Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Clark.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Stamford Ct. My parents were immigrant Italians who came to America about a decade after world war II. I have two older brothers who still live in CT. I was always a shy and introverted kid who didn’t like reading. As a matter of fact, I never read my first whole book (Cover to cover) until I was 20 years old.
When I was six years old, I saw an advertisement for TV Magic Cards on TV in between the cartoons I was watching daily after school. I was hooked. I never stopped loving magic other than a brief detour in my late teens. I did my first paid show at the age of nine. I got paid $9. Five dollars in singles and four dollars in quarters. It was the beginning of my thrill ride in the world of magic.
I continued on to move on to bigger and better shows winning several contests including the Society of Magicians world-class competition in 1988 that put me on the world map as a professional magician and a booking at the world famous Magic Castle.
Shortly after that, I moved to Hollywood. The next five years were a challenge to survive. I survived on cheap Ramen and chicken dogs from the grocery store. I barely made 10k each year to survive.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Though struggling and eating Ramen and sometimes going to Sizzler in the middle of the day to take advantage of the all you could eat buffet, for my one and an only meal or the day.
I loved magic so I never gave up even when I was down to my last $500 that would barely cover my rent. But I kept going and going. Looking back, I realize now that I had so much passion that it keeps me moving forward even if it was very slowly at times.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
My magic business encompasses all aspects of magic. I create products that I sell online. I create custom magic for professional magicians. My main business now is consulting and tech advising on TV shows and films. I help create the magic and teach the actors how to perform magic if the script calls for it.
I’ve worked many many amazing actors throughout the years. Most recently on a Pilot for NBC called Like Magic I worked with French Stewart who is a seasoned comedy actor. I’ve also worked with John Malkovich, Nicolas Cage, Tony Shaloub, Cedric the Entertainer and many more.
Creating and consulting is my new passion. I use my more than 30 years of professional experience to make these TV and Film projects come to life. I’m now called the “Magic Doula.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Going to the beach every morning during the summer with my brothers and cousins
Contact Info:
- Website: tonyclarkmagicstore.com
- Phone: 8184228708
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Tonyclarkmagic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyClarkLIVE
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TonyClark_LIVE
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