Paul Valadon died on this day, 1913, in Phoenix, Arizona. In the history of magic, few lost out as prominently and completely as this skillful German-born magician. He was supposed to be Kellar’s successor, but in 1907 Howard Thurston raced back to America and secured a contract with Kellar, becoming America’s next leading magician.
Valadon emphasized sleight of hand. Thurston’s new show was designed around modern tastes— boxes, cages, and cabinets. Shortly after Thurston acquired the show, he offered Valadon a ticket. At dinner afterward, Thurston politely asked if Valadon had any suggestions: “What do you think I need?” Valadon glared at him and snarled, “What do you need? You need… another… box!” Valadon continued in vaudeville for only a few years and died nearly penniless.
Image courtesy of Jim Steinmeyer