# Who is the best magician or illusionist turned actor?

> Stage legends and street magic stars who brought their showmanship to film and TV — from silent-era pioneers to modern-day mentalists. Who cast the best spell on screen?

*By YPB Team · Published April 10, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-magician-or-illusionist-turned-actor*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Harry Houdini**
   Legendary escape artist who starred in silent films including The Master Mystery and The Grim Game.
2. **Ricky Jay**
   Master sleight-of-hand artist who acted in Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Deadwood, and House of Games.
3. **Penn Jillette**
   Outspoken half of Penn & Teller who acted in Penn & Teller Get Killed and numerous TV roles.
4. **Teller**
   Silent half of Penn & Teller who has acted in and directed multiple films and TV episodes.
5. **David Copperfield**
   The world's most commercially successful magician who appeared in Terror Train and TV specials.
6. **Criss Angel**
   Mindfreak star who appeared in various TV shows and films including CSI and Las Vegas.
7. **David Blaine**
   Street magic pioneer who has appeared in various TV shows and specials as an actor.
8. **Doug Henning**
   Canadian magician who revolutionized magic on Broadway and appeared in television specials.
9. **Uri Geller**
   Israeli mentalist famous for spoon bending who appeared in numerous films and TV shows worldwide.
10. **Derren Brown**
   British psychological illusionist who has appeared in acting roles across UK television.
11. **Channing Pollock**
   Suave stage magician from the 1950s who starred in European films including Rocambole.
12. **Siegfried Fischbacher**
   German-American magician of Siegfried & Roy who appeared in TV specials and Father of the Pride.
13. **The Amazing Kreskin**
   Mentalist who appeared in numerous TV shows and films throughout a six-decade career.

Tags: movies, celebrities, actors