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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Magician

David Copperfield

David Copperfield is an American stage magician and illusionist born David Seth Kotkin in Metuchen, New Jersey, in 1956.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

David Copperfield is an American stage magician and illusionist born David Seth Kotkin in Metuchen, New Jersey, in 1956. He is known for large-scale televised illusions, storytelling-based performances, and a long-running Las Vegas career. Forbes has described him as the most commercially successful magician in history.

Early life

David Copperfield was born David Seth Kotkin in Metuchen, New Jersey, in 1956. Sources say he started practicing magic young and was performing professionally while still a teenager.

Career

Copperfield became famous through televised illusion specials and large-scale live performances. He is widely associated with a style that blends storytelling, staging, and theatrical magic.

Notable illusions and recognition

He is known for headline illusions such as making the Statue of Liberty appear to vanish. Sources also report major honours including Emmy Awards, Guinness World Records, and a French knighthood.

Public image and influence

Copperfield has been described as one of the best-known and most commercially successful magicians in modern entertainment. His work has influenced later stage magicians and television illusionists.

Key facts

  • Copperfield began performing magic as a child and was active publicly by his early teens.
  • He became widely known through television specials and live stage shows.
  • His performances often combine illusion with narrative storytelling.
  • He has performed some of magic’s best-known illusions, including the apparent disappearance of the Statue of Liberty.
  • He has received major entertainment honours, including a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
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Canadian context

Copperfield has performed internationally and is part of the global stage-entertainment tradition that also includes Canadian audiences and venues, but the provided sources do not identify a uniquely Canadian connection.

Frequently asked questions

Who is David Copperfield?
David Copperfield is an American illusionist and stage magician known for major television specials, large-scale stage illusions, and long-running live performances.
What is David Copperfield’s real name?
His birth name is David Seth Kotkin.
When was David Copperfield born?
He was born on September 16, 1956.
What is David Copperfield best known for?
He is best known for theatrical illusions, especially televised large-scale tricks such as the apparent disappearance of the Statue of Liberty.
How is David Copperfield recognised in entertainment?
Sources report that he has won numerous Emmy Awards, received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and been named a Living Legend by the U.S. Library of Congress.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Copperfield_(illusionist)
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, American stage magician and illusionist, commercial success description
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Copperfield-American-entertainer
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, American entertainer, best-known stage illusionist
  3. Hollywood Walk of Fame — https://walkoffame.com/david-copperfield/
    Supports: Commercial success description, ticket sales, birthplace, Walk of Fame recognition
  4. David Copperfield official biography — https://davidcopperfield.com/iphone/pdf/dc_biography.pdf
    Supports: Birth details, awards, honours, records, career overview
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004518/bio/
    Supports: Emmy Awards, Guinness World Records, major honours, career description