His training in magic helped him expose frauds that scientists and academics could not. In the 1920s, Harry became interested in the occult, specifically in debunking mediums and psychics.

In addition, Harry showed interest in the field of aviation and was the first person to ever fly over Australian soil. Years later, Harry would receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In his later years, Harry took his talent to the film arena, where he both acted and started his own film laboratory called The Film Development Corporation. Eventually, Harry was able to accomplish his dream of having a full show dedicated to his magic. After making his name in America, Harry toured Europe, where he expanded his repertoire by escaping from straitjackets and coffins. Harry was even given certificates from various wardens for escaping from their prisons. Through the years, Houdini gained fame after repeatedly escaping from police handcuffs and jails. He soon married and joined a circus where he began to develop and perfect his escape tricks. By the age of twenty, Harry had been performing small acts throughout New York. At 17, Ehrich, now known as Harry Houdini, left his family to pursue his magic career. Harry is simply an Americanized version of his nickname, Ehrie. As a stage name, Ehrich Weiss became Harry Houdini by adding an ìiî to the last name of his idol, French magician Robert Houdin. Nothing is known of his year away from his family.Ībout this time, Ehrich and his brother Theo began to pursue an interest in magic. A year later her returned to New York and continued to help support his family by working as a messenger, necktie cutter, and photography assistant. He billed himself, 'Ehrich, the Prince of the Air.' At 12, Ehrich hopped a freight car and ran away from home. On October 28, 1883, nine year old Ehrich made his first appearance on stage, performing a trapeze act. During his early years, Ehrich sold newspapers and shined shoes to help support the family. The family moved to Milwaukee when Ehrich was eight years old. In 1876, the remainder of the family joined him in the United States. He found work as a rabbi and changed his last name to Weiss.

In 1876, Mayer Weisz immigrated to the United States with the dream of a better life.

He was one of six children and the son of Rabbi Mayer Weisz and his second wife, Cecilia Steiner. Harry Houdini was born on Main Budpest, Hungary, with the name of Ehrich Weisz.

Houdini straight jacket escape