Obit: Ricky Jay (1946-2018) Master of Illusion

Subject: Obit: Ricky Jay (1946-2018) Master of Illusion
From: robomatic
Date: 03 Dec 18 - 08:53 PM

He has a name that might pass as a music performer but I suspect this memorial belongs 'below the line' as I do not think he was a player nor singer. But he was memorable. Very.

I was sad to learn that Ricky Jay passed away last week. I have been aware of him for over twenty years. He has been in many television shows and movies as an accessory player, often based on his expertise which includes but is not limited to magic and card playing particularly involving manual dexterity. He has been a subject/ producer of several interesting movies, specials, and documentaries such as "Ricky Jay and his 52 Assistants".

He has been profiled in The New Yorker

His obit in The New York Times

As remembered by David Mamet

Among the great or very interesting movies he has been in are: Magnolia, The Prestige, Boogie Nights, State and Main, The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky. He appeared in many series such as X Files and Deadwood. You may have seen and remembered him without knowing his name or how interesting he was as a fount of arcane information.

All by himself he was a library, and as a performer he was all by himself a large body of talent.

Last night the Simpsons had a memorial to him where a show vanity card would be placed.