Episode 476. William Lance Burton-Renowned American/Las Vegas Master Magician

Lance Burton is a renowned American magician celebrated for his mastery of sleight-of-hand and grand illusions.

Born on March 10, 1960, in Columbia, Kentucky, Burton began his fascination with magic at a young age and became one of the most respected figures in the world of magic.

His career spanned decades, marked by groundbreaking performances, prestigious awards, and long-running shows that captivated millions.

Early Career and Breakthrough

• First Performance: At age 5, he attended a magic show, sparking his interest in magic.
• Teenage Years: He honed his skills performing at local events and later joined the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
• National Recognition: In 1980, he won the “Gold Medal for Excellence” from the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
• World Championship: In 1982, he became the first American to win the Grand Prix award at the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM), a prestigious competition often considered the Olympics of magic.

Las Vegas Stardom

• Early Vegas Years: Burton was discovered by magician and entertainer Johnny Thompson, who helped him land a spot in the “Folies Bergère” show at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas.
• Headlining Shows: He eventually headlined his show at the Hacienda Hotel, where he performed to packed audiences.

The Lance Burton Theatre

• Monte Carlo Hotel: In 1996, Burton signed a historic 13-year contract with the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, where a custom-built, 1,274-seat Lance Burton Theatre was constructed.
• It became one of the most significant stages in Las Vegas and was tailored to showcase Burton’s signature illusions.
• Record-breaking Performances: Burton performed over 15,000 shows at the Monte Carlo to more than 5 million fans, solidifying his reputation as a world-class entertainer.

Television and Media Appearances

• Television Specials: Burton starred in several television specials, including “Lance Burton: Master Magician” and “The Legend Begins,” which introduced his magic to a global audience.
• Guest Appearances: He frequently appeared on talk shows and variety shows, such as “The Tonight Show” and “Late Night with David Letterman.”

Awards and Honors

• Magician of the Year: Received the title twice from the Academy of Magical Arts.
• Hollywood Walk of Fame: Honored with a star on the Walk of Fame for his contributions to entertainment.
• Magic Awards: Burton earned numerous accolades for his contributions to the art of magic, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Magic Seminar.

Retirement

• End of Vegas Residency: 2010 Burton ended his residency at the Monte Carlo, retiring from full-time performing.
• His final show marked the end of an era for one of the most celebrated magic acts in Las Vegas history!

Legacy

• Educator and Advocate: Post-retirement, Burton continued to mentor young magicians and contributed to the magic community through lectures and appearances.
• Documentary: His life and career were chronicled in documentaries that celebrated his influence on the art of magic.

Lance Burton’s career is distinguished by his dedication to the craft, innovative illusions, and ability to inspire wonder in audiences worldwide.

His contributions have left an indelible mark on the history of magic!