NEWS
DAVID BERGLAS
RECEIVES MBE
Orson Welles and David Berglas
David, Dynamo, Marvin Berglas
The magician and mentalist David Berglas, known as the International Man of Mys-
tery, has been awarded an MBE at the age of 92. It is believed to be the first time the
honour has been presented to anyone for their contribution to magic.
Berglas began his career in the 1950s, becoming a household name with his regular
performances on radio and television. He was renowned for creating large stunts,
among them driving a car around London in a blindfold, and hurtling blindfolded
down the Cresta Run.
His version of the Any Card at Any Number routine is known as the Berglas Effect,
with magicians considering it the holy grail of card magic.
Marvin, Paul Romhany, David
Berglas said: “I am delighted to accept this honour – but even more pleased that
the art of magic has at last been recognised. I have spent over 60 years entertain-
ing people in person, on radio and television – ‘reading their minds’ – but I certainly
didn’t see this one coming”. Illusionist Derren Brown hailed Berglas
as “one of our greatest living magical
performers.
Paying tribute to Berglas, who has received a host of international awards, the TV illu-
sionist Derren Brown said: “This honour recognises one of our greatest living magical
performers. Generations of magicians owe him a debt of gratitude. Each of my shows
is indebted to his artistry and astonishing body of work.” “Generations of magicians owe him a debt
of gratitude. Each of my shows is indebted
to his artistry and astonishing body of work.
I thank him for his constant inspiration.” -
Derren Brown
Berglas had his own BBC TV
show, Meet David Berglas,
which was a huge hit, in 1954,
and in the 1980s The Mind Of
David Berglas, on Channel 4,
featured celebrity guests.
He has also been a consultant
on several Bond films.
The Magic Circle first admitted
female members, in 1991, dur-
ing his tenure as president.
He is awarded an MBE in the
New Year Honours List for ser-
vices to magic and psychology.
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