Herbert L. Becker
Encyclopedia
Herbert Lawrence Becker (Born August 12, 1956. in Hollywood, Florida
) is a magician and the inventor and patent/copyright holder for BOIP (broadcasting over internet protocol). He is also the founder of IPTV (internet protocol television broadcasting), an author of many books, an actor, and the creator/director of the Masked Magician TV specials for FOX TV.
in 1956 and grew up in North Miami Beach until he was 3 years old.
Lived in Central Florida for many years in the area north of Orlando. For much of that time his family had a ranch in the unincorporated area between Orange City and DeLand, FL.
His family also had a business in Lake Helen, FL.
Between the age of 3 and 16, the Becker family would spend time living in Toronto, Canada and the ranch in Orange City, FL.
Herbert Becker always considered Florida his home.
Herbert began performing and acting at age 3.
He performed magic as well as acting in television and stage production.
Cast member of the Sky King television series.
According to Hollywood Insider, Feb., 1976, the song "Magic Man
" was written about love interest Herbert L. Becker
Becker wrote a weekly column called "It's Magic" which ran in a bunch of newspapers including the DeBary, Deltona Enterprise in Central Florida between 1972 and 1977.
At 16, Herbert Becker ran the fastest half-mile in Canada at 1:59.96. He was invited to the Canadian Junior Olympic summer camp along with Dan Rosenberg who won the long jump competition that same year.
Doctors of Business Administration from Columbia
and Radio City Music Hall
(1976) with the Guinness
show.
As a magician, Becker toured worldwide until he retired in 1978. He was the opening act for such bands as Elton John
and Genesis
. Later bands which opened for him included Hall & Oates
. He had long runs in Las Vegas
and Atlantic City. Becker appeared as himself (a magician) on the television programs "Bozo the Clown
" (1975-1977 appearing weekly) and "The Maury Povich Show" (2001).
In his book All the Secrets of Magic Revealed: The Tricks and Illusions of the World's Greatest Magicians, Becker explained how magicians such as Harry Houdini
, David Copperfield
, Doug Henning
, and Siegfried and Roy created some of their most famous illusions, to the consternation of his colleagues. Becker caused more unhappiness among magicians when he appeared on the television talk show of Maury Povitch in March 1997 and exposed the secrets behind such well-known magic tricks as sawing a person in half. Becker was believed to be the anonymous Masked Magician
, who, in a series of Fox TV specials, explained exactly what is behind the tricks of the magic trade. Becker has written Magic Secrets and So That's How They Do It.
Becker replaced Harry Houdini
in the 1976 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.
after she became his assistant on the ABC TV show Bozo The Clown.
Married to Malka Gasner in 1979. Becker and Gasner are now divorced. Together they have 3 children: Randi, Adam and Brian.
Married to Shelly Basser in 1991. Separated in 2008, filed for divorce in 2009 they have four children.
. Copperfield sued Becker in an attempt to prevent publication of All the Secrets of Magic Revealed: The Tricks and Illusions of the World's Greatest Magicians, Lifetime Books, Inc. (March 11, 1997); ISBN 978-0811908221 which Copperfield maintained revealed some of his (Copperfield's) secrets; Copperfield lost and the book was published. Becker then sued his publisher, Lifetime Books for purportedly colluding with Copperfield to remove details of Copperfield's illusions. Becker and Copperfield have since become very close friends.
Successfully turned around one of the world's best casinos.
Becker wrote and recorded Someone Special in 1972 at National Guild Recording Studio, Deland, FL.
Becker taught in the Volusia County School system in Florida as well as teaching at Daytona Beach Community College.
Becker owns EnterVision technology and Magicweb.
Becker was CEO of boutique book publishing house Barclay Road, retiring on July 2, 2008 but continuing as an advisor.
Herbert Becker has begun speaking at universities, colleges and schools.
Hollywood, Florida
-Demographics:As of 2000, there were 59,673 households out of which 24.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.5% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.2% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of...
) is a magician and the inventor and patent/copyright holder for BOIP (broadcasting over internet protocol). He is also the founder of IPTV (internet protocol television broadcasting), an author of many books, an actor, and the creator/director of the Masked Magician TV specials for FOX TV.
Early life
Born in the city of Hollywood, FloridaFlorida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
in 1956 and grew up in North Miami Beach until he was 3 years old.
Lived in Central Florida for many years in the area north of Orlando. For much of that time his family had a ranch in the unincorporated area between Orange City and DeLand, FL.
His family also had a business in Lake Helen, FL.
Between the age of 3 and 16, the Becker family would spend time living in Toronto, Canada and the ranch in Orange City, FL.
Herbert Becker always considered Florida his home.
Herbert began performing and acting at age 3.
He performed magic as well as acting in television and stage production.
Cast member of the Sky King television series.
According to Hollywood Insider, Feb., 1976, the song "Magic Man
Magic Man
"Magic Man" is a hit rock song released in 1976 by Heart. It was issued as the second single from the band's debut album Dreamboat Annie. Written by Ann and Nancy Wilson, the song is sung from the viewpoint of a young girl who is being seduced by an older man , much to the chagrin of her mother,...
" was written about love interest Herbert L. Becker
Becker wrote a weekly column called "It's Magic" which ran in a bunch of newspapers including the DeBary, Deltona Enterprise in Central Florida between 1972 and 1977.
At 16, Herbert Becker ran the fastest half-mile in Canada at 1:59.96. He was invited to the Canadian Junior Olympic summer camp along with Dan Rosenberg who won the long jump competition that same year.
Education
Attended Humber College in Canada and Daytona Beach Jr. College in Florida.Doctors of Business Administration from Columbia
Magic
Voted Best USA Magician in 1975 and 1976 by Houdini Magic Magazine, Becker performed under the name "The Kardeen Brothers" with Marc Nicols. Later, he worked solo as "The Great Kardeen". He helped open the first Guinness Museums, toured with Guinness on Parade and performed at the Steel PierSteel Pier
Steel Pier is a amusement pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey, located opposite The Boardwalk from Trump Taj Mahal.The pier was owned by Trump Entertainment Resorts until 2011, when it was sold to the Catanoso Family under the "Steel Pier Associates, LLC" name. The Catanosos previously leased the...
and Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall is an entertainment venue located in New York City's Rockefeller Center. Its nickname is the Showplace of the Nation, and it was for a time the leading tourist destination in the city...
(1976) with the Guinness
Guinness
Guinness is a popular Irish dry stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness at St. James's Gate, Dublin. Guinness is directly descended from the porter style that originated in London in the early 18th century and is one of the most successful beer brands worldwide, brewed in almost...
show.
As a magician, Becker toured worldwide until he retired in 1978. He was the opening act for such bands as Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
and Genesis
Genesis (band)
Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently comprises the longest-tenured members Tony Banks , Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins . Past members Peter Gabriel , Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips , also played major roles in the band in its early years...
. Later bands which opened for him included Hall & Oates
Hall & Oates
Hall & Oates are an American musical duo composed of Daryl Hall and John Oates. They achieved their greatest fame in the late 1970s and early to mid-1980s. Both sing and play instruments. They specialized in a fusion of rock and roll and rhythm and blues styles, which they dubbed "rock and soul."...
. He had long runs in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
and Atlantic City. Becker appeared as himself (a magician) on the television programs "Bozo the Clown
Bozo the Clown
Bozo the Clown is a clown character very popular in the United States, peaking in the 1960s as a result of widespread franchising in early television.Originally created by Alan W...
" (1975-1977 appearing weekly) and "The Maury Povich Show" (2001).
In his book All the Secrets of Magic Revealed: The Tricks and Illusions of the World's Greatest Magicians, Becker explained how magicians such as Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-born American magician and escapologist, stunt performer, actor and film producer noted for his sensational escape acts...
, David Copperfield
David Copperfield (illusionist)
David Copperfield is an Emmy Award-winning American illusionist, and was described by Forbes as the most commercially successful magician in history. Copperfield's network specials have been nominated for 38 Emmy Awards and won a total of 21 Emmys...
, Doug Henning
Doug Henning
Douglas James Henning was a Canadian magician, illusionist, escape artist and politician.-Early life:...
, and Siegfried and Roy created some of their most famous illusions, to the consternation of his colleagues. Becker caused more unhappiness among magicians when he appeared on the television talk show of Maury Povitch in March 1997 and exposed the secrets behind such well-known magic tricks as sawing a person in half. Becker was believed to be the anonymous Masked Magician
Val Valentino
Val Valentino is an Italian American illusionist, and actor, who gained fame by starring in four magic specials exposing magic secrets on the Fox network, using the stage name the Masked Magician.-Biography:...
, who, in a series of Fox TV specials, explained exactly what is behind the tricks of the magic trade. Becker has written Magic Secrets and So That's How They Do It.
Becker replaced Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-born American magician and escapologist, stunt performer, actor and film producer noted for his sensational escape acts...
in the 1976 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.
Personal relationships
1974 Began a relationship with Miss Florida and actress Delta BurkeDelta Burke
Delta Ramona Leah Burke is an American television and film actress. Her television work includes a leading role as Suzanne Sugarbaker in the CBS sitcom Designing Women...
after she became his assistant on the ABC TV show Bozo The Clown.
Married to Malka Gasner in 1979. Becker and Gasner are now divorced. Together they have 3 children: Randi, Adam and Brian.
Married to Shelly Basser in 1991. Separated in 2008, filed for divorce in 2009 they have four children.
Litigation
Becker has been involved in legal disputes with David CopperfieldDavid Copperfield (illusionist)
David Copperfield is an Emmy Award-winning American illusionist, and was described by Forbes as the most commercially successful magician in history. Copperfield's network specials have been nominated for 38 Emmy Awards and won a total of 21 Emmys...
. Copperfield sued Becker in an attempt to prevent publication of All the Secrets of Magic Revealed: The Tricks and Illusions of the World's Greatest Magicians, Lifetime Books, Inc. (March 11, 1997); ISBN 978-0811908221 which Copperfield maintained revealed some of his (Copperfield's) secrets; Copperfield lost and the book was published. Becker then sued his publisher, Lifetime Books for purportedly colluding with Copperfield to remove details of Copperfield's illusions. Becker and Copperfield have since become very close friends.
Other interests and career
Becker was involved in multimedia broadcasting over the Internet, founding various companies based on software claimed to broadcast television over the Internet without requiring special streaming technologies or plug-ins. In 2000, Canadian dotcom GlobalMedia.com and Becker's Montreal-based BEE Multimedia signed an agreement to use its technologies to help develop content for an online motorcycle store. Becker subsequently joined the company's board in February 2001. In March 2001, after the dotcom crash, GlobalMedia.com declared bankruptcy, but Becker acquired the business name.Successfully turned around one of the world's best casinos.
Becker wrote and recorded Someone Special in 1972 at National Guild Recording Studio, Deland, FL.
Becker taught in the Volusia County School system in Florida as well as teaching at Daytona Beach Community College.
Becker owns EnterVision technology and Magicweb.
Becker was CEO of boutique book publishing house Barclay Road, retiring on July 2, 2008 but continuing as an advisor.
Herbert Becker has begun speaking at universities, colleges and schools.
Books
- 101 Greatest Magic Secrets Exposed, Citadel (March 2002); ISBN 978-0806521541
- All the Secrets of Magic Revealed: The Tricks and Illusions of the World's Greatest Magicians, Lifetime Books, Inc. (March 11, 1997); ISBN 978-0811908221
- More Magic Secrets, Lifetime Books, Inc. January 1997 ISBN 1890167002
- John Lennon: Between the Lines, Lifetime Books, Inc. October 1997 ISBN 978-1890167011
- Typing By Design, McGraw Hill. March 1982 ISBN 978-0028307602