Short Biography

David Copperfield (born David Seth Kotkin on September 16, 1956 in Metuchen, New Jersey) is an Emmy Award-winning American illusionist described by Forbes in 2006 as the most commercially successful magician in history. Best known for his combination of storytelling and illusion, Copperfield has so far sold 40 million tickets and grossed over $1 billion. Copperfield was born David Seth Kotkin in Metuchen, New Jersey, the son of Jewish parents, Rebecca, an insurance adjuster, and Hyman Kotkin, who owned and operated a men`s haberdashery in Metuchen called Korby`s. Copperfield`s mother was born in Jerusalem, Israel, while his paternal grandparents were Jewish immigrants from Russia. When Copperfield was 10, he began practicing magic as "Davino, the Boy Magician" in his neighborhood, and at the age of 12, became the youngest person ever admitted to the Society of American Magicians. Copperfield was engaged to supermodel Claudia Schiffer for six years, but the couple separated in 1999 citing work schedules. Forbes magazine reported that Copperfield earned $55 million in 2003, making him the tenth highest paid celebrity in the world (earnings figures are pre-tax and before deductions for agents` and attorneys` fees, etc). He earned $57 million in 2004 and 2005, and $30 million in 2009 in entertainment earnings, according to Forbes. Copperfield performs over 500 shows per year throughout the world.

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