Jay Owenhouse

Jay Owenhouse (born August 10, 1963) is an American illusionist[1][2] who operates the second largest touring magic show in the United States.[3] He is known for his work with tigers[4] and his performances of famous illusions originally done by Harry Houdini. Notably he has performed a version of the Suspended Straitjacket Escape with the addition of spiked jaws that slam shut after two minutes.[5]

Jay Owenhouse
Born (1963-08-10) August 10, 1963
Alameda County, California, U.S.
Occupation
  • Illusionist
Parent(s)James W. Owenhouse
Ella May Owenhouse

Early life and education

Owenhouse was born in Alameda County, California, to James W. Owenhouse[6] and Ella May Owenhouse (née Wilcox) on August 10, 1963.[7] At four years old, Owenhouse saw a magician perform for the first time at a birthday party. He performed his first show at age 14, and soon after, he met his friend and mentor, magician Doug Henning.[2] Jay's early experience with magic grew into a passion for the craft and, as a teenager growing up in northern California, Owenhouse began performing magic shows of his own at shopping malls, elementary schools and birthday parties.[8]

After finishing high school, Owenhouse moved to Bozeman, Montana, to attend Montana State University[9] where he studied psychology and began designing his own illusions.[8] While attending college, Owenhouse met his future wife Susan Daines, whom he married on July 24, 1987.[10] Following his graduation from Montana State University in 1990, Owenhouse founded Owenhouse & Associates to pursue a career in magic.[9]

Television appearances

Owenhouse has appeared on Fox's Magic on the Edge, where he performed his Water Torture Cell illusion,[11] and the original Masters of Illusion TV series with Harry Blackstone Jr.[12][13]

Personal life

Owenhouse lives in Bozeman, Montana, with his four children, John, Peter, Juliana and Christina, and two tigers, Sheena and Shekinah. His wife of 22 years, Susan Daines, sister of United States Senator Steve Daines, died of primary sclerosis cholangitis on April 13, 2009.[10]

References
  1. Lopez, Rich (September 22, 2016). "Jay Owenhouse knows exactly why magic is making a comeback". No. Weekender. Midland Reporter-Telegram. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
  2. "Legendary Locals of Bozeman". Phillips, Rachel. Legendary Locals of Bozeman. Mount Pleasant, SC: Ardcadia, 2016.
  3. Steinmeyer, Jim (November 1993). "Jay Owenhouse: Magic On The Road". Magic Magazine.
  4. Cusack, Carmen M. (September 1, 2016). "Save the WhiteTiger". Journal of Law & Social Deviance. 12 (1): 42. SSRN 2856314.
  5. "Jay Owenhouse dares Utah audiences to believe in magic, themselves." The Salt Lake Tribune. 19 February 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  6. "James Wilson Owenhouse Obituary". The Bozeman Daily Chronicle. 8 December 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
  7. "The Birth of John Owenhouse". Californiabirthindex.org. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
  8. "Keeping Magic Alive". The Spokesman-Review. 27 September 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  9. "Five Montana Family Businesses Recognized for their Achievements September 26." www.montana.edu. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
  10. "Susan Marie Owenhouse (1966-2009) Obituary." The Bozeman Daily Chronicle. 17 April 2009. Retrieved January 19 January 2015.
  11. "Jay Owenhouse Water Torture Cell"
  12. "Magician Jay Owenhouse dares audiences to believe' Rapid City Journal. 12 February 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  13. "Illusionist Jay Owenhouse to perform in Billings on April 30" Billings Gazette. 31 March 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2016.
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