored various books catered to learning or intermediate magicians, the most notable titles including: George Schindler has authored various books catered to learning or intermediate magicians, the most notable titles including:


*"''Magic with Everyday Objects: Over 150 Tricks Anyone Can Do at the Dinner Table''"('']'', 1976) *"''Magic with Everyday Objects: Over 150 Tricks Anyone Can Do at the Dinner Table''"('']'', 1976)
*"''Presto! Magic for the Beginner''" (], 1977) *"''Presto! Magic for the Beginner''" (], 1977)
*"''Ventriloquism: Magic with Your Voice''" (Dover Publications, 1979) *"''Ventriloquism: Magic with Your Voice''" (Dover Publications, 1979)
*"''Basic Balloon Sculpture''" (]/Show Biz Services, 1983) *"''Basic Balloon Sculpture''" (]/Show Biz Services, 1983)


He also worked with ] on the book, ''The Secret Life of Houdini'' (], 2006), a comprehensive biography on the historical magician/escape artist. He also worked with ] on the book, ''The Secret Life of Houdini'' (], 2006), a comprehensive biography on the historical magician/escape artist.

==References==
{{Reflist|35em}}


== External links == == External links ==
* {{imdb name|id=0771838|name=George Schindler}} * {{IMDb name|id=0771838|name=George Schindler}}
* * {{Official website|http://www.showbizmagic.net/}}
* *


{{Academy of Magical Arts Lifetime Achievement Fellowship}}
==References==
{{reflist|2}}


{{Famous Magicians}} {{authority control}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. -->
| NAME = Schindler, George
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH =
| PLACE OF BIRTH = ], New York, USA Born March 31, 1929
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Schindler, George}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Schindler, George}}
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
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Latest revision as of 08:33, 29 May 2024

George Schindler
BornGeorge Schindler
(1929-03-31) March 31, 1929 (age 95)
Brooklyn, New York City
NationalityAmerican
Occupation(s)magician, actor, comedian, puppeteer, businessman

George Schindler is an American stage magician, magic consultant, comedian, actor, ventriloquist and writer based in New York. In addition to creating noteworthy illusions and publishing many books on magic, Schindler has performed at venues around the world and is currently "lifetime dean" of the Society of American Magicians, having previous tenure in the "S.A.M. Hall of Fame" as well as president and spokesperson. From the 1950s to the 1960s, he had also been a frequent contributor to Billboard Magazine's comedy, magic and vaudeville columns.

Biography

Born in Brooklyn, Schindler first picked up an appreciation for magic at age 11 after seeing a magician at his school make a live goldfish appear in thin air. While studying card and sleight of hand illusions during his teens, Schindler entertained friends and relatives in Brooklyn and the Bronx, apprenticed for various New York City-area magic shops and eventually carried out magic acts before a community center audience in Bensonhurst. By his early twenties, he had worked his way up to nightclub, casino, theater and street festival gigs throughout New York City and Long Island.

Concurrent to his study of magic during the 1940s, Schindler had been a co-founder and early member of F.A.M.E. ("Future American Magical Entertainers"), an organization of young magicians whose alumni at the same time had also included Howie Schwarzman, Dick Brooks, Carl Ballantine and Shari Lewis, among others. Lewis' father, Abraham Hurwitz, a magician and Yeshiva University professor, headed F.A.M.E. The club lasted until Hurwitz' death in 1981, in which F.A.M.E. splintered into other groups, namely the Society of Young Magicians.

In the Summer of 1953, George Schindler traveled to Hollywood to explore the demand for magicians on the West Coast and consulted with The Magic Castle's Milt Larsen as well as various figures in the film and television industry, including cartoonist and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer producer Sol Fielding (who had gotten Harry Belafonte his first break into movies the same year) and also George Boton, a talent casting agent for Art Baker's You Asked For It on ABC. It was during this time that Schindler was inspired to incorporate comedy and acting with magic, and by the early 1960s, he had developed a nationally syndicated program of radio gags called "Days, Dates and Data" which he produced, recorded and distributed out of his residence in Brighton Beach.

While performing shows at Manhattan's celebrity-frequented Magic Towne House in the early 1970s, Schindler met up with Frank Garcia who he would collaborate with at the venue and as a co-founder of The School for Magicians, which was active from 1973 to 1978. Both magicians also co-authored a number of books together including "Super Subtle Card Miracles" (1973), "Amedeo's Continental Magic" (1974) and "Magic with Cards" (Barnes & Noble, 1974). In 1985, Schindler debuted with his wife and magic-partner, Nina, at the Lincoln Center.

Schindler received the "Magician of the Year" award in 1986 and Backstage magazine's bistro award in 1988, the former which he shared with Jeff McBride. The following year he worked onstage as an illusionist consultant with director Gregory Mosher for two off-Broadway plays: Shel Silverstein's The Devil and Billy Markum, which starred Dennis Locorriere; and David Mamet's Bobby Gould in Hell, which starred William H. Macy, Treat Williams and Felicity Huffman.

In 1992, Schindler was elected as president of S.A.M. and named its "dean" in 2005, succeeding Jay Marshall.

Schindler's recent activity has included coaching aspiring magicians and ventriloquists, lectures on performance technique and the history of magic and magicians. Schindler was also instrumental in having an official S.A.M. "holiday" commemorate Harry Houdini (who was the S.A.M. president from 1917 to 1926), and worked with fellow magician, collaborator and Houdini Museum curator Dorothy Dietrich in promoting the past magician's life, career and legacy.

Television and film appearances

George Schindler has appeared as a guest on many talk shows, including the 07/08/1976 episode (#214) of CBS's The Mike Douglas Show and episodes of The Morning Show in the 1980s, in which host Regis Philbin participated in the magician's card/sawing illusions. Schindler discussed both his life and his 50 years in the magic profession with Barbara Walters on a 1999 episode of The View.

During the 1970s, Schindler was the voice of character "The Great Nabisco" in a series of Oreo TV commercials.

In 1989, Schindler starred in the Woody Allen-directed segment of New York Stories, Oepedius Wrecks (starring Allen, Mia Farrow, Julie Kavner, Kirsten Dunst and Larry David). Schindler played a theater magician who makes Allen's character's mother (played by Mae Questel) disappear. Woody Allen previously considered Wallace Shawn for the role but wanted a real magician to both play the part and perform the act, and personally cast Schindler.

Schindler was also featured in the program The Art of Ventriloquism, produced for New York's PBS affiliate WNET.

Published works

George Schindler has authored various books catered to learning or intermediate magicians, the most notable titles including:

  • "Magic with Everyday Objects: Over 150 Tricks Anyone Can Do at the Dinner Table"(Henry Holt and Company, 1976)
  • "Presto! Magic for the Beginner" (Dover Publications, 1977)
  • "Ventriloquism: Magic with Your Voice" (Dover Publications, 1979)
  • "Basic Balloon Sculpture" (Penguin Group/Show Biz Services, 1983)

He also worked with Larry Sloman on the book, The Secret Life of Houdini (Simon & Schuster, 2006), a comprehensive biography on the historical magician/escape artist.

References

  1. "Getting started in the magic business – July 2, 2001". cnn.com. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  2. Sachs, Bill (May 24, 1952). Billboard (Nightclubs/Vaudeville; article "Hocus Pocus"; page 45). Prometheus Global Media.
  3. "FAME Future American Magical Entertainers Magician Harry Houdini". houdini.org. Archived from the original on July 27, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  4. Lockman, Earl (June 27, 1953). Billboard. Prometheus Global Media.
  5. Billboard Vol. 74, No. 36; page 58. Prometheus Global Media. September 8, 1962.
  6. ^ "George Schindler". lybrary.com. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  7. Rich, Frank (December 4, 1989). "Review/Theater; Mamet's Tasteful Hell for a Movie Mogul – December 4, 1989". The New York Times. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  8. Sauer, David & Janice (September 30, 2003). David Mamet: A Research and Production Sourcebook (page 71). Praeger. ISBN 0313318360.
  9. "The Mike Douglas Show, July 8, 1976". tv.com. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  10. "clip from "The Morning Show with Regis Philbin", 1988". showbizmagic.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  11. "The View – MSN.TV". msn.com. Archived from the original on February 19, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  12. Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (book review of "Magic With Cards", page 92; "George Schindler who does those funny Nabisco commercials on TV has coauthored a book..."). Morris Communications. June 29, 1975.
  13. "film clip from "New York Stories"". youtube.com. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  14. Lee, Sander H. (October 16, 2007). Eighteen Woody Allen films analyzed: anguish, God and existentialism. Knopf. ISBN 978-0375415333.
  15. "The Art of Ventriloquism". imdb.com. Retrieved March 16, 2012.

External links

Academy of Magical Arts Lifetime Achievement Fellowship
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