Doug Henning Was The Magic Rainbow Unicorn Of Magic

By | December 11, 2018

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Can we just point out that Doug Henning is wearing studded overalls with a rainbow-maned unicorn on them? Strong magic indeed. Source: Pinterest

In the 1970s, the world of magic was dominated by two people, the dashing and debonair David Copperfield, and the groovy hippie Doug Henning. Magic is show business, and magicians are showmen who claim abilities mere mortals do not possess -- so in effect, they're also salesmen. And while Copperfield might promise you the classiest magic, the rich Corinthian leather of magic, Doug Henning's magic was bound to be more fun. Just look at the guy: shaggy hair, '70s 'stache, shiny spandex, goofy smile.

What did Doug Henning do for magic? Although Copperfield would pull off some of the largest magic tricks ever attempted, it was Henning who paved the way for other magicians and illusionists, like Criss Angel, by showing that successful magicians don’t have to be confined to tuxedos. 

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Doug Henning -- Photo by: NBCU Photo Bank (Getty Images)

Although Henning dabbled in magic as a boy and teen, he enrolled in college in his native Canada with the intention of earning a medical degree. He did his magic act at local bars and clubs just as a way to earn money for school. After he completed his bachelor degree in psychology, he decided to take a few years away from school to save money for med school. During this time, he took his magic act on the road, touring across Canada and building a name for himself as a magician.