Today’s story comes from Thom Tyre of Tsawwassen, B.C., It paints a rare picture of a young Doug in his high school years. “I went to high school with Doug (OTHS) and we were attending a teen house party with a number of friends. Doug offered to do a couple of illusions, and I volunteered to…
Category: Doug Henning
Close Encounters of the Doug Kind
One of the great parts of running this website are the stories I have been sent via e-mail or Facebook from people that knew Doug. These first hand accounts really open him up in a way that magazine articles, You Tube clips, or books can not. So, for part of the week I’d like to…
Vault Treasures: Part Four
Well, that about takes us to the end of another one! Special thanks to Steve Zigmont for his spectacular collection! For all your effects needs please visit him at: http://www.effectspecialist.com See you next time!
Vault Treasures: Part Three
Hoping for a final Part Four tomorrow? Well, you’re in luck. Same Doug time, same Doug website!
Vault Treasures: Part Two
Welcome back for a just as exciting Part 2 as we continue to look at Steve Zigmont’s collection featuring many items from Doug’s famed NBC specials. Enjoy!
Vault Treasures: Part One
Not long ago retired magician and current effects specialist Steve Zigmont was generous enough to share with me pictures from his extensive collection of “Henning-ana!” Is that a word? Well, it is now. So, if you’ve ever wondered where some of Doug most priceless costumes, props, and posters ended up you are in for a…
Tell Your Stories!
Since starting this website I’ve had many people write me with their personal recollections of meeting Doug. I’ve even been sent many rare and unpublished photos. So, all this has made me think that “The Doug Henning Project” should devote a future week to people’s Doug stories. So, do you have a personal story to…
Merlin Mania!
What you are about to see are two very rough, but very cool commercials for the original production of “Merlin! As mentioned before, Merlin was Doug’s 1982 follow-up to “The Magic Show.” Directed by his old college mate Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters, Stripes, Twins), the show boasted huge production values and illusions. Starring in the title role, Doug led…
The Magic of Minolta!
While not a television appearance in the traditional sense, this 1978 Minolta commercial highlights Doug in a different light: A commercial pitchman! Aside from its obvious kitsch value, the commercial shows how much of a name Doug was at that time. Think about it. Have you ever really seen a magician before or since be a…
The Tonight Show
Not everyone knows that Johnny Carson was a huge lover of magic. As a teen it was his original gateway into show business, and as the years went on he never hesitated to have a variety of magicians on the now legendary “Tonight Show.” Doug was no exception to this rule. The ” Walking Through the Mirror” illusion was…
Doug and Dai
This particular clip, taken from the CBC Archives, seems to be one of the few filmed examples of Dai Vernon teaching Doug. The two had become close friends when Doug traveled from Canada to train with Vernon after being awarded his legendary $5000 performing arts government grant. Their lessons, which took place at “The Magic Castle,”…
Doug on “The Muppet Show!”
For most stars of the 1970s and 80s, it was almost mandated that they appear on Jim Henson’s iconic series “The Muppet Show!” Doug was no exception and, according to John Harrison’s biography “Spellbound,” he took great excitement that Jim Henson called him personally to request he appear. The appearance is notable in that it…
The Five Days of Doug!
The last month of “The Doug Henning Project has been about people that knew, worked with, and admired Doug! Well, since there has been so much talking about Doug, I thought it would be more than appropriate to have Doug do the talking for himself. Over this week I’ll be highlighting some of Doug’s best television appearances….
Pick a Card, any Card!
To cap off the week I thought I’d share this very unique and rare find that a fan from Doug’s hometown of Oakville, Ontario recently sent me. It’s one of Doug’s original business cards from that era, and I feel what really makes it stand out (apart from its historical value) is that Doug refers…
Friday with Doug
What better way to spend your Friday than with some totally random, but spectacular pictures of Doug doing what he did best? Join us next week for our extended round table interview with legendary magic designer John Gaughan and friends. See you then!
Happy 70th Birthday Doug!
Believe it or not, today is May 3rd, Doug Henning’s 70th birthday. So, what better day than today to think about your favorite memory of Doug. Whether it was watching his television specials, seeing a live appearance, being amazed by him on the “Tonight Show,” or maybe even just thinking about some of his memorable 1970s…
Why Doug Henning Matters…
What we know as modern magic would never have existed if it wasn’t for this simple and unassuming Canadian who had the vision to bring magic to the masses in a unique and totally different way. Without his influence on modern pop culture, the idea and concept of the “superstar” magician would never have existed…let […]
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