David Copperfield

David Copperfield is world famous for his magic. Thousands of people see him perform each year. He is most famous for illusions like making the Statue of Liberty disappear, walking through the Great Wall of China, and levitating (or floating) over the Grand Canyon!

Copperfield, born David Kotkin to Russian immigrants, first became interested in magic as a little boy, watching his grandfather perform card tricks. A shy boy, he gave his first magic performance at age 12. Copperfield used his ability to perform magic tricks as a way to overcome his shyness.

By age 16, Copperfield was teaching a magic course at New York University had become the youngest member ever admitted to the Society of American Magicians.

Copperfield not only uses his magic to entertain, but also to help those in need. In 1982, he founded Project Magic—a rehabilitation program to help disabled patients relearn dexterity skills. These are skills that allow people to have graceful, fluid physical movements, especially in their hands. He founded the program—now in over 1,000 hospitals—with hopes of improving patients' self-esteem as well as their physical skills.

"Learning magic can help them learn a variety of skills," said Copperfield in an interview. "It's fun and challenging."

Throughout his career, Copperfield has saved props and other materials used in his magic tricks. His collection—known as the International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts—is in Las Vegas, Nevada.