Harry Houdini was an escape artist and a stunt performer born in Hungary in 1874. He is noted for his daring acts and stunts, and his ability to escape from seemingly impossible traps and snares. Houdini moved to America at a young age. When he was nine, he started to perform as a trapeze artist at a local circus. Later, he started to learn magic, which interested him a lot. Due to limited public response, he started to try out more daring acts, and decided to specialize in escape stunts. He soon mastered the act, and devised several public stunts. He performed in various countries, and became a hit in Europe. Where ever he travelled, he challenged the local police that he could escape from any of their prisons, and he would easily break free of their shackles and out of the jail. Soon, Houdini had to improvise on his acts, mainly due to a large number of professionals imitating his acts. His acts became more and more dangerous, thrilling audiences.
Harry Houdini died from a damaged appendix in 1926. He refused treatment, and went on to performances in spite of a heavy fever. He continues to awe people, to this day, with the stories of his miraculous abilities.