the amazing jonathan

Detroit, Michigan Occupation Comedian, Magician, Actor Spouse(s) Sandra Szeles (1995? - 2000) [divorced] Website

www.amazingj.com

John Edward Szeles, (born September 9, 1958 in Detroit, Michigan), better known by the stage name The Amazing Johnathan, is an American stand-up comedian/magician. His act is mostly composed of hijinks, interaction with one specific audience member and a few legitimate magic tricks which often fail to comic effect. Self-described as the "Freddy Krueger of Comedy",[1] Szeles usually performs wearing his omnipresent headband and his shows frequently use gore for comedic effect. He is also good friends with fellow performer Criss Angel, and has helped Angel perform a variety of illusions, most notably during his three guest appearances on Mindfreak.

Szeles, who began his career performing in the streets of San Francisco,[2] first appeared on television in The 8th Annual Young Comedians Show in 1983 and later went on to become the host of the short-lived 1991 syndicated variety/game show Ruckus. He appeared on various talk and variety shows from the mid-80s to mid 2000s. His only credited performance as an actor was The Obligatory Holiday Episode of The Weird Al Show (playing the part of Uncle Johnathan). The 2005 documentary The Aristocrats was his last major performance until November 18, 2006 where he had a one-hour special on Comedy Central entitled "Wrong on Every Level."

Szeles has also authored a how-to book on practical jokes titled Every Trick in the Book, a compilation of both classic practical jokes and plain magic tricks, along with his own original material in both categories. He is currently finishing up his memoirs.

In March 2007 it was reported that Szeles was diagnosed with "a serious heart condition".[3] The performer's website identified the condition as cardiomyopathy and went on to assert that, due to a combination of weight loss and blood thinners, he was doing well and did not intend to retire.

As of 2008, Szeles was performing regular shows in Las Vegas at the Harmon Theater.

Notes ^ Blowen, Michael (1998-04-17). "Pauly Shore, Part 2: The grown-up years?", The Boston Globe. Retrieved on 9 November 2008. "The Amazing Jonathan, the self-proclaimed Freddie Krueger of Comedy, is at the Comedy Palace at Grill 93 off Route 93 in Andover tonight and tomorrow night." ^ "Best bets 1/18", Los Angeles Times (Orange County edition) (2001-01-18), p. F.2. Retrieved on 9 November 2008. "A San Francisco street performer in the '70s, the Amazing Jonathan ..." ^ Weatherford, Mike (March 8, 2007). "Amazing Johnathan to bid farewell", Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved on 7 June 2007.

Sources The Amazing Johnathan at the Internet Movie Database

External links Official site The Amazing Johnathan's Car Collection Interview at celebritycafe Video Of The Amazing Jonathan Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amazing_Johnathan"