Richiardi Jr. (often billed just as Richiardi, and sometimes as Aldo Richiardi), was the stage name of magician Aldo Izquierdo (24 November 1923 – 6 September 1985), who became famous for dramatic and gory stage presentations of classic stage illusions."Richardo, Aldo" in T. A. Waters, ''The Encyclopedia of Magic and Magicians''. NY: Facts on File, 1988 Richiardi was the son of another professional magician, Ricardo Richiardi (1895–1937), who used the stage name Richiardi the Great; his grandfather, who also used the name Richiardi, had been a stage magician as well. He was

Peru , image_flag = Flag of Peru.svg , image_coat = Escudo nacional del Perú.svg , other_symbol = Great Seal of the State , other_symbol_type = National seal , national_motto = "Firm and Happy f ...

vian (although sometimes wrongly described as Brazilian or Argentinian). Richiardi Jr made his name with a series of stage shows featuring versions of established illusions such as sawing through a woman. What made his shows distinctive was that he used fake blood and other techniques to give the impression that he really was cutting or maiming his assistants. In 1949, ''Time'' magazine noted that these shock tactics had made his act one of the top earning stage shows in New York. He continued performing in that city throughout his career, with shows such as ''The Incredible World Of Magic & Illusion'', which ran at The Village Gate in New York in 1978. Richiardi performed the floating "kiddie car" a variation of a well known suspension effect on The Ed Sullivan show which, years later, was used in Doug Henning's successful New York show ''Doug Henning & His World of Magic''. Richiardi made many television appearances, including 24 on

The Ed Sullivan Show ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' is an American television variety show that ran on CBS from June 20, 1948, to March 28, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan. It was replaced in September 1971 by the '' CBS Sunday Night M ...

, the most appearances by any magician on that landmark series. In the 1970s he also starred in his own television show ''Chamber of Horrors'', which was introduced by

Vincent Price Vincent Leonard Price Jr. (May 27, 1911 – October 25, 1993) was an American actor, art historian, art collector and gourmet cook. He appeared on stage, television, and radio, and in more than 100 films. Price has two stars on the Hollywood Wal ...

. On 8 June 2007,

Criss Angel Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos ( el, Χριστόφορος Νικόλαος Σαραντάκος; born December 19, 1967), known professionally as Criss Angel, is an American magician, illusionist and musician. Angel began his career in New ...

stated on ''

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson ''The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson'' is an American late-night talk show hosted by Scottish actor and comedian Craig Ferguson. This was the third iteration of the ''Late Late Show'' franchise, airing from January 3, 2005, to December 19, 2 ...

'' that Richiardi was one of his greatest influences.

References

External links

www.richiardijr.com
– Photos and video of Richiardi Jr. Currently the same site a
Portal de la Magia Peruana

by Lou Lancaster
Union Peruana de Ilusionistas
Peruvian magicians' organisation – includes references to Richiardi. Peruvian magicians 1923 births 1985 deaths Peruvian expatriates in the United States Academy of Magical Arts Magician of the Year winners Academy of Magical Arts Performing Fellowship winners {{peru-bio-stub

References

Further reading

External links