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Well, I had an immense respect for Cirque du Soleil when I first say them in the ’80s on a television show and just thought, you know, this group is really reinventing the circus, as you know. Because there wasn’t three rings. There were no animals.
I like to say magic is the world’s second oldest profession, a mystical and often awe-inspiring spectacle that, throughout the ages, has blended superstition, trickery and religion.
I had an amazing childhood, lots of love. But my dad worked his tail off, getting up at 4 in the morning and going off at 5, 6 o’clock, yet he always had time to spend with his kids and his wife.
It’s so funny looking back, but my so-called overnight success actually took 15 years. I remember when I didn’t have any money, and my only car was mom’s Hyundai.
I’m actually tougher on myself as I get older. It’s a vicious cycle. The things that are important in life are the things that you can’t buy in life: love, health and happiness. I say that, and I believe that, and I try to live that.
I used to think that if I had success I would have freedom. But I have less freedom now than I’ve ever had. And what gives me satisfaction is not the jewelry and not the cars. What gives me satisfaction is doing things for others, like children.
I think that the problem is that people fear so many things and they don’t live life to its fullest. And for me as an artist, if God should want me to come this Wednesday to the end of my life, so be it.
One of the most gratifying things I get as an artist is when people watch me do these different demonstrations, and they in some way feel empowered by what I’m doing so they can confront their own fears. Maybe it’s the fear of getting in an elevator maybe it’s the fear of going on a plane and seeing the world.
When my father died in my arms it had such a profound affect on me that at that very moment when my dad passed I realized that I needed to face my own fears.
I have mentally overcome situations most of you would be terrified to ever attempt: heights, fire, needles, spiders, snakes, angry monkeys, being shot, being hit by a car, going blind – you name it, I have been in a situation where I have had to mentally overcome my inherent fears to do my job.