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NewsMyNewsLAOctober 30, 2026Los Angeles County

Escape Artist Houdini II Performs High-Rise Straightjacket Escape Above Magic Castle in Hollywood

Photo: MyNewsLA

Escape artist Houdini II performed a high-rise straightjacket escape suspended nine stories above the Magic Castle in Hollywood without a safety net or protective landing system. The stunt took place on Friday, a day prior to the 100th anniversary of Harry Houdini's death, and was described by organizers as the first live escape by a Black escape artist in front of the venue.

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Read the full story at MyNewsLA

Why It Matters

The stunt marks a notable milestone for public entertainment and Black representation in professional magic, drawing spectators to a historic Hollywood landmark ahead of a major historical milestone.

Key Facts

  • Escape artist Houdini II performed a high-rise straightjacket escape suspended about nine stories above the Magic Castle in Hollywood.
  • The stunt was executed without an airbag or protective landing system.
  • Organizers noted it was the first live escape by a Black escape artist in front of the Magic Castle.
  • The performance occurred on Friday, a day before the 100th anniversary of Harry Houdini's death.
  • Houdini II's past stunts include jumping into Biscayne Bay from Miami's MacArthur Bridge and escaping from a submerged wooden box.
  • Harry Houdini was born Erik Weisz in Budapest and died in Detroit on Oct. 31, 1926, at age 52 from peritonitis.
  • Houdini II recently finished a 10-month tour promoting his documentary, 'Houdini II: A Beautiful Day to Die,' with stops in Berlin, London, and the U.S.

Who's Mentioned

locationMacArthur Bridge“Bridge in Miami used for a past stunt.”locationBerlin“City included in Houdini II's documentary tour.”locationBrooklyn“Borough where the Bushwick Film Festival is located.”locationBudapest“Birthplace of Harry Houdini.”locationMiami“City where Houdini II previously performed a MacArthur Bridge jump.”PersonHoudini II“Escape artist who performed the high-rise stunt.”OrganizationBushwick Film Festival“Festival that concluded Houdini II's documentary tour.”locationDetroit“City where Harry Houdini died.”OrganizationNBC4“Media organization that interviewed Houdini II.”locationBiscayne Bay“Body of water where a past stunt occurred.”OrganizationMagic Castle“Location in Hollywood above which the escape took place.”PersonHarry Houdini“Historic escape artist whose 100th anniversary of death preceded the event.”locationLondon“City included in Houdini II's documentary tour.”PersonErik Weisz“Birth name of Harry Houdini.”