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Michael Ammar
Michael Ammar (born June 25, 1956) is an American close-up magician.[1] [2] BackgroundAmmar was born in Logan, West Virginia. His father's background was Syrian. Ammar earned a degree from West Virginia University in business administration in 1978.[2] MagicianIn 1982, Ammar competed with magicians from 30 countries to win first prize ex aequo with Aurelio Pavito in Close-up Magic at Lausanne, Switzerland.[3] During the 1980s he developed a close friendship with his mentor, Dai Vernon ("The Professor"), whose influence is apparent in Ammar's performances.[citation needed] Ammar was the magic week finale on Late Night with David Letterman in 2010 and has made multiple appearances on The Tonight Show.[4] He moved to Los Angeles - where he became a regular performer at the Playboy Mansion, and made appearances on the Merv Griffin Show, The Tonight Show, CNN, and Travel Channel.[citation needed] Ammar appeared at the Magic Castle in Hollywood.[citation needed]. By 1990, the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood had awarded him its "Oscar" in six separate categories (the maximum number of awards for which he is eligible).[2] He appeared on NBC's 1998 "Worlds Greatest Magic 5" special,[2] and has been a guest on the Late Show with David Letterman. Ammar has made private performances at Universal Studios and the Vatican.[citation needed] He performed and coordinated the magic talent at George W. Bush's Presidential inaugural banquet.[2] He was the first featured performer at the "Caesars Magical Empire" at Caesars Palace.[citation needed] Ammar has performed on television in England, France, Canada, Japan, Sweden, Norway, Australia and Russia.[2] Ammar's work includes the popularization of Topit, with his refinement of Topit technique and inspired a number of close-up magicians to adopt it. He has written "The Topit Book" and made "The Topit DVD". Magic InstructorAmmar has been lecturing to other magicians since about 1982.[1] In 1999, Magic Magazine named Ammar as "One of the Most Influential Magicians in the Twentieth Century".[2] On August 26, 2010, Outside cited Ammar as the "go-to source" for magic instruction.[5] The magazine published a list of "100 Things to Do Before You Die", and numbered 45 as "Learn a magic trick"—suggesting studying with the master, Michael Ammar.[5] PublicationsAwards
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