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United States Ricky Jay was an American stage magician, actor, writer, and celebrated historian of magic, known for his exceptional sleight-of-hand and card manipulation.
Ricky Jay acted in two films directed by Paul Thomas Anderson: "Boogie Nights" (1997) as Kurt Longjohn, and "Magnolia" (1999) as Burt Ramsey/Narrator. His distinctive voice and demeanor were utilized in these roles, notably providing narration for "Magnolia."
Ricky Jay appeared in Christopher Nolan's 2006 film "The Prestige" as Milton, a supporting character in the magician-themed drama. He also served as a technical advisor for the film.
Ricky Jay played the role of Henry Gupta, a henchman to the villain Elliot Carver, in the 1997 James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies."
Ricky Jay appeared in the ABC series "FlashForward" as Ted Flosso/Man in Warehouse, across multiple episodes in 2009-2010.
Ricky Jay co-founded Deceptive Practices with Michael Weber, a consulting company that provided "Arcane Knowledge on a Need-to-Know Basis" to film, television, and stage productions. They offered historical expertise and creative solutions for various production challenges. Notable contributions include designing the wheelchair for Gary Sinise in "Forrest Gump," the glass that "drinks itself" for the gorilla in "Congo," and an illusion for the Broadway production of "Angels in America: Perestroika." They also consulted on films like "The Illusionist," "Sneakers," "Leap of Faith," "Wolf," "The Parent Trap," "I Love Trouble," "The Great Buck Howard," "Heartbreakers," and "Ocean's Thirteen."
Ricky Jay was the subject of an episode of PBS's "American Masters" in 2015, making him the only magician ever profiled in the series. The episode was titled "Ricky Jay: Deceptive Practice."
Ricky Jay appeared in the music video for Bob Dylan's song "Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum," from the album "Love and Theft."
Ricky Jay appeared in the video for the Jerry Garcia and David Grisman single "The Thrill Is Gone," which is available on the DVD of the Grateful Dawg documentary.
Ricky Jay starred in the Joseph Papp production of "Midsummer Night's Dream" at the New York Shakespeare Festival.
Ricky Jay, born Richard Jay Potash on June 26, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York City, developed an early interest in magic, influenced by his grandfather, an amateur magician. He made his public debut at the age of seven on the television program “Time for Pets” in 1953. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, while intermittently attending Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, Jay cultivated a reputation among magic enthusiasts for his intricate sleight-of-hand techniques, particularly with cards. He gained recognition for performing his magic acts in unconventional venues, including comedy clubs and opening for rock bands like Ike and Tina Turner at New York’s Electric Circus.
Jay’s career diversified into acting, writing, and historical research. He was frequently cast by director David Mamet in films such as “House of Games” (1987), “The Spanish Prisoner” (1997), and “Redbelt” (2008), and Mamet also directed three of Jay’s one-man stage shows. His acting credits also include notable roles in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Boogie Nights” (1997) and “Magnolia” (1999), as well as Christopher Nolan’s “The Prestige” (2006). Jay’s expertise in conjuring and deception extended to his work as a technical consultant for numerous Hollywood productions, where he provided specialized knowledge for illusions and con games.
Beyond his performance and acting career, Jay was a respected author and collector of historical magic artifacts. He penned eleven books, including “Cards as Weapons” (1977) and “Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women” (1986). His deep historical knowledge led him to lecture at prestigious institutions such as Princeton University, Brown University, and Harvard University, and curate exhibitions on various subjects related to magic and unusual entertainments. Jay’s enduring legacy is highlighted by “Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay,” a documentary film about his life and career, and his distinction as the only magician ever profiled in PBS’s “American Masters” series.
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