Joseph Dunninger, unknown date
On this day, April 28th, 1892 Joseph Dunninger was born in New York City. Dunninger was one of the most famous Mentalists of his day. Mentalism is a performance art where individuals demonstrate highly developed mental or intuitive abilities. Those who are clairvoyant or psychic as well as mediums are considered Mentalists. Dunninger was in demand for private entertainment and by the time he was 17 he was invited to perform at the home of Theodore Roosevelt in Oyster Bay.
Dunninger traveled in notable circles and was friends with Harry Houdidni, Francis Martinka and The Shadow author, Walter B. Gibson. It has been said that Dunninger was a model for The Shadow, a popular character in the 1930's who used his psychic abilities to fight crime. The Shadow appeared on radio dramas, in pulp magazines and later on comic books. Dunninger was also a pioneer of performers who practiced magic on radio and television shows. His radio career began in 1943 and he was frequently on television during the 1950s and 1960s.
Dunninger traveled in notable circles and was friends with Harry Houdidni, Francis Martinka and The Shadow author, Walter B. Gibson. It has been said that Dunninger was a model for The Shadow, a popular character in the 1930's who used his psychic abilities to fight crime. The Shadow appeared on radio dramas, in pulp magazines and later on comic books. Dunninger was also a pioneer of performers who practiced magic on radio and television shows. His radio career began in 1943 and he was frequently on television during the 1950s and 1960s.
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