Curtis Lovell II (born Curtis Eugene Lovell II; March 16th, 1981) is an American Illusionist, Escape Artist and Endurance Artist. He is known for his high-profile Houdini style escapes and his Publicity Events around the world for major corporations and events. CBS News and Washington Times have referred to Lovell as “A Modern Day Houdini.”^[1]

Career

Escape Artist and Illusionist Curtis Eugene Lovell II dreamed of becoming a magical entertainer ever since a coin was magically pulled from his ear at the age of seven by his father. He has made his dream a reality in the past twenty years. At an early age, Lovell mastered the art of Close Up Magic. He has amazed millions with his Sleight of Hand wonders around the world - USA, Thailand, China and Spain at a variety of specially designed Corporate Function, Private Events, Fund Raisers and Television appearances. As the years progressed.^[2] Lovell started to face his fears of water, heights and death through his magical escapes.^[3]

In the Death Trap, created for a nightlife/entertainment complex in Singapore, Curtis attracted thousands of spectators and media on 18 subsequent nights when he was chained up and lowered into the Singapore River. He has performed Houdini's Cube of death hundreds of times, including 29 times at a shopping entertainment complex in the Philippines, as well as for radio and Televesion Publicity for USA Network and News Radio.

Pushing the envelope once again. Lovell was buried alive on Halloween night. The stunt attracted over 2000 visitors,^[4]CBS and KCAL9 News stations as well as local newspapers and radio shows including Casey Kasem Top 20.^[5]

Special Event Planners have contracted with Curtis to make Mayors, guest speakers, CEOs and even the bride and groom magically appear. Curtis always asks, "Now would you like them to disappear?"

Hollywood has also been keeping an eye on Curtis. He has appeared as a guest on Television programs such as: Spike TV for MANSWERS,^[6] where he explained how to escape from handcuffs. He appeared on the Reality show The Simple Life on E! Entertainment to cut Paris Hilton in half.^[7] Lovell shared his insights into the movie Prestige for Direct TV - Dailes. Even Gene Simmons has encountered Curtis on the Reality TV show Gene Simmons -The Family Jewels.

Television Appearances

MYNETWORK-TV: MASTERS OF ILLUSION 2009: Four minute guest appearance where Curtis performed a water escape.^[8]

E! ENTERTAINMENT: THE SIMPLE LIFE - WITH PARIS HILTON 2006 Season 4 - “Murray Family” The concept was themed around auditioning entertainers for a party that Paris was throwing. Curtis cut Paris in half and was hired back to perform for the party.^[9]

USA NETWORK: CHARACTER ROAD TRIP 2007 Five-minute spotlight around Curtis and his Cube of Death escape.^[10]

SPIKE TV: MANSWERS 2007 Season 1 - “How to escape from handcuffs.” Curtis explained the art of escaping from police handcuffs.

A&E: GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS MARCH 2008 Season 3 - Season Premier Curtis made a cameo appearance at the veterinarian hospital with his pet Chinchilla and interacted with Gene Simmons.^[11]

RHEELZ CHANNEL: DAILIES 2007 Curtis shared his insight on the movie “Prestige.”^[12]

Show Accomplishments

June, 2009 -The Magic of Tony Curtis - California

Produced by the Jules Verne Festival 1950’s movie actor Tony Curtis was presented the “Legendarie award”.^[13] As a show opener, Curtis Lovell recreated the water escape that Tony Curtis performed in the movie Houdini.^[14] Followed was a VIP Dinner at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, where Mr. Curtis strapped Lovell into a straitjacket in front of several hundred people.

Buried Alive 2008 - California

Successfully escaped being buried alive on Halloween evening 2008.^[15] He was shackled and locked into a coffin by a local police officer. Then over 1,000 pounds of dirt was poured on Curtis' grave. It took him 16 minutes to successfully escape. Curtis’ feat echoed an escape by the great Harry Houdini.^[16] This escape made Headline News - CBS, KCAL9, I.E Weekly^[17] and the stunt was dedicated to Houdini via Casey Kasem. ^[18]

The Death Trap 2006 - Singapore

Curtis performed 18 magic escape shows for an entertainment complex in Singapore^[19]- ClarkKey . Curtis was chained and shackled onto two large steel plates and lowered into the Singapore river by a crane. The goal was to gain publicity for the entertainment complex, and Curtis attracted the attention of 2,500 guests nightly, five major print organizations, three news networks, an international news station and radio stations.

Escape From Reality 2006 - Philippines

Curtis performed 29 shows at a shopping mall complex based on the theme of escaping fears and defying death. Curtis performed an effect similar to Houdini’s water torture cell called the Cube of Death. Curtis attracted thousands of guests nightly, sometimes more than 4,000 onlookers.

International comedy magic shows

China - WU IE International School, Thailand - Various school visits accompanying a Peace Corps volunteer.

2007 Public Challenges

The David Blaine Challenge Psychic John Edward Challenge^[20]

Curtis publicly challenged the noted figures to a magic duel. Curtis received national press coverage including: television, print, internet, radio and on major blogs and chat rooms.

Magic Instructional Programs

New Village Charter School 2008 (elective course credit.) Star Education 2007 School Retirement Employees Association Columbus Ohio and Los Angeles Public Libraries

DVD: “POOF! You’re a magician ~Learn magic with everyday objects”

Instructional DVD that stars Lovell teaching magic to the viewers.^[21]

Distributor: Passion River Films - NYC

Major retailers: Amazon.com, Target.com, Barnes & Noble, Blockbuster.com^[22]

Reviews

“I’m fully convinced, he is the HOUDINI, the premiere escape artist, of our time. Lovell has performed so many scary, daredevil escapades, including being buried alive…”

                                          -Heidi Hutchinson -Citizen LA Magazine

"His combination of talent, looks, and drive are likely to make him a household name.”

                                                       -Stan Jenson                                           
                                                        The Blade Magazine -Hollywood

"He emerged alive."

     -CBS News - Los Angeles

Polio Survivors Foundation: “Your performance was delightful and entertaining........”

                                           -President Lee S., Los Angeles

Notes

References

• About.com: Curtis Lovell To Escape With Actor Tony Curtis
• Washington Times: The Houdini Factor
• NBC Los Angeles: Derring-Do! Watery Feats! "Houdini" Hijinks!

External Links

• Curtis Lovell's II official website
• Curtis Lovell II at the International Movie Database#REDIRECT International Movie Database