Doug Henning's Kevo

Innovative master illusionist Doug Henning began his fascination with the craft as a shy young boy. His mother bought him his first magic kit, hoping that it would help him to become more outgoing, and by the age of 14, Henning was entertaining at birthday parties.

Thinking that he would become a doctor, Henning studied physiological psychology, but after earning his degree, decided that he should try to make a full-time living from magic. After gaining a grant from the Canadian government, Henning took to the road with the masters of prestidigitation of his day. Once he had learned more of the art and also some showmanship, he put together a show which his friend Ivan Reitman produced. Henning played to sell-out crowds in Toronto and gained the attention of the American entertainment world.

By 1974, Henning was appearing - and disappearing - on a Broadway stage in his own revue, The Magic Show. Annual television specials and more Broadway shows - including the production of Merlin - were to follow, but Henning left show business in 1986 in order to devote himself to learning under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

In 1992, Henning ran for political office in England for the Natural Law Party, which had been formed by the Yogi. Failing to gain a seat, he tried again in 1993, this time in Canada. On a platform of reducing stress, debt, taxes and disease, Henning promoted the notion of yogic flying and meditation. Again he failed to win a seat.

Henning spent a few years developing theme parks, with his latest ambition being Maharishi Veda Land, which he was planning with the Yogi. Before plans could be completed, Henning died of liver cancer on February 7, 2000, at his home in Los Angeles with his wife, Debby, by his side.
Climb to Fame
Famous magician and illusionist
Work History
(c1995) Along with the Yogi, begins developing plans for a theme park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada to be called Maharishi Veda Land, including plans for a levitating building.

(1993) As Senior Vice-President of the Natural Law Party of Canada, runs in the federal election, failing to win in the riding of Rosedale (Toronto area) and ultimately leaving the party.

(1992) As a member of the Natural Law Party, runs for political office in England, but fails to win his seat.

(1986) Leaves show business to study Transcendental Meditation under the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

(1986) Helps design Kingman Island theme park in Washington, DC.

(1985) Consultant to Walt Disney's Company of Imagineers.

(1984) Opens Doug Henning's World of Magic revue on Broadway.

(01/09/1983) Opens on Broadway in the Ivan Reitman production of Merlin.

(1979) Stages the larges magic show in history in Tokyo, Japan.

(1978) Begins appearing at casinos in Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe.

(1977-1978) Tours North American universities lecturing on magic and consciousness raising.

(1977) With Charles Reynolds, writes Houdini: His Legend and His Magic.

(11.1975) First meets the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

(1974-1977) Appears on Broadway in his popular revue The Magic Show.

(1975-1982) Creates annual television specials, Doug Henning's World of Magic.

(1973-1974) After borrowing $5000 from his mother, Henning and a friend put together a show, Spellbound, which plays successfully in Toronto.

(1971) After convincing a Canadian government panel to grant him $4000, goes to the US to study magic under some of the current masters.

(c1966) Works his way through university by performing at small functions.

(1964) Spends the summer playing at nightclubs in the Barbados.

(c1961) Begins performing his magic tricks for money at the age of 14, playing at birthday parties. Advertises in newspapers, "Magician. Have rabbit, will travel."
Awards
Doug Henning has also won numerous Awards