A master of magic and illusion, known for his silent, deadpan performances and innovative tricks that continue to amaze audiences. He's half of the famous duo Penn & Teller.
Teller, born Raymond Joseph Teller on February 14, 1948, is one half of the iconic comedy magic duo Penn & Teller, a master of sleight of hand, and a beacon of creativity in the world of magic. This enigmatic performer is known for his mesmerizing stage presence, clever illusions, and, perhaps most famously, his refusal to speak during performances.
Teller was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Irene B. Derrickson and Israel Max Joseph Teller, a Russian-Jewish father and a Methodist mother. He grew up in a family of artists, with both parents attending art school at Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial. Teller graduated from Philadelphia's Central High School in 1965 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Amherst College in 1969.
Before becoming a full-time magician, Teller taught Greek and Latin at Lawrence High School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. In 2001, he was inducted into the Central High School Hall of Fame. It was during this time that he began performing magic as a hobby, eventually meeting his future partner, Penn Jillette, in 1974.
Teller and Jillette formed the Asparagus Valley Cultural Society, a three-person act that played at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and later in San Francisco. By 1981, they had pared down to a duo, and the world was introduced to Penn & Teller, a unique blend of comedy, magic, and showmanship.
Teller has been an outspoken advocate for libertarianism and individual freedom. As a H.L. Mencken Fellow at the Cato Institute, he has lent his voice to promoting rational thinking and skepticism. His work on Penn & Teller: Bullshit!, a Showtime series that debunked myths and pseudoscience, earned him critical acclaim and a loyal following.
In 2018-2019, Teller underwent three back surgeries, followed by quadruple-bypass heart surgery in 2022. Despite these health setbacks, he continues to perform and inspire audiences worldwide.
| 1948 | Born on February 14th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| 1965 | Graduated from Central High School |
| 1969 | Graduated from Amherst College with a Bachelor of Arts in Classics |
| 1974 | Met Penn Jillette and formed the Asparagus Valley Cultural Society |
| 1981 | Began performing exclusively with Penn Jillette as Penn & Teller |
Teller's unique blend of magic, comedy, and skepticism has inspired generations of performers, writers, and thinkers. His commitment to promoting reason and critical thinking has made a lasting impact on popular culture.
Teller's influence can be seen in TV shows like South Park, The Simpsons, and Family Guy, which have all referenced or parodied Penn & Teller's style of comedy and magic. His quiet intensity and clever illusions have become iconic, making him a beloved figure in modern entertainment.
Teller's remarkable journey from teacher to magician, his unwavering commitment to creativity and skepticism, and his enduring partnership with Penn Jillette have cemented his place as a true original in the world of entertainment. As he continues to wow audiences and challenge conventional thinking, Teller's legacy as a master of comedy, magic, and inspiration will only continue to grow.
71 Years Old
A magician, actor, and author known for his outspoken personality and half of the duo Penn & Teller, entertaining audiences with magic shows and debunking supernatural claims.
69 Years Old
A world-renowned illusionist and entertainer, known for his death-defying escapes, magic shows, and television specials that have mesmerized audiences worldwide. He has made magic a household name, pushing the boundaries of illusion and spectacle.
58 Years Old
A master of illusions and spectacle, he is known for his death-defying stunts and mind-bending magic tricks on stage and television.
55 Years Old
A master of mentalism and illusion, he uses his skills to entertain and deceive, pushing the boundaries of human psychology and perception.
53 Years Old
A master of street magic and endurance feats, known for his close-up illusions and record-breaking stunts that leave audiences amazed and bewildered.
Born in 1874
A master of escape and illusion, this legendary performer amazed audiences with death-defying stunts and clever tricks, leaving a lasting mark on the world of entertainment.
