RJ

Ricky Jay

53quotes

Ricky Jay: A Master of Cards and Showmanship


Full Name and Common Aliases


Ricky Jay's full name was Richard Jay Potash, but he is more commonly known by his stage name, Ricky Jay.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on December 26, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, Ricky Jay passed away on November 24, 2016, at the age of 70.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Ricky Jay was an American actor, magician, and writer. He was a highly skilled sleight-of-hand artist and card thrower who appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in Brooklyn, Ricky Jay developed a passion for magic at an early age. His interest in the art of conjuring was sparked by his parents, who were both involved in show business. Jay's father, Robert Potash, was a comedian and actor, while his mother, Margaret Potash, was a singer and actress. As a child, Jay would often perform tricks for his family and neighbors, which laid the foundation for his future career as a professional magician.

Jay's early life was marked by a sense of curiosity and wonder, traits that would serve him well in his later years as a master of sleight-of-hand. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, where he developed a keen interest in acting and writing. After high school, Jay went on to study at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he began to hone his skills as a magician.

Major Accomplishments


Ricky Jay's accomplishments extend far beyond his work in magic. He was a highly respected actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career. Some notable roles include:

Heist (2001) - Jay played the role of Zedlitz, a safecracker with a penchant for card throwing.
 Boogie Nights (1997) - Jay had a supporting role as Maxwell "Max" Rothman, a veteran adult film actor.
Magnolia (1999) - Jay played Donnie Smith, a troubled young man struggling to come to terms with his past.

In addition to his work in front of the camera, Jay was also an accomplished writer. He published several books on magic and card throwing, including:

Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women (1986) - A collection of essays on magic history and culture.
* Card Sharks: The Life of James Ingersoll Magician Extraordinaire (1993) - A biography of the magician James Ingersoll.

Notable Works or Actions


Ricky Jay was not only a talented performer but also a dedicated teacher. He was known for his ability to break down complex magic tricks into simple, understandable components. Through his work as a lecturer and instructor, Jay helped to introduce generations of magicians to the art of sleight-of-hand.

Jay's contributions to the world of magic extend beyond his own performances. He was an advocate for the preservation of magic history and culture, working tirelessly to promote the study and appreciation of this unique art form.

Impact and Legacy


Ricky Jay's impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. As a master of cards and showmanship, he inspired countless magicians and performers with his skill and creativity. His contributions to film and television have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry as a whole.

Jay's legacy is also evident in the numerous awards and accolades he received throughout his career. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the world of entertainment. Jay's commitment to magic history and culture has ensured that future generations will continue to appreciate and learn from this timeless art form.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Ricky Jay is widely quoted and remembered for his mastery of sleight-of-hand and card throwing. His ability to perform complex tricks with ease and precision has inspired countless magicians, including some of the world's most renowned performers. Jay's contributions to film and television have also left a lasting impact on popular culture.

As a writer and lecturer, Jay helped to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of magic history and culture. Through his tireless efforts to preserve this unique art form, Jay has ensured that future generations will continue to be inspired by the world of magic.

In conclusion, Ricky Jay's legacy is one of creativity, skill, and dedication. As a master of cards and showmanship, he continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. His impact on popular culture is undeniable, and his contributions to film, television, and magic history will be remembered for generations to come.

Quotes by Ricky Jay

I never talk much about my family, but my grandfather was friendly with these guys, with magicians and ventriloquists on the highest levels, and I was just... interested.
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I never talk much about my family, but my grandfather was friendly with these guys, with magicians and ventriloquists on the highest levels, and I was just... interested.
RJ
I think the toughest thing about being an actor in a film is to be with a director who doesn’t know what they want. And that can be really, really frustrating.
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I think the toughest thing about being an actor in a film is to be with a director who doesn’t know what they want. And that can be really, really frustrating.
RJ
I suppose that if I could only do one thing, a solid card effect would be pretty high on the list. That’s the root of it all, sleight-of-hand. It’s certainly the thing I feel most comfortable with.
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I suppose that if I could only do one thing, a solid card effect would be pretty high on the list. That’s the root of it all, sleight-of-hand. It’s certainly the thing I feel most comfortable with.
RJ
I’m probably the only kid in history whose parents made him stop taking music lessons. They made me stop studying the accordion.
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I’m probably the only kid in history whose parents made him stop taking music lessons. They made me stop studying the accordion.
RJ
That’s one of the ways language evolved, by some very obscure form becoming common usage. And I must say that I’m very intrigued by use of language and slang, and criminal underground terms.
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That’s one of the ways language evolved, by some very obscure form becoming common usage. And I must say that I’m very intrigued by use of language and slang, and criminal underground terms.
RJ
Unlike other Jewish families, we didn’t go out for Chinese food on Sundays, but we spent our time in a world of baking powder biscuits and the best shrimp cocktails that ever were.
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Unlike other Jewish families, we didn’t go out for Chinese food on Sundays, but we spent our time in a world of baking powder biscuits and the best shrimp cocktails that ever were.
RJ
Theft annoys me more than anything else. The purloining of effects from another magician. Some people think it’s massive to steal the secrets of nuclear reactors, but to steal a card move is trivial. They’re wrong.
"
Theft annoys me more than anything else. The purloining of effects from another magician. Some people think it’s massive to steal the secrets of nuclear reactors, but to steal a card move is trivial. They’re wrong.
RJ
Writing is the only thing in my life that doesn’t get easier. It just doesn’t.
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Writing is the only thing in my life that doesn’t get easier. It just doesn’t.
RJ
I certainly was performing before my writing was published, because I was performing when I was very young. And the thing is I’m very comfortable on stage, so a large portion of my act did come from ad-libs.
"
I certainly was performing before my writing was published, because I was performing when I was very young. And the thing is I’m very comfortable on stage, so a large portion of my act did come from ad-libs.
RJ
Every acting gig isn’t the same, every writing job isn’t the same, every live performance isn’t the same – the challenge is the level of difficulty or ease, and that may vary.
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Every acting gig isn’t the same, every writing job isn’t the same, every live performance isn’t the same – the challenge is the level of difficulty or ease, and that may vary.
RJ
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