Talk with Doug Henning

Doug Henning was a Canadian magician and illusionist who became famous in the 1970s and 1980s for his unique approach to magic and his role in reviving the popularity of magic as entertainment. Born on May 3, 1947, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Henning is best known for his theatrical performances that combined magic with a lively, hippie-esque persona and a sense of wonder rather than deception or trickery.

Henning first gained significant attention with his Broadway show, "The Magic Show," which opened in 1974 and ran for several years, helping to bring magic back into the mainstream cultural conversation. He is also known for his television specials, particularly "Doug Henning's World of Magic," which featured elaborate illusions, celebrity guests, and was highly anticipated each year.

Throughout his career, Henning was noted for his innovations in illusions and his ability to present magic as a form of genuine entertainment and awe, rather than merely tricks. In the later years of his life, Henning became a follower of Transcendental Meditation and eventually retired from magic to pursue interests in mysticism and plans that never came to fruition to create a magic-themed amusement park.

Doug Henning passed away on February 7, 2000, from liver cancer, but remains a pivotal figure in the world of magic for his contributions to elevating the art form and influencing subsequent generations of magicians.

Doug Henning revitalized the world of magic in the 1970s with a style that was distinctively different from his contemporaries. At a time when many magicians were still embracing a traditional, often formal approach characterized by tuxedos and top hats, Henning introduced a fresh, vibrant image that was aligned with the more casual, youthful culture of the era. His approachable demeanor and colorful, often psychedelic costumes set him apart and made magic appealing to a new generation.

Henning's magic style was not just about visual aesthetics; it also emphasized a sense of wonder and joy rather than mystery and aloofness. He often expressed genuine excitement and amazement at his own tricks, which invited the audience to share in the sense of discovery and enchantment rather than positioning the magician as a mysterious, omniscient figure. This less formal and more engaging approach made his performances feel less like a traditional magic show and more like a shared magical experience.

Moreover, Henning's background in transcendental meditation and his belief in magic as a transformative art also influenced his performances, emphasizing themes of wonder and the possibility of the impossible. This philosophical approach contrasted with the more entertainment-focused performances of many peers and allowed him to connect with audiences on a different level.

Henning's unique blend of performance art, enthusiasm, colorful presentation, and a refreshing philosophical perspective made his approach to magic innovative and impactful, paving the way for future generations of magicians to explore new creative directions.

Doug Henning's journey into magic began during his childhood, fueled by a sense of wonder and an early fascination with the art. At the age of 14, he received a magic set as a gift, which sparked his initial interest in performing magic tricks. Henning's inspiration was profoundly influenced by seeing magicians on television and attending live magic shows, which showcased the wonder, creativity, and illusion that magic could bring into the lives of an audience.

His passion for magic also intertwined with his broader philosophical views. Influenced by Transcendental Meditation and the broader spiritual movement of the 1960s and 70s, Henning saw magic as a way to transcend the mundane and tap into a deeper sense of mystery and possibility. This perspective drove him not only to master traditional magic techniques but also to innovate and blend magic with theatrical elements, creating a new, dynamic form of entertainment that captivated audiences around the world. Doug Henning's commitment to this vision propelled his successful career, making him one of the most influential magicians of his time.

Doug Henning was pivotal in revitalizing the art of magic in the 1970s, bringing a fresh, vibrant, and modern approach to performances that had begun to be viewed as outdated or staid. Before Henning's emergence, magic often had an air of solemnity and was usually performed in traditional, formal settings. Henning changed this perception in several key ways:

1. Television Specials: Henning's magic found a national audience through his highly successful television specials, starting with "Doug Henning's World of Magic" in 1975. These specials were broadcast annually and brought magic into the living rooms of millions of viewers, significantly raising the profile of magic as entertaining and relevant.

2. Broadway Influence: In 1974, Henning starred in "The Magic Show," which ran on Broadway for over four years. This not only legitimized magic as a form of theatrical entertainment but also introduced it to a new, broader audience. In "The Magic Show," Henning infused magic with a narrative, adding character and plot to what traditionally had been just a series of tricks.

3. Style and Persona: Henning’s style was radically different from his predecessors. With his long hair, colorful clothing, and exuberant personality, he contrasted sharply with the more formal, tuxedo-clad magicians of earlier eras. His approachable, friendly demeanor made magic more accessible and relatable to younger audiences.

4. Innovation in Magic: Doug Henning was known for his innovative approach to magic. He often introduced new tricks and illusions that hadn't been seen before, or he would put a unique twist on classic tricks, making them feel fresh and exciting.

5. Philosophy of Magic: Henning believed that magic should evoke a sense of wonder and joy rather than just bewilderment at the trickery. He often spoke about the importance of returning to a childlike sense of wonder in the audience, and this philosophy permeated his performances, making them feel different and more emotionally engaging compared to more traditional magic shows.

Through these contributions, Doug Henning did not just revive the art of magic; he transformed it, making it relevant to a whole new generation and inspiring future magicians with his creativity, zest, and philosophical outlook. His impact is still felt in the world of magic today.

Doug Henning revitalized the art of magic by introducing a unique philosophy that emphasized wonder, joy, and the suspension of disbelief, melding elements of performance with mysticism and a distinctively upbeat, vibrant presentation style. Some key principles in his philosophy included:

1. Joy and Wonder: Henning believed that the core of magic was its ability to instill a sense of wonder and joy in the audience. He thought magic should be a joyful and transformative experience, bringing people back to a childlike state of amazement and delight.

2. Theatricality and Performance: Doug Henning understood that magic was not just about tricks and illusions, but about the overall theatrical experience. His performances were highly theatrical, incorporating elements of music, dance, and drama. He was also one of the first magicians to bring Broadway-style productions to magic, most notably with his involvement in the musical "The Magic Show", which brought a new level of storytelling and spectacle to the genre.

3. Sincerity and Authenticity: Henning performed with a genuine sense of wonder and sincerity that made his shows more engaging. He truly believed in the magic he performed, which helped suspend the disbelief of his audience and draw them into the magical narratives he created.

4. Innovation and Creativity: Doug was known for his inventive approach to magic. He continually sought to create new illusions and improve old ones, keeping his acts fresh and exciting. His approach often involved complex, elaborate setups that had never been seen before, pushing the boundaries of traditional magic shows.

5. Spiritual Influence: Influenced by Transcendental Meditation and Eastern philosophies, Henning saw magic as a way to express deeper spiritual truths and connect with more profound elements of human experience. This perspective helped distinguish his approach from more conventional magicians, adding another layer of depth to his performances.

6. Accessibility: Henning aimed to make magic accessible and enjoyable for everyone. He removed the pomp and mystique often associated with magic performances of the past and introduced a more relatable, personable style. He communicated with his audience in a direct and friendly manner, which made his shows appealing to a broad audience.

These principles helped Doug Henning redefine modern magic, influencing many contemporary magicians and entertaining audiences with a fresh, enchanting approach to the art form.

Doug Henning was widely acclaimed for his contributions to the world of magic and his impact on popularizing the art form. Audiences and critics alike were charmed by his refreshing approach to magic, which differed significantly from the more traditional and somber presentations of the time. Henning's performances were characterized by a sense of wonder and joy, along with a colorful, often whimsical style that helped revive interest in stage magic during the 1970s and 1980s.

His Broadway show, "The Magic Show," which opened in 1974, was particularly well-received, running for four and a half years and earning Henning a Tony Award nomination. This success was a testament to his appeal and the broad, positive reception he enjoyed. Critics praised his ability to blend magic with theatrical elements, making his acts not just displays of technical skill, but engaging performances that captured the imagination of the audience.

His television specials also garnered positive responses for their innovative use of magic and their ability to entertain a wide range of audiences. Henning's appeal was not limited to traditional magic enthusiasts; he reached a broader audience, including families and younger viewers, which helped to modernize the perception of magic as an art form.

Overall, Doug Henning is remembered fondly both by fans of magic and the general public for his enthusiastic, imaginative approach and his ability to bring a sense of awe and joy to his performances.

Yes, Doug Henning was married twice. His first wife was Barbara De Angelis, whom he married in the early 1970s, but they eventually divorced. Later, he married Debby Douillard in 1981. Debby was often involved in his magic shows and they remained married until his death in 2000.

Doug Henning's magic show, titled "The Magic Show," was a Broadway hit that initially opened in 1974 and ran for four and a half years. It was a transformative piece in the realm of stage magic, combining a modern approach with a charismatic, lively performance style that brought a fresh vibrancy to traditional magic acts. Henning's shows were known for their creativity, vivid costumes, and the sense of wonder they evoked, all enhanced by Henning's youthful energy and distinctive appearance.

After "The Magic Show," Henning continued to be a leading figure in magic with various television specials and live performances. Throughout the 1980s, he remained a celebrated magician, making numerous TV appearances and conducting live tours. Over time, however, as the landscape of entertainment shifted and new performers emerged, Henning chose to step away from magic to pursue other interests, including transcendental meditation and a planned magic-themed amusement park that ultimately was never realized.

Doug Henning eventually retired from performing magic to focus more on his spiritual life and other ventures, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of magic and live entertainment. His influence is still felt today, particularly in the way he combined the theatrical with the spellbinding, paving the way for future generations of magicians.

Doug Henning died from liver cancer on February 7, 2000, at the age of 52. His death marked the loss of one of magic's most vibrant and innovative performers, known for his distinctive style and contribution to modernizing the art of magic.

Before Doug Henning rose to prominence in the 1970s, the landscape of magic was significantly different. Magic, primarily in the mid-20th century, was characterized by a more formal, often somber presentation. Magicians like Harry Blackstone, Sr., and Howard Thurston were known for their grandiose, mysterious shows, performing in tuxedos and with a serious demeanor. There was a significant emphasis on the illusionist as a commanding figure of mystery and almost supernatural skill.

The style of performance was often theatrical, with elaborate sets and stages designed to look like mystical places. Magic acts were primarily structured with a variety of tricks, some involving large-scale illusions, and were part of variety shows or standalone performances that sought to astonish and mystify audiences without necessarily connecting with them on a personal level.

During this era, magic was also seen as a form of entertainment that was somewhat segregated from the mainstream performance arts, housed more in special venues like magic clubs or during specific segments within larger vaudeville-like shows.

Doug Henning, with his vibrant approach, energized by the cultural vibes of the 1970s, integrated a sense of wonder, joy, and accessibility into magic, contrasting sharply with the more rigid and formal styles of his predecessors. His approachable personality and enthusiastic performance style introduced a new era where magic was more about shared wonder and less about mystifying audiences from a distance.

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