Back in the day, David Copperfield’s name was synonymous with homes all across the world, enthralling audiences with his astounding illusions and spectacular performances. On September 16, the renowned illusionist celebrates his 67th birthday, but many are curious as to where he has vanished.
Born David Seth Kotkin in New Jersey, Copperfield was introduced to magic at an early age thanks to his grandfather’s card trick lessons. He left college to follow his love, and in the 1970s, he created a name for himself on the stage before going on to host critically acclaimed magic shows on ABC.
Rising to previously unheard-of heights by the 1980s, Copperfield’s illusions mesmerized spectators with feats like flying over the Grand Canyon and making the Statue of Liberty vanish.
With a crew of 300 behind him, his performances put him in the Guinness Book of World Records for selling the most tickets for solo concerts, and he went on to make an incredible $4 billion.
In addition to his career achievements, Copperfield’s personal life was well known, particularly his public relationship with supermodel Claudia Schiffer in the 1990s. Despite their denials of any formal contract, their collaboration came to an end in 1999.
As the year 2000 wore on, Copperfield’s celebrity started to dim as his tricks were exposed as fraudulent and his image was damaged by legal actions. Notwithstanding obstacles, he was able to sustain his wealth through real estate endeavors and investments, such as a museum with a theme.
