J.C.'s Early Career

J.C.'s
Early Career

JC got hooked on magic after seeing a magician perform during a school Halloween carnival. He started practicing magic in 1952; doing tricks for his family & friends, but crowds were scarce in his early days. He made his professional debut in 1960 with an appearance at the Point Loma library in San Diego.

JC with a packed audience
Courtesy B. Pozner

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By the summer of 1962 he was working at Disneyland in Merlin's Magic Shop with another aspiring magician; Steve Martin (yes, that wild & crazy guy). He served in the Air Force from 1965-69 working ground support for the SR-71 Blackbird, but kept his skills sharp by entertaining his crewmates & visitors. He first started practicing the art of bar magic in 1973 at Marco's Roman Room in Coronado, CA along with Bob Sheets. He published his first packet trick "Factory Misprints" during this time. He then went out on his own in 1977, opening The Magic Lounge in San Diego, CA. During this period he published his first book "The Seven Secrets of JC Wagner" & second packet trick "Gypsy Curse Variation".

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The Magic Lounge Motley Crew with JC on his BD in 73
John Ferguson, John Kovarovic & "Magic"Mike Stillwell
Courtesy B. Pozner

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More of the Motley Crew
JC, Bob Pozner & Mike Stillwell
Courtesy B. Pozner

He also ventured to Colorado to help Bob Sheets establish a new place in Aspen "The Jolly Jester" & was known to drop in to the magic bar at John Denver's "The Tower Restaurant" in Snowmass to visit Doc Eason & amaze the crowds. His stint with the Magic Lounge lasted until 1981 when he was invited to work at the Magic Island in Newport Beach, CA ; eventually becoming the entertainment director there.

JC with Magic Island cohort Jerry Camaro (83)
Courtesy J. Kovarovic

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In 1985 he started appearing weekly in the Close Up Gallery at the Magic Castle in Los Angeles where he worked until 1990. During this time, he released his highly successful 2nd book "The Commercial Magic of JC Wagner" which was also accompanied by the two part companion video. Later in 1990, he went on a 6 month coast to coast magic lecture tour which wrapped up his regular public appearances until now.

We are always looking for old pictures of JC at work (the more embarrassing the better). Feel free to email any you have to webmaster@jcwagnersmagic.com & you will get credit for them on the site.

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