The Rise of Harry Houdini

Harry Houdini, originally named Erik Weiss, rose from a life of poverty as an immigrant to become the world's most famous escape artist and illusionist. His early life was marked by hardship, with his family struggling to make ends meet in the United States, forcing him to quit school at a young age to support them. Inspired by the world of magic through a running coach who taught him tricks, Houdini began performing public shows. This experience laid the groundwork for his future career, as he transitioned from a contortionist and trapeze artist in a small circus to a professional magician by adopting the name 'Harry Houdini' and teaming up with his brother in a magic act.