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Illusionist Richard Blake - Biography

Richard Blake's interest in magic began in Elyria, Ohio, 1971. He was given a beginners magic kit for Christmas. After a little practice, he was dazzling other kids in the neighborhood and even put on shows in his garage. His parents recognized the future magician’s talent early-on and a fateful trip to a magic store in nearby Cleveland fueled his interest even more. “I remember that day very well.” says Richard, “My father bought me professional magic tricks; Scotch and Soda (coin trick), Chick Pan, and the Die Box. I still use them today. From that day on I knew this would be a lifelong interest.” With the help of other local magicians, Richard did his first professional show at age twelve. The interest never faded.

After joining the Air Force at age seventeen, Richard continued practicing magic as a personal hobby. He soon found a public place for his lifelong interest. Richard began performing shows for his military units. He performed at Squadron picnics, Christmas parties, Halloween parties and occasionally at birthday parties. He then branched out beyond these military shows and found a demand for his entertainment “off base”. It then grew to become a part-time job doing shows for Churches, Libraries, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and many more birthday parties. Recognized as a professional magician, he applied and was accepted as a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians in 1992.

Since retiring from the Air Force in 2004, magic has become a full-time profession. Richard continues to develop new and amazing ways to entertain and is always working on that “new trick.” “The shows get bigger and better every year” Richard is currently studying the art of escape. “I want to captivate an audience the way Houdini did.” His other role models are Lance Burton, and Jeff McBride, both noted and respected magicians. Richard currently lives in San Antonio, Texas and is married to former Michigan native Joan Spore. He has three children ages 22, 12 and 8. When asked about his favorite audience, Richard says: “Of all the shows I’ve done, I’d have to say magic is all about entertaining kids... both young and old.”