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After a life-time of travelling the world, entertaining and mystifying millions of people, it’s a pleasure to share some of my extraordinary encounters and adventures with you.

It is really a privilege to be in this strange business of being a performer and lecturer, as it enables you to see places and meet characters that it would normally be impossible to experience. (Did I say nothing is impossible ?).

The range is astounding – from street parties and Northern Working Men’s Clubs to Mansions and Palaces. From a dingy nightclub in Nairobi to a glittering cabaret spot in Las Vegas.

On some of the world’s largest and luxurious Cruise liners you get to meet and often befriend a variety of people that have surprising and unexpected stories. 

Also my showbusiness friends range from some of the most talented variety acts to big stars that are household names.

But the most rewarding part is coming home to my family after an exhausting, but exhilarating tour.

My lovely wife, Ruth (we’ve been married for 64 years as I write) has been looking after me all this time – making sure that I look my best every time I appear in public. When we met in 1953 she was an actress, appearing on stage and in a number of television series, one with Boris Karloff and in films, including “The King in New York”, written, produced and starring the one and only Charlie Chaplin. She is very creative, designing and making intricate head decorations, is a passionate gardener and a talented painter.

We were blessed to have three happy, healthy and loving children. Throughout their lives they were all really close and shared many positive attributes from Ruth and I, such as being sporty, passionate, positive, creative, fun-loving and always remaining family orientated. They all worked hard but played harder and grew up to be loving parents themselves, each with two kids of their own – our 6 amazing grandchildren – Max, Lucy, Matt, Jack, Lauren and Richie.

Our oldest son, Peter was an all-rounder – a really talented sportsman – a respected leader in business with great motivational, admin and organisational skills. He very sadly passed away, far too young aged 55, from a brain tumour in 2013 but left his unmistaken imprint on all who knew him.  

His brother Marvin did eventually end up in the world of magic, an accomplished magician himself, however, not wishing to be drawn into direct comparison with his father’s unique style, he opted for a different path. In 1987 he created arguably the best known brand in magic – Marvin’s Magic – which has since gone from strength to strength and has been responsible for encouraging literally millions of young magicians all around the world.

Peter and Marvin were only a year apart and grew up like twins and best friends. They were always proud and protective of their little sister Irena, who being about 10 years younger, has always remained the loveable baby sister. She is both artistic and theatrical and is always ready to help anyone in need, whoever they might be. 

I am very lucky that in this precarious and uncertain profession my family has always remained close and supportive, which has enabled me to have such a long and rewarding career, probably also helped by my motto, which has always been

“Nothing is Impossible” – not only in the world of magic but in everyday life.

 

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 David Berglas

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