Dec. 7th, 1981 UPI Article-“Magic Abounds at Doug Henning Wedding”

Today’s post is a quick article detailing the December 6th, 1981 wedding of Doug and Debby in Fairfield, Iowa. While, many of us have probably seen the handful of photos that exist out there of the event, the details of the actual day remain elusive at best.  Finding this article from the news service UPI…

CBS Morning News: Doug and Maria Shriver

The above clip ties in nicely with the “BBC History of Magic” post that I had put up a couple days ago. In fact, it’s an expanded version of an interview clip featured within that original special’s segment on Doug.  Found now on Bill Green’s You Tube Channel, Doug performs a whimsical illusion with a…

1986 Doug and Debby Performance from the Chip Romero Collection

The above footage comes from the collection of Chip Romero, and was recently featured on the You Tube Channel “Magical Women with Connie Boyd.” The footage itself was taken at a 1986 St. Charles, Illinois performance. In it, Doug and Debby perform a whimsical and reworked version of the famed “Disembodied Prince” illusion to the…

Vegetarian Times Cover Story-Feb. 1985

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope your holiday season went spectacularly, and we’re all rested and ready for what 2022 has in store. Here’s hoping for good things as the website enters its fifth year! The above cover is one I sadly don’t have the article for. The magazine itself was up for auction last…

Wonder Whims TV Commercial

Hey everyone sorry for the long delay in posts. I’ll be easing back into things this week. So, I appreciate your patience, and let’s get back to things with a bang! A Wonder Whims bang if you will.  I don’t think I need to go into the history of the Wonder Whims here. Only, this…

1987 Touring Program: Part One

Years and years ago (okay only four), when I began this website I featured Doug’s original 1987 tour program. The only problem was at the time I didn’t have a proper scanner to show off how great the program truly is. At the time, I used my IPhone, and it shows. So, I’ve always wanted…

“Doug and Tiger” Alternative Photo

Now, it’s par for the course that you have seen the above photograph. Everyone has, as its one of the best 1980s photos I think there is of Doug. But, did you know there is an alternative version? No, I didn’t either until recently. See if you can spot the change! Okay, well maybe it…

Metamorphosis from “Magic on Broadway” Special!

Previously I posted Doug doing “Metamorphosis” in the filmed version of “The Magic Show.” However, something I like to do if possible is present Doug performing alternative versions of his illusions. With 1982’s “Magic on Broadway,” that is exactly what  we get. A stand out for me is the historical background sprinkled in the introduction…

Doug and Debby Orlando T.M. Center Poster Autographs

The above poster comes from a recent purchase I made. While Doug and Debby signed a lot of autographs, this one was dedicated to the Orlando T.M. center that was open at the time.  When it closed, everything in the center was eventually disposed of over time. However, this unique poster survived through a keen…

Doug and Debby Veda Land Promotional Photo

The above photo comes from an article primarily focusing on the Maharishi and his practices. However, for today’s post I decided to focus on the most interesting part…Doug and Debby unique publicity photo. Aside from the model of “Veda Land” itself, the photo has an interesting mirror effect as its backdrop. However, if you look…

The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club

It just dawned on me that it wouldn’t be a proper Doug Henning website without mentioning “The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club”out of Hamilton, Ontario. The club itself was founded in 1927, but was officially designated by the International Brotherhood of Magicians as chapter “I.B.M 49” in 1947.  While attending McMaster University, Doug himself was…

Sundays with Doug, Debby, and a Puppet

To lighten up your Sunday afternoon, I thought I would post this true 1980s gem of a picture.  Whether this is a Wonder Whim or a distant cousin, the memory of its penetrating stare will certainly stay with you for a lifetime.   Special Thanks to Michael Whitecar  

1985 All-Stars of Magic Charity Event Photo

The 1985 picture is certainly one of the more famous pictures in terms of magic all-stars. Organized by Lance Burton and Fielding West, this one night only event featured a who’s who of magic to raise money for hunger in Africa. No one can argue that this photo certainly captured a rare moment in time that…

Rare Doug, Debby, and Shirley Henning Photo

The above photo was sent to me recently, and what a find it is! The exact year and circumstances are unknown to me, but it certainly is rare to find Doug in such a candid photo with Debby (Left) and his mother Shirley (Right). If anyone knows the background of this photo feel free to…

“Magic on Broadway” Disembodied Head Illusion

Featured above is one of the more amusing moments from Doug’s “Magic on Broadway” special. The banter between Doug and Debby is heavily scripted, but pops with their usual chemistry! Needless to say, I’m skeptical that that was Doug’s real head featured throughout the whole illusion. But, who am I to say? Enjoy!

“World of Magic VII” Newspaper Ad

Hey Guys! Sorry for the delay in posts. I’ve been up to my neck in our current Indiegogo campaign.  Hey, so what better way to take a break with this vintage newspaper advertisement from “World of Magic VII?” The special, as you may remember, starred Doug and his guests Ann Jillian, Kaitlyn Jenner, Billy Crystal,…

Wonder Whim in Original Box

Now everyone in Doug Henning’s “World of Magic” knows what a Wonder Whim is. What you don’t? Well here’s one in its original box. While doing research for the site, I recently stumbled across this gem of 1980s nostalgia tucked safely behind a nearby desk. I’ve talked about Doug’s failed venture into the toy market…

White House Easter Egg Roll Photos

These incredible photos show Doug performing for the “White House Easter Egg Roll” on March 30th, 1986. They give a great candid view of Doug and Debby behind the scenes before and during the performance.  As pictures go, these are certainly a find and one that illustrate how much demand Doug was in well into…

Doug and Debby: Morning Show Hosts!

Who’s up for a Detroit morning show from the 80s with Doug and Debby as fill in hosts?  I’m not sure exactly the history of Kelly and Co. or even how Doug and Debby wound up hosting it. But, every time I think I’ve seen everything there is to see about Doug on You Tube…

Last Tour Program: Part One

This item recently came my way from a magical tool called “Ebay!” Maybe you’ve heard of it? It’s the program from Doug’s last substantial tour, and it’s a really fascinating piece for many reasons. Not least of which are the pictures which are worth the price alone.  It’s sort of a rundown of the Best…

Calgary Sun 1986 Interview- Mr.Magic

It’s Saturday! Are you glad? I am!  What better way to celebrate a Saturday than this interview with Doug from the “Calgary  Sun?” In the piece, Doug discusses (you guessed it) magic, his marriage with Debby, and his thoughts on the concepts of fame and life. It’s a fascinating read. Sorry about the small print. If…

Doug in Chicago 1984

David Sigafus was kind enough to share these articles with me from the October-November 1984 “Chicago Tribune” when Doug was performing at Chicago’s Arie Crown Theater. The article delves into Doug’s creative process with mentions of John Gaughan and Jim Steinmeyer to boot. It’s a fascinating snapshot of what sounded like a great tour.  Now…

Wonder Whims

“Wonder Whims…are they dolls or are they stuffed animals? Surprise, they’re both! And together, they explore the wonders of the world in which they live.” The 1980s were a time of many things. Some good, some great, and some…well. You had Transformers, Muppet Babies, Rainbow Bright, Smurfs, and…Wonder Whims? Yes that’s right you heard me….

Genii Wedding Cover Story

Straight from the archives comes this January, 1982 “Genii” cover story of Doug’s wedding to Debby Douilard. The article is notable for featuring many unknown details of the ceremony that took place at the Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa on December 6, 1982. This was Doug’s second marriage, and as they say, the rest…

Lifestyles of the Rich and Doug!

Today I thought I’d feature a four minute vintage clip of Doug and Debby on the classic 1980s program “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” What’s cool about it is that it gives us a glimpse not only into Doug’s home, but his famed workshop where many of his illusions were developed.  Also, what I…

People Magazine Interview: Part Three

After Falling Under the Spell of Wife Debby, Doug Henning Hopes to Charm Broadway Again (Part.3) He stuck with magic. In 1973, he borrowed $5,000 from his mother and, with a friend, launched a rock musical-cum-magic show called Spellbound in Toronto. That led to his role in The Magic Show. Though one critic hailed him…