JEFF
CHRISTENSEN
M
agic has been a thread running
like a roller coaster through
Jeff Christensen’s life. The 2018
Inspirational Canadian Magician
of the Year has experienced all the
highs, lows and disorienting turns
that this carnival ride can throw at him and he is still
smiling.
In typical roller coaster fashion, his ride began with a
slow climb from a low spot. Born in the early 1960s in
Vancouver, Canada, Jeff did not, as he puts it, “win the
parent lottery”. In fact, he was eventually adopted by
his grandparents when his parents were not able to
care for him. His father was a bookie and gambler who
often took toddler Jeff with him when working. This was
Jeff’s introduction to gambling and playing cards and,
despite the shady characters that were always around,
he learned a lot. Always a keen observer, Jeff noticed that
his dad rarely lost and he suspected that this was not
because he was miraculously lucky.
In High School, Jeff found a more positive magical
inspiration in his favourite teacher, when the aptly
named Mr. Best showed him a card trick. Jeff went
away and learned what he thought was a similar trick,
but greatly impressed Mr. Best when Jeff repeatedly
demonstrated his classic force prowess.
As he grew older, Jeff began to spend more time with
his extended family, enjoying afternoons chatting and
hanging out with his aunt and uncle. When they took
Jeff along with them to the local dog pound to choose
a pet, he wanted to help find them the best one. Turned
out finding the perfect pet wouldn’t be an issue, as they
immediately found an adorable dog: cute, well-behaved,
perfect for the family. Unfortunately, however, they
hadn’t been the only ones eyeing the pooch, as several
other families were also vying to take the dog home.
The pound staff invited the families inside and a deck
of cards was brought out. Whoever cut the highest card
would win. Jeff shuffled the deck, for luck of course, and
then culled and cut an Ace he had controlled. His aunt
rejoiced at his luck but instead of feeling victorious, the
8 JANUARY | 2020