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{{Short description|American illusionist and extreme performer (born 1977)}}
{{Infobox Celebrity
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
|name= David Blaine
{{Use American English|date=May 2016}}
|image=
{{Infobox person
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1973|4|4}}
| name = David Blaine
|height= 6'1"
| image = David Blaine by David Shankbone.jpg
|birth_place=[[Brooklyn, New York]]
| caption =David Blaine in 2008
| birth_name = David Blaine White
|occupation=[[Illusionist]], [[stunt performer]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1973|4|4}}
| birth_place = [[New York City]], U.S.
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* [[Magic (illusion)|Illusionist]]
* [[endurance art]]ist
}}
| years_active = 1997{{ndash}}present
| partner = Alizée Guinochet (2008–2014)
| children = 1
| module = {{Infobox YouTube personality|embed=yes
| channel_display_name = David Blaine
| channel_handle = DavidBlaine
| years_active = 2005–present
| genre = {{flatlist|
* Magic
* Stunts}}
| subscribers = 1.84 million
| views = 326 million
| stats_update = January 27, 2024
}}
| signature = [[File:David-Blaine.svg|100px]]
| website = {{official website}}
}}
 
'''David Blaine''' (born '''David Blaine White'''; April 4, 1973)<ref name=biography.com>{{cite web|url= https://www.biography.com/performer/david-blaine|title=David Blaine Biography (1973–)|publisher=[[Biography.com]]| access-date=August 12, 2020|archive-date=June 20, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200620150422/https://www.biography.com/performer/david-blaine|url-status=live}}</ref> is an American magician, [[mentalist]], and [[Endurance art|endurance performer]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/dec/12/david-blaine-beyond-magic | title=Put the shotgun down, David Blaine: The real magic is your audience's reactions &#124; David Blaine &#124; the Guardian | website=[[TheGuardian.com]] | date=December 12, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.esquireme.com/culture/film-and-tv/47654-top-david-blaine-stunts-will-terrify-mere-mortals | title=Top David Blaine stunts will terrify mere mortals &#124; Esquire Middle East – the Region's Best Men's Magazine | newspaper=Esquire Middle East – the Region's Best Men's Magazine | date=August 31, 2020 | access-date=March 20, 2024 | archive-date=March 20, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320012255/https://www.esquireme.com/culture/film-and-tv/47654-top-david-blaine-stunts-will-terrify-mere-mortals | url-status=live }}</ref> Born in [[New York City]], Blaine became interested in magic at a very young age. He gained prominence in 1997, when his first television special, ''David Blaine: Street Magic'', aired on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]. That year, he also appeared in ''Magic Man''. He later starred in the television specials ''David Blaine: Real or Magic'' (2013), ''Beyond Magic'' (2016), and ''The Magic Way'' (2020).
'''David Blaine''' (born '''David Blaine White''' on [[April 4]], [[1973]] in [[Brooklyn, New York]], [[USA]]) is an American [[illusionist]] and [[stunt performer]]. He made his name as a performer of street and close-up magic. His father was Spanish-Puerto Rican and his mother, Patrice White, was of Jewish and Russian origin.
 
Known for his dangerous stunts, in 2008 he attempted to break the [[Guinness World Record]] for [[Apnea|breath holding]]. He succeeded in holding his breath for 17 minutes 4 seconds, setting a new world record for oxygen assisted static apnea. He is the author of ''[[Mysterious Stranger|Mysterious Stranger: A Book of Magic]]'' (2002), an autobiography and [[armchair treasure hunt]] with instructions on performing magic tricks.
==Magic career, stunt artist==
===''Street Magic''===
 
== Early life ==
David Blaine began his career by bringing [[street magic]] to the public, performing [[card tricks]] and illusions such as [[levitation]] or bringing dead flies back to life. He used a small camera crew to record his act live in front of everyday people providing the basis for his television specials, ''[[David Blaine: Street Magic]]'' and ''[[David Blaine: Magic Man]]''. His first television special, ''David Blaine: Street Magic'' influenced the way magic is performed and portrayed on television. With its strong focus on spectators' reactions and showmanship, Blaine entertained unsuspecting pedestrians without the use of the typical magic props used by other magicians.
Blaine was born David Blaine White on April 4, 1973, in [[Brooklyn]], [[New York City]], the son of a single mother,<ref name="biography.com" /> Patrice White, a teacher who was of [[Russian Jews|Russian Jewish]] ancestry, and father William Perez, who is a [[Vietnam War]] veteran of Puerto Rican and Italian descent.<ref name="Scotsman">{{cite news |url= http://www.scotsman.com/news/life-s-a-magic-box-of-tricks-1-665333 |title=Life's a magic box of tricks |newspaper=[[The Scotsman]]|___location=Scotland|date=September 20, 2003 |access-date=December 17, 2013|archive-date=March 31, 2019| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190331192554/https://www.scotsman.com/news/life-s-a-magic-box-of-tricks-1-665333|url-status=live}}</ref> <!--the son of Patrice Maureen White (1946{{ndash}}1995),<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JT1L-QZF|title=Maureen P. Bukalo|publisher=[[Social Security Death Index]]|via=[[FamilySearch.org]]|access-date=August 12, 2020}}</ref>-->
 
When Blaine was four years old, he saw a magician performing [[Magic (illusion)|magic]] on the subway. This sparked a lifelong interest for him.<ref name="David Blaine">{{cite web|url=https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1809150070/bio |title=David Blaine |publisher=Yahoo! Movies |access-date=September 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526050747/http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1809150070/bio |archive-date=May 26, 2011 }}</ref> He was raised by his mother and attended a [[Montessori school]] in Brooklyn. They later moved to [[Little Falls, New Jersey]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/through-the-plexiglass-darkly-david-blaine-exposes-britains-nasty-underbelly-50phhkgbdsx|last=Finn|first=Holly|title=Through the Plexiglass darkly: David Blaine exposes Britain's nasty underbelly|newspaper=[[The Times]]|date=September 25, 2003|page=20|archive-date=October 1, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201001165509/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/through-the-plexiglass-darkly-david-blaine-exposes-britains-nasty-underbelly-50phhkgbdsx|access-date=October 1, 2020}}{{subscription required}}</ref><!--site is live, but archived version contains full story--> where he attended [[Passaic Valley Regional High School]].<ref name="Newsday">{{cite news|url=https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/the-art-of-wonder-from-performing-death-defying-stunts-to-launching-readers-of-his-new-book-on-an-old-fashioned-treasure-hunt-david-blaine-delights-in-surprises-1.296978|last=Behrens|first=David|title=The Art of Wonder|newspaper=[[Newsday]]|___location=New York City / Long Island|date=November 7, 2002|access-date=September 18, 2007|quote=Later, they moved to [[Little Falls, New Jersey]], where he attended Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls.|archive-date=November 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105112127/https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/the-art-of-wonder-from-performing-death-defying-stunts-to-launching-readers-of-his-new-book-on-an-old-fashioned-treasure-hunt-david-blaine-delights-in-surprises-1.296978|url-status=live}}</ref>
===''Premature Burial''===
 
According to one account, his mother developed cancer when Blaine was 15 and died when he was 20.<ref name="Newsday" /> According to another, "When Blaine was 21, his mother was stricken with cancer and passed away in 1994."<ref name="biography.com" /> When Blaine was 17 years old, he moved to [[Manhattan]], New York City.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.magicdirectory.com/blaine/biography.shtml |title=David Blaine: the Man, the Magician |publisher=Magic Directory |access-date=September 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504212734/http://www.magicdirectory.com/blaine/biography.shtml |archive-date=May 4, 2009 }}</ref>
Beginning on [[April 5]], [[1999]], Blaine spent seven days buried inside a glass coffin at the bottom of an open pit in front of a [[New York City]] building provided to him by [[Donald Trump]]. Water was poured in, filling the hole, before an [[acrylic glass]] top was placed over it as a cover. The surrounding area was covered in dirt. Passers by could watch him 24 hours a day. He emerged on [[April 12]] on schedule. In a homemade video, a [[shadow]] on top of the coffin forms a [[cross]], which Blaine comments on in his book.
 
===''FrozenStunts inand Time''=specials==
===''Street Magic'' (1997) and ''Magic Man'' (1998)===
On May 19, 1997, Blaine's first television special, ''David Blaine: Street Magic'', aired on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasobserver.com/arts/want-to-know-how-david-blaine-does-that-stuff-dont-hold-your-breath-7083351|title=Want to Know How David Blaine Does That Stuff? (Don't Hold Your Breath)|last=Liner|first=Elaine|date=January 13, 2012|website=Dallas Observer|access-date=March 9, 2020|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112034300/https://www.dallasobserver.com/arts/want-to-know-how-david-blaine-does-that-stuff-dont-hold-your-breath-7083351|url-status=live}}</ref> "It really, really does break new ground," said [[Penn Jillette]] of [[Penn & Teller]].<ref>[http://bigthink.com/ideas/20805 What Will Magic Be Like in the Future?] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100712223633/http://bigthink.com/ideas/20805 |date=July 12, 2010 }} [[Big Think]], July 8, 2010</ref> When asked about his performance style, Blaine explained, "I'd like to bring magic back to the place it used to be 100 years ago."<ref name="query.nytimes.com">[https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/11/arts/if-he-can-conjure-magical-ratings-that-s-some-trick.html If He Can Conjure Magical Ratings, That's Some Trick] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701083544/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/11/arts/if-he-can-conjure-magical-ratings-that-s-some-trick.html |date=July 1, 2018 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'', May 11, 1997</ref> ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' commented, "His deceptively low-key, ultracool manner leaves spectators more amazed than if he'd razzle-dazzled."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121105192428/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,986363,00.html?iid=chix-sphere The Wizard of Grunge], ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'', May 19, 1997</ref>
 
In ''Magic Man'', aired January 16, 1998, Blaine is shown traveling across the country, entertaining unsuspecting pedestrians in [[Atlantic City]], [[Compton, California|Compton]], [[Dallas]], the [[Mojave Desert]], New York City, and San Francisco, recorded by a small crew with handheld cameras. Jon Racherbaumer commented: "Make no mistake about it, the focus of this show, boys and girls, is not Blaine. It is really about theatrical proxemics; about the show-within-a-show and the spontaneous, visceral reactions of people being astonished."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.magicdirectory.com/blaine/magic1.shtml |title=Bingo Bango! |publisher=Magicdirectory.com |date=May 27, 2002 |access-date=October 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130134636/http://www.magicdirectory.com/blaine/magic1.shtml |archive-date=November 30, 2010 }}</ref> ''[[USA Today]]'' called Blaine the "hottest name in magic right now".<ref>He's a nice guy, that David Blaine, [[USA Today]], November 20, 2000</ref>
On [[November 27]], [[2000]], Blaine began a stunt called "Frozen in Time," which was covered on a TV special. Blaine stood in a closet of ice located in [[Times Square]], [[New York]]. A tube provided him with air and water while his urine was removed with another tube. He was encased in the box of ice for 2 days 13 hours, 42 minutes, and 15 seconds before being removed.<ref>http://www.magicdirectory.com/blaine/frozenintime.shtml</ref> The ice was on a stand, with space between the ground, and the ice was transparent, to prove he was inside the ice the whole time. He was taken to the hospital immediately after being removed because doctors feared he was going into [[Shock (medical)|shock]]. <ref>David Blaine - Fearless (DVD), Buena Vista Home Entertainment, shows footage of his hospitalization including the exclamation "He is going into shock!"</ref>
 
===''VertigoBuried Alive'' (1999)===
On April 5, 1999, Blaine was entombed in an underground plastic box underneath a 3-ton water-filled tank for seven days, across from [[Trump Place]] on 68th St. and Riverside Boulevard, as part of a stunt titled "Buried Alive".<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 6, 2022 |title=David Blaine explains why he chose to be buried in coffin for 7 days with no food |url=https://www.ladbible.com/news/david-blaine-buried-alive-7-days-20221006 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=LADbible |language=en |archive-date=June 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612092652/https://www.ladbible.com/news/david-blaine-buried-alive-7-days-20221006 |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
On the final day of the stunt, April 12, hundreds of news teams were stationed at the site for the coffin opening. A team of construction workers removed a portion of the {{convert|75|cuft|m3}} of gravel surrounding the {{convert|6|ft|m|abbr=off|adj=on}} deep coffin before a crane lifted the water tank.<ref name="deep">{{Cite web |last=Breen |first=Virginia |date=April 6, 1999 |title=Magician is in deep for week-long stunt |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/1999/04/06/magician-is-in-deep-for-week-long-stunt/ |access-date=2025-04-14 |work=[[New York Daily News]]}}</ref> Blaine emerged and told the crowd, "I saw something very prophetic ... a vision of every race, every religion, every age group banding together, and that made all this worthwhile."<ref name=burial>[http://www.cnn.com/US/9904/12/buried.alive.02/index.html?iref=newssearch Magician surfaces from watery grave after weeklong burial] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605233047/http://www.cnn.com/US/9904/12/buried.alive.02/index.html?iref=newssearch |date=June 5, 2008 }}, [[CNN]], April 12, 1999</ref> BBC News stated, "The 26-year-old magician has outdone his hero, [[Harry Houdini]], who had planned a similar feat but died in 1926 before he could perform it."<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/317532.stm Americas Magician emerges from grave], [[BBC News]], April 12, 1999</ref>
Blaine's next stunt was called "Vertigo." On [[22 May]] [[2002]], Blaine performed the stunt in [[Bryant Park]], [[New York City]], where a crane lifted him onto a 105 ft (27 m) high and 22 in (56 cm) wide pillar. He remained on the pillar for exactly 1 day 10 hours and 23 minutes. With his legs weak from standing atop the pillar for so long, he ended the feat by jumping down onto a landing platform made out of a 12 foot (3.7 m) high pile of [[cardboard boxes]] and suffered a minor [[concussion]].<ref>http://www.magicdirectory.com/blaine/vertigo.shtml</ref>
 
===''MysteriousFrozen Strangerin Time'' (2000)===
On November 27, 2000, Blaine performed a stunt called ''Frozen in Time'', where he attempted and failed to stand in a large block of ice located in [[Times Square]], New York City for 72 hours.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-11-29-0011290043-story.html|title="David Blaine: Frozen in Time": The latest...|first=Steve|last=Johnson|publisher=The Chicago Tribune|date=November 29, 2000|access-date=August 21, 2020|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807193157/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-11-29-0011290043-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It was covered on a TV special. He was lightly dressed and appeared to be shivering even before the blocks of ice were placed around him. A tube supplied him with air and water, while his urine was removed with another tube. He was encased in the box of ice for 63 hours, 42 minutes, and 15 seconds before being removed with [[chainsaw]]s. The ice was transparent and resting on an elevated platform to show that he was actually inside the ice the entire time. He was removed from the ice and taken to a hospital due to fears he might be going into [[Shock (circulatory)|shock]].<ref>David Blaine0&nbsp;– Fearless (DVD), Buena Vista Home Entertainment, shows footage of his hospitalization including the exclamation "He is going into shock!"</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported, "The magician who emerged from the increasingly unstable ice box seemed a shadow of the confident, robust, shirtless fellow who entered two days before."<ref>McKinley, Jesse. [https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/30/nyregion/30ICE.html Magician Emerges From Icy Stunt] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307063532/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/30/nyregion/30ICE.html |date=March 7, 2016 }}, ''The New York Times'', November 30, 2000. Accessed April 27, 2012.</ref> Blaine later said it took a month to fully recover and that he had no plans to attempt a stunt of this difficulty in the future.<ref>{{cite web |title=David Blaine: Electrified and his greatest ever stunts |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-10-03/david-blaine-electrified-and-his-greatest-ever-stunts |access-date=February 2, 2013 |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006085505/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-10-03/david-blaine-electrified-and-his-greatest-ever-stunts |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2010, a magician from Israel named Hezi Dean broke Blaine's record when he was encased in a block of ice for 66 hours.<ref>{{cite news |agency=AFP |title=Illusionist Hezi Dean emerges from Tel Aviv ice cube |newspaper=Herald Sun| url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/illusionist-hezi-dean-emerges-from-tel-aviv-ice-cube/story-e6frfhk6-1225815213265 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029031733/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/illusionist-hezi-dean-emerges-from-tel-aviv-ice-cube/story-e6frfhk6-1225815213265 |archive-date=October 29, 2016 |date=December 31, 2009 |access-date=September 4, 2019}}</ref>
 
===''Vertigo'' (2002)===
On [[October 29]] [[2002]], [[Random House]] published David Blaine's ''[[Mysterious Stranger|Mysterious Stranger: A Book of Magic]]''. Part [[autobiography]], part history of magic, and part [[armchair treasure hunt]], the book also includes instructions on how to perform card tricks and illusions.
On May 22, 2002, a crane lifted Blaine onto a {{convert|100|ft|abbr=on}} high and {{convert|22|in|m|abbr=on}} wide pillar in [[Bryant Park]], New York City. He was not harnessed to the pillar, although there were two retractable handles on either side of him to grasp in the event of harsh weather.<ref>Burkeman, Oliver. [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/may/24/oliverburkeman New York's pillar-dweller jumps], ''[[The Guardian]]'', May 23, 2002. Accessed April 27, 2012.</ref> He remained on the pillar for 35 hours. He ended the feat by jumping down onto a landing platform made out of a {{convert|12|ft|m|abbr=on}} high pile of cardboard boxes and sustained a mild [[concussion]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Dolak |first=Kevin |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/david-blaine-enduring-performances/story?id=17398459#3 |title=David Blaine: 7 of His Most Enduring Performances |website=abcnews.go.com |date=October 6, 2012 |access-date=March 29, 2016 |archive-date=April 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409121348/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/david-blaine-enduring-performances/story?id=17398459#3 |url-status=live }}</ref> He later said in his 2009 [[TED Talk]] that he had had severe hallucinations in the final hours of this stunt, causing the buildings and structures around him to look like animal heads.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFnGhrC_3Gs |title=How I held my breath for 17 minutes |publisher=YouTube |date=January 19, 2010 |access-date=September 7, 2019 |archive-date=August 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803041803/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFnGhrC_3Gs |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
===''Above the Below'' (2003)===
The treasure hunt, Blaine's [[$100,000 Challenge]], was devised by [[game designer]] [[Cliff Johnson (game designer)|Cliff Johnson]], creator of ''[[The Fool's Errand]]'', and solved by [[Sherri Skanes]] on [[March 20]] [[2004]], 16 months after the book's publication.
[[File:David Blaine, Above the Below.jpg|thumb|David Blaine, Above the Below]]
On September 5, 2003, Blaine began an endurance stunt in which he was sealed inside a transparent [[acrylic glass|Plexiglas]] box. The case was suspended {{convert|30|ft|m|abbr=off}} in the air next to [[Potters Fields Park]] on the south bank of the [[River Thames]] in London, and measured {{convert|3|ft|m|1|abbr=off}} by {{convert|7|ft|m|abbr=off}} by {{convert|7|ft|m|abbr=off}}. A [[webcam]] was installed inside the box so that viewers could observe his progress. The stunt lasted 44 days, during which Blaine drank {{convert|1.2|gal|L|abbr=off}} of water per day and did not eat.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3083066.stm |title=Blaine begins starvation stunt |date=September 5, 2003 |work=BBC News |access-date=October 6, 2010 |archive-date=October 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021081749/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3083066.stm |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3100550.stm |title=All's quiet with Blaine in the rain |last1=Heard |first1=Chris |date=September 11, 2003 |work=BBC News |access-date=October 6, 2010 |archive-date=October 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021080626/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3100550.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
The stunt was the subject of public interest and media attention, ''[[The Times]]'' reported that "1,614 articles in the British press have made reference to the exploit."<ref name=facts>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article997052.ece Illusionist and the facts of life]{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, October 20, 2003</ref> Then-US president [[George W. Bush]] referred to Blaine's stunt in a speech at the [[Whitehall Palace]] in London, saying, "The last noted American to visit London stayed in a glass box dangling over the Thames. A few might have been happy to provide similar arrangements for me."<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=tyXFok7i5NEC&pg=PA309 Remarks by the President Bush at Whitehall], "From 9-11 to the Iraq War 2003", November 19, 2003</ref> A number of spectators threw food and other items towards the box, including eggs, paint-filled balloons and golf balls, according to ''The Times''.<ref name=facts /> A [[McDonald's]] hamburger was flown up to the box by a remote-controlled helicopter as a taunt.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/19/newsid_3700000/3700652.stm 2003: David Blaine ends glass box stunt], [[BBC News]], October 19, 2003</ref> The ''[[Evening Standard]]'' reported that one man was arrested for attempting to cut the cable supplying water to Blaine's box.<ref>[http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-6716826-details/Blaine+cage+attack/article.do Blaine cage attack] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605145138/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-6716826-details/Blaine+cage+attack/article.do |date=June 5, 2008 }}, ''[[Evening Standard]]'', September 16, 2003</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3119000.stm |title=Punters expect Blaine to fail |date=September 18, 2003 |work=BBC News |access-date=October 6, 2010 |archive-date=October 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021074120/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3119000.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [http://thefoolsparadise.com/db/solution.htm''The Official Solution'']
* [http://thefoolsparadise.com/db/winners-tale.htm''The Winner's Tale'']
 
On September 25, BBC News reported that "if his endurance test is real rather than an elaborate illusion", then Blaine's claim of tasting [[pear drops]] indicates he is advancing through the first stage of [[starvation]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/3138658.stm What's going on inside David Blaine's body?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213193819/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/3138658.stm |date=February 13, 2008 }}, [[BBC News Online]], September 25, 2003</ref> A medical doctor said that the taste is caused by [[Ketone bodies|ketones]], which are produced when the body burns fat reserves.
===''Above the Below''===
 
The stunt ended on October 19, and Blaine emerged in tears saying "I love you all!" and was subsequently hospitalized. The ''[[New England Journal of Medicine]]'' published a paper that documented his 44-day fast and stated his [[refeeding syndrome|re-feeding]] was perhaps the most dangerous part of the stunt.<ref name="pmid16306536">{{cite journal |author=Korbonits M | author2=Blaine D | author3=Elia M, Powell-Tuck J |title=Refeeding David Blaine—studies after a 44-day fast |journal=[[N. Engl. J. Med.]] | volume=353 |issue=21 |pages=2306–7 |date=November 2005 |pmid=16306536 |doi=10.1056/NEJM200511243532124 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The study reported, "He lost {{convert|24.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}{{nsmdns}}25 percent of his original body weight{{nsmdns}}and his [[body mass index]] dropped from 29.0 to 21.6. His appearance and body-mass index after his fast would not by themselves have alerted us to the risks of refeeding. Despite cautious management, he had [[hypophosphatemia]] and fluid retention, important elements of the [[refeeding syndrome]]."<ref>[http://davidblaine.com/library/index.php?id=30 Refeeding David Blaine: studies after a 44-day fast"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071231071441/http://davidblaine.com/library/index.php?id=30 |date=December 31, 2007 }}, David Blaine Library</ref>
[[Image:Davidblaine03102003.jpg|thumb|240px|David Blaine suspended in front of [[City Hall (London)|City Hall]], London ([[October 3]], [[2003]])]]
On [[September 5]], [[2003]], Blaine began his 44-day endurance stunt sealed inside a transparent [[acrylic glass|Plexiglas]] case suspended 30 feet (9 m) in the air to Potters Fields Park on the south bank of the [[River Thames]] in [[London]]. The case, measuring 3ft by 3ft by 7ft (0.9 x 0.9 x 2.1 m), had a [[webcam]] installed so that viewers could observe his progress. Blaine claimed he went 44 days without any food or nutrients, just 4.5 liters of water per day however this was not verified and the water not inspected for added nutrients. The New England Journal of Medicine published a paper that documented his 44 day fast and the re-feeding that is perhaps the most dangerous part (see below).
The stunt became the subject of much media attention and a large degree of derision and ridicule. For example, [[Page Three girl|Page 3]] girls and [[glamour model]]s from various [[men's magazines]] [[Exhibitionism|flashed]] at him and a burger was flown up to the box by a remote-controlled helicopter as a taunt [http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/19/newsid_3700000/3700652.stm]. It caused speculation when eggs that had been thrown from the crowd were cleared from the box, as he wasn't meant to communicate with anyone. British documentary makers Richard Gordon and Lauren Hannon reported in their documentary ''Below the Above'' that five people lived below Blaine to show their support for what he was doing.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
 
===''Drowned Alive'' (2006)===
Blaine emerged on schedule on [[October 19]], murmuring "I love you all!" and was quickly hospitalized. He appeared gaunt and he claimed to have lost 54 pounds (24.5 kg) during his [[fast]].
[[file:David.Blaine.jpg|thumb|Blaine performing the ''Drowned Alive'' stunt at the [[Lincoln Center]]]]
On May 1, 2006, Blaine began his ''Drowned Alive'' stunt, which lasted seven days and involved a submersion in an {{convert|8|ft|m}} [[diameter]], water-filled sphere containing [[Isotonic solutions|isotonic]] [[Saline (medicine)|saline]] in front of the [[Lincoln Center]] in New York City. During the stunt, he sustained kidney and liver damage.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Drowned Alive|url=http://davidblaine.com/drowned-alive/|access-date=May 12, 2021|website=David Blaine|language=en-US|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512045040/https://davidblaine.com/drowned-alive/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the end of the stunt, Blaine attempted to free himself from handcuffs and chains after exiting the sphere.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081206063206/http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Sky-News-Archive/Article/200806413521556 Blaine Out For Record], [[Sky News]], May 1, 2006</ref> After the stunt, Blaine entered into an agreement with researchers at [[Yale University]] to monitor him in order to study the human physiological reaction to prolonged submersion.<ref name="cnn.com">[http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/05/09/david.blaine.ap/index.html Cnn.com&nbsp;– David Blaine out of hospital] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060529051509/http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/05/09/david.blaine.ap/index.html |date=May 29, 2006 }}</ref>
 
===''Drowned AliveRevolution'' (2006)===
On November 21, 2006, Blaine began his ''Revolution'' stunt, where he was shackled to a rotating [[gyroscope]] without food or water, intending to escape within 16 hours. Blaine completed the stunt 52 hours later.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/24/AR2006112400157.html|agency=[[Associated Press]] |via=[[The Washington Post]]|title=Magician Blaine Ends Times Square Stunt |access-date=May 1, 2010 |date=November 24, 2006|archive-date=March 31, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190331204518/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/24/AR2006112400157_pf.html?noredirect=on|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Image:Blainebubble.jpg|thumb|240px|David Blaine at [[Lincoln Center]], sharing a moment with a fan as spectators look on ([[2 May]] [[2006]]).]]
 
===''Guinness World Records'' (2008)===
On [[May 1]], [[2006]], Blaine was submerged in a 2.4 [[metre]] (8 [[foot (unit of length)|feet]]) diameter, water-filled sphere ([[isotonic]] saline, 0.9% salt) in front of the [[Lincoln Center]] in [[New York City]] for a planned seven days and seven nights, using tubes for air and nutrition. He concluded this event by attempting to hold his breath underwater to break the world record of 8 minutes, 58 seconds. Blaine also tried to free himself from handcuffs and chains put on him upon coming out after the week in the sphere.<ref>[http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-13521556,00.html Blaine Out For Record], [[Sky News]], [[2006]]-[[05-01]]</ref> He seemed to have trouble escaping from the last of the handcuffs. Blaine failed in his attempt, holding his breath for 7 minutes and 33 seconds before showing signs of distress and being pulled up by the support divers.<ref>[http://www.deeperblue.net/article.php/732/58 David Blaine: Drowned Alive? Part VII "Curtain Down"] [http://deeperblue.net/ Deeper Blue]</ref>
Blaine appeared on the April 30, 2008, episode of ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'' to attempt to break the [[Guinness World Record]] for oxygen-assisted [[static apnea]], following his failure to break the then-current record of ''unassisted'' static apnea in his previous attempt ''Drowned Alive''.<ref>{{cite news |title=As David Blaine breaks the record for holding his breath we find more Superhuman feats |first=Kate |last=Jackson |newspaper=[[Daily Mirror]] |___location=London |date=May 2, 2008 |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2008/05/02/as-david-blaine-breaks-the-record-for-holding-his-breath-we-find-more-superhuman-feats-115875-20402152/ |access-date=October 6, 2010 |archive-date=May 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516185211/http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2008/05/02/as-david-blaine-breaks-the-record-for-holding-his-breath-we-find-more-superhuman-feats-115875-20402152/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The previous record was set by Peter Colat of Switzerland on February 10, 2008.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-04-30-blaine_N.htm | title=David Blaine breaks world record for holding one's breath | date=April 30, 2008 | author=Tara Burghart | agency=Associated Press | newspaper=[[USA Today]] | access-date=May 8, 2016 | archive-date=August 13, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813151133/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-04-30-blaine_N.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>
Blaine did claim to have succeeded in setting a record for being fully submerged in water for more than seven days straight (177 hours).
Blaine underwent multiple short hospital visits after the stunt ended and has entered an agreement with doctors from [[Yale University]] to monitor him in order to study the human physiological reaction to prolonged submersion.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/05/09/david.blaine.ap/index.html Cnn.com - David Blaine out of hospital]</ref> During the stunt, doctors witnessed skin breakdown at the hands and feet, and liver failure.
 
Before entering the {{convert|1800|usgal|m3|abbr=off|adj=on}} water tank, Blaine spent 23 minutes inhaling pure oxygen. Blaine held his breath for 17 minutes 4-1/2 seconds, surpassing Colat's previous mark of 16 minutes 32 seconds,<ref name="worldrecordsacademy.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.worldrecordsacademy.org/stunts/longest_breath-holding_world_record_set_by_David_Blaine_80235.htm |title=Longest breath holding-world record set by David Blaine |publisher=Worldrecordsacademy.org |access-date=October 6, 2010 |archive-date=December 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223140438/http://worldrecordsacademy.org/stunts/longest_breath-holding_world_record_set_by_David_Blaine_80235.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> setting a new [[Guinness World Record]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/30/david-blaine-sets-breath-holding-record/?hp |work=The New York Times |title=David Blaine Sets Breath-Holding Record |first=John |last=Tierney |date=April 30, 2008 |access-date=May 1, 2010|archive-date=May 5, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505061353/http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/30/david-blaine-sets-breath-holding-record/?hp}}</ref> that stood until September 19, 2008, when it was surpassed by German diver [[Tom Sietas]] who during an episode of the American talk show ''[[Live with Regis and Kelly]]'', held his breath for 17 minutes, 19 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/fanho-tom-sietas-holds-breath-for-17-minutes-breaks-david-blaines-world-record/182424/|title=Tom Sietas Holds Breath for 17 Minutes, Breaks David Blaine's World Record|date=September 19, 2008|access-date=September 5, 2020|publisher=[[NBC 5 Chicago]]|archive-date=September 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905195109/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/fanho-tom-sietas-holds-breath-for-17-minutes-breaks-david-blaines-world-record/182424/}}</ref>
In an interview on [[The Howard Stern Show]] on [[Sirius satellite radio]], Blaine spoke of the week-long fasting he did before the "drowning alive" stunt, to avoid having to be concerned with [[defecation]]. For urine, he wore an external, condom-style [[catheter]].
 
===''Dive of Death'' (2008)===
His attempt to break the breath holding record was somewhat controversial due to his breathing pressurized air from a regulator. Breath holding athletes typically breathe above water, at atmospheric pressure, before submerging for their record breaking attempts. Therefore Blaine may have had a physiological advantage due to higher oxygen saturation of the blood.
[[File:Donald Trump announcing latest David Blaine feat 6.jpg|thumb|Blaine with [[Donald Trump]] announcing Blaine's next event in the atrium of [[Trump Tower]] in September 2008]]
On September 18, 2008, Blaine announced his ''The Upside Down Man'' performance with [[Donald Trump]]. Blaine planned to hang upside down without a safety net for 60 hours. On September 22, Blaine began his stunt ''Dive of Death'', hanging over [[Wollman Rink]] in Central Park and interacting with fans by lowering himself upside down. He pulled himself up to drink fluid and restore normal circulation. Reportedly, Blaine risked blindness and other maladies in the stunt.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gxsfhFmW71JZPr4OA8yqHI_v2GQwD93ALSU00 |title=Blaine Stunt Could Cause Blindness |agency=Associated Press |access-date=September 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927041216/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gxsfhFmW71JZPr4OA8yqHI_v2GQwD93ALSU00 |archive-date=September 27, 2008 }}</ref> He was criticized when, only hours into the endurance challenge, he was seen standing on a waiting crane platform, not upside down as expected.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.myparkmag.co.uk/articles/celebrity/david-blaine/david-blaine-is-only-upside-down-for-50-minutes-per-hour.html |title=David Blaine is only upside down for 50 minutes per hour |publisher=MyParkMag |date=September 24, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925212835/http://www.myparkmag.co.uk/articles/celebrity/david-blaine/david-blaine-is-only-upside-down-for-50-minutes-per-hour.html |archive-date=September 25, 2008}}</ref> During the stunt, he came down once an hour for a medical check and to use the bathroom.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,426008,00.html |title=David Blaine Caught Taking Standing-Up Breaks |publisher=Foxnews.com |date=September 23, 2008 |access-date=October 6, 2010 |archive-date=March 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303114234/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,426008,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
===''RevolutionWhat Is Magic?'' (2010)===
In this 42-minute television special that aired on April 18, 2010, Blaine performed an illusion of catching a [[.22 caliber]] bullet fired from a rifle into a small metal cup in his mouth.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wollaston |first=Sam |date=September 11, 2009 |title=David Blaine: What Is Magic? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2009/sep/11/david-blaine-what-magic-review |access-date=June 12, 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
On [[November 19]] [[2006]], Blaine announced his next stunt. He told reporters that he would be suspended 50 feet<ref>http://www.malibu.in/2006/random/david-blaine-and-his-gyroscope-stunt-in-new-york/</ref> in the air while strapped by shackles inside a giant [[gyroscope]]. His goal was to escape from his shackles after the gyroscope had been spinning for 16 hours. The gyroscope was constantly spinning at a rate of eight revolutions per minute while hanging above an empty lot in [[Manhattan]] near [[Times Square]].
 
===''Electrified: One Million Volts Always On'' (2012)===
The stunt began on [[November 21]] [[2006]], with Blaine declaring, "This one's exciting for me. This one's a fun one."
On October 5, 2012, Blaine began performing a 72-hour endurance stunt called ''Electrified: One Million Volts Always On'' atop a {{convert|22|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} pillar on [[Pier 54]] in New York City, which was streamed live on [[YouTube]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Hutchinson |first=Bill |title=David Blaine to risk electrocution in 1 million-volt charge stunt |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/david-blaine-risk-electrocution-1-million-volt-charge-stunt-article-1.1167533?localLinksEnabled=false |newspaper=The New York Daily News |access-date=September 25, 2012 |archive-date=September 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925041458/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/david-blaine-risk-electrocution-1-million-volt-charge-stunt-article-1.1167533?localLinksEnabled=false |url-status=live }}</ref> During the stunt, Blaine stood on the pillar surrounded by seven [[Tesla coil]]s producing an [[electric discharge]] of one million [[volt]]s or more continuously. The coils were directed at Blaine for the entirety of the endurance stunt, during which he did not eat or sleep. He wore {{convert|34|lb|kg|abbr=off}} of gear, including a [[chainmail]] [[Faraday suit]], designed to prevent electric current from traveling through the body.<ref name="telegraph.co.uk">Alexander, Harriet (October 6, 2012). [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9591292/David-Blaines-electrifying-New-York-stunt.html "David Blaine's 'electrifying' New York stunt"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129142029/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9591292/David-Blaines-electrifying-New-York-stunt.html |date=January 29, 2018 }}. ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''. Accessed October 16, 2012.</ref> John Belcher, a physics professor from the [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]], reportedly said, "He has a conducting suit, all the current is going through the suit, nothing through his body. There is no danger in this that I see."<ref name="telegraph.co.uk"/>
After spinning in shackles in the gyroscope for two days, Blaine emerged with a crash only a half hour after being allowed to try.<ref>
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/23/AR2006112300753.html</ref>
 
At night, Blaine shivered uncontrollably from the inclement weather. ''The New York Times'' published an article describing the science behind Blaine's stunt.<ref>Tierney, John. [https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/02/science/million-volts-for-david-blaine-in-electrified-endurance-test.html "If He Starts Nodding Off, Try Another Million Volts"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520124023/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/02/science/million-volts-for-david-blaine-in-electrified-endurance-test.html? |date=May 20, 2016 }}, ''The New York Times'', October 1, 2012. Accessed October 16, 2012.</ref> Musicians [[Pharrell Williams]]<ref>Johnson, Miranda. [https://web.archive.org/web/20121012010627/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/10/08/pharrell-david-blaine-electrocution-stunt "Pharrell Assists David Blaine With Electrocution Stunt "], ''[[MTV]]'', October 8, 2012. Accessed October 16, 2012.</ref> and [[Andrew W.K.]]<ref>Berman, Taylor. [http://www.fuse.tv/2012/10/andrew-w-k-electrocutes-david-blaine/ " Watch: Andrew W.K. Shocks David Blaine With One Million-Volt Keyboard "] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011014919/http://www.fuse.tv/2012/10/andrew-w-k-electrocutes-david-blaine |date=October 11, 2012 }}, ''[[MTV]]'', October 8, 2012. Accessed October 16, 2012.</ref> performed solos on a keyboard which controlled the [[electric discharge]].
As a result of his success, Blaine led 100 children selected by [[The Salvation Army]] on a shopping spree at [[Target Corporation|Target]], after each child received a $500 gift certificate from the retailer. Blaine said the stunt was particularly important since The Salvation Army had provided him with clothing while he was growing up. "This challenge is close to my heart," Blaine said.
 
The event concluded on October 8, 2012, at 8:44 pm. Blaine was able to walk away with assistance and was transported to a hospital for a medical check.<ref>{{cite web |last=Boyle |first=Alan |title=David Blaine gets a checkup after high-voltage stunt |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/49337629 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009052610/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/49337629/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 9, 2012 |work=NBC News |date=October 9, 2012 |access-date=October 9, 2012}}</ref> Blaine donated two of the Tesla coils to the [[Liberty Science Center]] in [[Jersey City, New Jersey]], to be exhibited on permanent display.<ref>[http://lsc.org/blog/lsc_news/david-blaine-to-donate-tesla-coils/ " David Blaine to Donate Two $1 Million Tesla Coils to Liberty Science Center After ELECTRIFIED Event"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809225749/http://lsc.org/blog/lsc_news/david-blaine-to-donate-tesla-coils/ |date=August 9, 2016 }}, ''[[Liberty Science Center]]'', October 3, 2012. Accessed October 16, 2012.</ref>
==Personal life==
 
===''Real or Magic'' (2013)===
*He has dated [[Fiona Apple]], [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]], [[Josie Maran]], [[Lonneke Engel]],<ref>[http://entertainment.excite.com/celebgossip/pgsix/id/07_04_2006_7.html Liquid Lust], New York Post, [[2006]]-[[07-04]]</ref> and [[Daryl Hannah]]<ref>, but the only reason any of them wanted to date him was to learn the secrets behind his magic.[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0086145/news] News for David Blaine at IMDB</ref>
In 2013, Blaine starred in a 90-minute [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] television special, ''David Blaine: Real or Magic'', on November 19, 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Highfill |first=Samantha |title=David Blaine returns to television with celebrity-filled ABC special |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/10/09/david-blaine-abc-special/ |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=October 10, 2013 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The special, directed by [[Matthew Akers]], featured Blaine performing magic for celebrities and public figures.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Gavin Edwards |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/david-blaines-real-or-magic-ranking-the-celebrity-reactions-20131119 |title=David Blaine's 'Real or Magic': Ranking the Celebrity Reactions |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=November 19, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2013 |archive-date=December 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206015345/http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/david-blaines-real-or-magic-ranking-the-celebrity-reactions-20131119 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Real or Magic'' achieved a 2.5 rating in the 18–49 age bracket, and posted the best numbers in the 9:30{{ndash}}11:00 pm time slot for ABC's 2013 season.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |url=https://deadline.com/2013/11/ratings-rat-race-abc-scores-with-david-blaine-special-chicago-fire-hits-low-639784/ |title=Ratings Rat Race: ABC Scores With David Blaine Special, CBS Nabs First Tuesday Win |magazine=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=December 17, 2013 |archive-date=September 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914065504/http://deadline.com/2013/11/ratings-rat-race-abc-scores-with-david-blaine-special-chicago-fire-hits-low-639784/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*He attended [[Passaic Valley High School]] in [[Little Falls, New Jersey]].{{Fact|date=February 2007}} Blaine graduated in 1991.
 
===''Beyond TriviaMagic'' (2016)===
On November 15, 2016, [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] aired ''Beyond Magic'', a 42-minute television special in which Blaine performs magic for various public figures. Among the featured stunts is one in which Blaine seemingly catches a .22 caliber bullet in a small metal cup held between a gum shield in his mouth. The bullet catch trick was performed live on stage in front of 20,000 people in an August 2015 Las Vegas performance in which Blaine fired the gun himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/david-blaine-gun-trick-beyond-magic-show-mgm-arena-las-vegas-a7514651.html|title=Beyond Magic: David Blaine show re-aired on E4 includes moment gun stunt goes wrong at MGM Arena in Las Vegas|author=O'Connor, Roisin|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|date=January 7, 2017|access-date=September 14, 2020|archive-date=January 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109132242/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/david-blaine-gun-trick-beyond-magic-show-mgm-arena-las-vegas-a7514651.html}}</ref> Blaine's mouthguard broke during the performance. Since then, Blaine has never performed the stunt again.
{{Trivia|date=July 2007}}
*During his appearance in ''[[Last Call with Carson Daly]]'', he pretended to pull his heart out and fainted. The segment was staged, but NBC almost cancelled the illusion. It was told that the audience was completely shocked and some members ran away crying or screaming.<ref>[http://www.devilducky.com/media/7518/ Video of Blaine pulling out heart.]</ref>
*In 2007 David Blaine recorded a series of commercials advertising the NBA Playoffs on TNT.
*Blaine also appeared on the British morning television show [[GMTV]], being interviewed by [[Eamonn Holmes]]. During the interview Blaine was monosyllabic in his responses, saying almost nothing for the first part of it. The interview is often replayed on TV clipshows and Holmes cites it as one of his most challenging interviews to date.
*He has [[Primo Levi]]'s [[concentration camp]] number, 174517, tattooed on his left forearm.<ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/articles/2004/08/15/jews_with_tattoos/ Jews With Tattoos - Boston Globe Aug 15, 2004.]</ref>
 
===''The Magic Way'' (2020)===
== References ==
On April 1, 2020, Blaine starred in ''David Blaine: The Magic Way,'' which aired on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abc.com/news/insider/watch-david-blaine-the-magic-way-on-abc-and-the-abc-app|title=David Blaine Special 2020 Airs Tonight on ABC {{!}} ABC Updates|website=ABC|language=en|access-date=April 6, 2020|archive-date=April 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404103813/https://abc.com/news/insider/watch-david-blaine-the-magic-way-on-abc-and-the-abc-app|url-status=live}}</ref> The special consisted of various close-up magic acts, performing card tricks through video chat, and also performing in-person for many famous athletes, actors, and other celebrities as well as ordinary citizens. The special also includes performances by Blaine's daughter.<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:David Blaine Clinton and Bush.jpg|thumb|Blaine performs for US president [[Bill Clinton]], Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]] as well as US president [[George W. Bush]].{{FFDC|David Blaine Clinton and Bush.jpg|log=2018 September 12|date=September 2018}}]] -->
* ''[[Mysterious Stranger]]'', Blaine's autobiography published by Vilard Books and Channel 4 books. ISBN 0-7522-1989-8.
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/3083066.stm BBC news pages on Blaine's time in London - 1] [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/3100550.stm 2] [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/3119000.stm 3]
* Korbonits M., Blaine D., Elia M., Powell-Tuck J., "Refeeding David Blaine: studies after a 44-day fast", ''New England Journal of Medicine'' 2005;353:2306-7. PMID 16306536.
 
===''Ascension'' (2020)===
<references />
In 2020, Blaine performed the David Blaine Ascension stunt, which involved him floating while holding on to a cluster of 52 [[helium]]-filled balloons using a harness.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Delbert|first=Caroline|date=August 17, 2020|title=For His Next Trick, David Blaine Will Hold Balloons to Float Across the Hudson|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a33607471/david-blaine-balloon-stunt-ascension/|website=Popular Mechanics|access-date=August 17, 2020|archive-date=August 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827191321/https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a33607471/david-blaine-balloon-stunt-ascension/|url-status=live}}</ref> The stunt took place on the morning of September 2, 2020, in [[Page, Arizona]], and was streamed live on [[YouTube]] as a YouTube Original program.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=August 30, 2020|title=David Blaine Postpones Helium-Balloon Flight YouTube Livestream, Relocates Stunt From NYC to Arizona|url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/david-blaine-ascension-balloon-flight-youtube-livestream-arizona-postpone-1234753858/|access-date=August 31, 2020|website=Variety|language=en|archive-date=August 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830225546/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/david-blaine-ascension-balloon-flight-youtube-livestream-arizona-postpone-1234753858/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=September 1, 2020|title=David Blaine 'Ascension': How He Plans to Soar Miles Above Arizona Desert With Only Helium Balloons in YouTube Live Stunt|url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/david-blaine-ascension-watch-live-youtube-balloons-arizona-1234755767/|access-date=September 3, 2020|website=Variety|language=en|archive-date=September 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903065731/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/david-blaine-ascension-watch-live-youtube-balloons-arizona-1234755767/|url-status=live}}</ref> Blaine managed to get to an altitude of {{convert|24900|ft|km}} [[above sea level]] (more than {{convert|20000|ft|km}} [[above ground level]]), before letting go of his balloons and parachuting down towards a flat ravine close to the initially planned landing zone. He landed successfully and without harm.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carman|first=Ashley|date=August 12, 2020|title=David Blaine's next big stunt will be a live-streamed YouTube Original|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/12/21365206/david-blaine-next-stunt-ascension-youtube-original-live-stream|access-date=August 21, 2020|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=August 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812192234/https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/12/21365206/david-blaine-next-stunt-ascension-youtube-original-live-stream|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 2, 2020|title=David Blaine Ascension|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwzvNAAqH3g| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/QwzvNAAqH3g| archive-date=December 11, 2021 | url-status=live|access-date=September 2, 2020|website=Media|language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
 
===''Do Not Attempt'' (2025)===
==External links==
In 2025, Blaine teamed with [[Hulu]] and [[Disney+]] for the series entitled ''David Blaine: Do Not Attempt'', in which he trains under an array of people with death-defying skills and performs several feats around the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=In 'David Blaine Do Not Attempt,' the Magician Exits His Comfort Zone|url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/david-blaine-do-not-attempt/|date=March 28, 2025|access-date=May 13, 2025|website=The Walt Disney Company}}</ref>
{{wikiquote}}
* [http://www.davidblaine.com David Blaine's official website]
* [http://manhattan.about.com/od/eventsandattractions/ig/davidblainephotos/index.htm/ David Blaine Gyroscope Image Gallery]
* [http://www.belowtheabove.com Below The Above official website]
* {{imdb name|id=0086145|name=David Blaine}}
* [http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=109027462 Official David Blaine myspace]
* [http://manhattan.about.com/od/eventsandattractions/ig/David-Blaine-Performances/index.htm/ David Blaine Poster Gallery]
 
== Live tour ==
<!-- Translations -->
[[File:David Blaine meeting his fans.jpg|thumb|David Blaine meeting his fans]]
In 2014, Blaine embarked on his first ever live tour, in which he took his tricks and stunts on the road to audiences in the Middle East and North America.
 
In June 2019, Blaine brought his 'Real or Magic' tour to the UK & Ireland, in which he performed in Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Bournemouth and London, throughout June.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Blaine, David}}
 
Blaine had planned to take the bullet catch trick on tour, although, after the successful/unsuccessful live attempt, in the MGM Grand Arena, in 2015, he shelved this idea and went with the main stunt of the underwater breath hold for these shows. This was the stunt he carried out in his 2006 'Drowned Alive' TV special and of which he also performed again, in a live world record attempt, in 2009, on the Oprah Winfrey Show.
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== Las Vegas residency ==
In September 2022, Blaine began his first ever Las Vegas residency, with his 'David Blaine Live' show at the Resorts World hotel, which had an extended run through to June 2023. After the success of this stint on the strip, he then announced his 'Impossible' residency at The Encore theatre, Wynn, would begin in December 2023. This show is still running today,{{update inline|date=August 2024}} with Blaine performing an array of his favourite tricks and stunts over the course of three shows, on 3 days, of each month.
 
== Other work ==
 
===Writing===
On October 29, 2002, Villard published ''[[Mysterious Stranger|Mysterious Stranger: A Book of Magic]]'',<ref>''[[Mysterious Stranger]]'', Copyright 2002 by David Blaine. Published 2002, in the United States and Canada, by Villard Books, a division of Random House, Inc. {{ISBN|0-375-50573-3}}. First Edition.</ref> an autobiography and [[armchair treasure hunt]] with instructions on performing magic tricks. The treasure hunt was created by [[game designer]] [[Cliff Johnson (game designer)|Cliff Johnson]] and solved by Sherri Skanes on March 20, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.treasureclub.net/publichunts/mysteriousstranger/index.html|title=The Armchair Treasure Hunt Club&nbsp;– Mysterious Stranger: A Book of Magic|work=treasureclub.net|access-date=May 9, 2016}}</ref>
 
===Philanthropy and charity work===
[[file:David Blaine hospital 2005.jpg|thumb|Blaine performing for patients of the [[Brooke Army Medical Center]], 2005]]
In November 2006, Blaine performed a stunt in New York's [[Times Square]] in support of The Salvation Army. After 52 hours, Blaine escaped from the shackles that had held him in a spinning [[gyroscope]] suspended above the ground. Blaine said this stunt was particularly important to him since The Salvation Army had provided him with clothing while he was growing up.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/24/AR2006112400157_pf.html?noredirect=on|title=Magician Blaine Ends Times Square Stunt|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=August 23, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=August 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824034342/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/24/AR2006112400157_pf.html?noredirect=on|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
On January 15, 2010, Blaine returned to Times Square to perform "Magic for Haiti", a performance lasting 72 hours which raised nearly US$100,000 for [[2010 Haiti earthquake|Haiti earthquake]] relief.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/david-blaines-times-square-marathon-haiti/story?id=9575666 |title=David Blaine's Times Square Marathon for Haiti |first1=Carrie |last1=Halperin |date=January 15, 2010 |work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] | access-date=October 6, 2010}}</ref>
 
Blaine also donated two $1 million [[Tesla Coil|Tesla coil]]s to [[Liberty Science Center]] after performing a massive electricity stunt.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/david-blaine-to-donate-two-1-million-tesla-coils-to-liberty-science-center-after-electrified-event-172643401.html|title=David Blaine to Donate Two $1 Million Tesla Coils to Liberty Science Center After ELECTRIFIED Event|publisher=[[Liberty Science Center]]|___location=New Jersey|via=[[PR Newswire]]|language=en|date=October 4, 2012|access-date=August 23, 2018|archive-date=March 31, 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190331194100/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/david-blaine-to-donate-two-1-million-tesla-coils-to-liberty-science-center-after-electrified-event-172643401.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
== Personal life ==
Blaine and his former girlfriend, French model Alizée Guinochet, have a daughter born on January 27, 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2020/04/01/david-blaine-magic-way-abc-special-introduces-daughter-dessa/5101128002/|title=David Blaine on introducing his magical daughter in Wednesday's new ABC special|first=Erin|last=Jensen|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=April 1, 2020|access-date=August 12, 2020|archive-date=August 12, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200812214933/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2020/04/01/david-blaine-magic-way-abc-special-introduces-daughter-dessa/5101128002/|url-status=live|quote=...Blaine's 9-year-old daughter Dessa. ... [H]is child with his former partner, French model Alizée Guinochet, [appears] in his new [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] special, ''David Blaine: The Magic Way''}}</ref> He dated [[Fiona Apple]] in 1997 and had relationships with [[Madonna]], [[Bijou Phillips]], [[Josie Maran]], [[Daryl Hannah]] and [[Lonneke Engel]].
 
==Official investigations into reports of sexual misconduct==
 
===October 2017 report and investigation===
 
An October 2017 report published in ''[[The Daily Beast]]'' in the wake of the [[Me Too movement]] resulted in renewed scrutiny of alleged misconduct. Subsequently, British news outlets reported that London's [[Metropolitan Police]] had asked Blaine to travel to the UK for interview under caution regarding allegations by former model Natasha Prince that Blaine had raped her at a house in [[Chelsea, London|Chelsea]], West London in 2004. Speaking through his lawyer, Blaine "vehemently denies" the allegations and confirmed that he would "fully co-operate" with a police inquiry. Detectives later declined to take further action after investigating her claim.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/exclusive-former-model-accuses-david-blaine-of-rape |title=Exclusive: Former Model Accuses David Blaine of Rape |work=[[The Daily Beast]] |date=October 19, 2017 |access-date=July 3, 2020 |last1=Ebner |first1=Mark |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105112842/https://www.thedailybeast.com/exclusive-former-model-accuses-david-blaine-of-rape |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=AllegationsGuardian>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2019/apr/01/david-blaine-magician-investigation-sexual-assault |title=David Blaine: magician under investigation over sexual assault claims |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=April 2, 2019 |access-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-date=July 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703202352/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2019/apr/01/david-blaine-magician-investigation-sexual-assault |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
===April 2019 investigation===
 
In April 2019, Blaine was investigated by the [[New York City Police Department]] over allegations that he sexually assaulted at least two women.<ref name=AllegationsGuardian/><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/david-blaine-under-nypd-investigation-over-sexual-assault-allegations |title=David Blaine Under NYPD Investigation Over Sexual-Assault Allegations |work=The Daily Beast |date=April 2019 |access-date=September 7, 2019 |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105112842/https://www.thedailybeast.com/david-blaine-under-nypd-investigation-over-sexual-assault-allegations |url-status=live }}</ref> No charges were made.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.unilad.co.uk/news/david-blaine-accused-of-hypnotising-women-to-perform-sex-acts-on-him |title=David Blaine Accused Of 'Hypnotising Women To Perform Sex Acts On Him' |work=Unilad |date=April 2019 |access-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-date=April 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407195352/https://www.unilad.co.uk/news/david-blaine-accused-of-hypnotising-women-to-perform-sex-acts-on-him/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 
==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|New Jersey|New York City|Puerto Rico}}
* {{annotated link|Escapology}}
* {{annotated link|Hunger artist}}
* {{annotated link|Super Best Friends}}
{{clear}}
 
== References ==
{{reflist}}
 
== External links ==
{{sister project links|n=no|wikt=no|c=Category:David Blaine|d=Q353983|species=no|m=no|mw=no|s=no|voy=no|v=no|b=no}}
* {{official website}}
* {{IMDb name|86145}}
* {{TED speaker}}
** [https://www.ted.com/talks/david_blaine_how_i_held_my_breath_for_17_min "How I held my breath for 17 minutes" (TEDMED 2009)] (also {{YouTube|id=XFnGhrC_3Gs}})
 
{{Academy of Magical Arts Magician of the Year |state=autocollapse}}
{{Performance art}}
{{Authority control}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Blaine, David}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:American autobiographers]]
[[Category:American magicians]]
[[Category:American people of Italian descent]]
[[Category:American people of Puerto Rican descent]]
[[Category:American people of Russian-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:American performance artists]]
[[Category:American buskersstreet performers]]
[[Category:AutobiographersAmerican stunt performers]]
[[Category:PeopleArtists from Brooklyn]]
[[Category:Jewish American actors]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Puerto Rican-AmericansMentalists]]
[[Category:Passaic Valley Regional High School alumni]]
 
[[Category:People from Little Falls, New Jersey]]
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[[Category:Philanthropists from New York (state)]]
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[[Category:Academy of Magical Arts Magician of the Year winners]]
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