Carl Ballantine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Carl Ballantine
Ballantine in 1968
Born	Meyer Kessler (1917-09-27)September 27, 1917 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died	November 3, 2009(2009-11-03) (aged 92) Hollywood Hills, California, U.S.
Occupation	Magician comedian actor
Years active	1936–2009
Spouse(s)	Ceil Cabot ​ ​ (m. 1955; died 2000)​
Children	2

Carl Ballantine (born Meyer Kessler; September 27, 1917 – November 3, 2009) was a famous American magician, comedian, and actor. He was known for his funny magic acts where tricks often went wrong in a hilarious way. He called himself "The Great Ballantine" or "The World's Greatest Magician." Many people say he invented "comedy magic" and inspired many other comedians and magicians.

Early Life and Becoming a Comedy Magician

Carl Ballantine was born Meyer Kessler in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were immigrants from Ukraine and Poland. When he was nine, his barber showed him magic tricks with thimbles, which inspired young Meyer. His first job was working as a printer.

In the 1930s, Meyer Kessler started performing serious magic as "Count Marakoff" and "Carl Sharp." He performed in Chicago and later moved to New York City, appearing in nightclubs and on TV shows. In the early 1940s, he decided to stop doing "real magic." He realized he wasn't as good as some other magicians. One night, a trick went wrong, and he said something funny to cover it up. The audience laughed, and he realized he could add more humor to his act.

He then switched to comedy magic and changed his name to "Carl Ballantine." He saw a bottle of Ballantine whisky in an advertisement and thought the name sounded "show-businessy and classy." His new act was called "Ballantine, the World's Greatest Magician." He entertained soldiers during World War II. He became known as "The Amazing Mr. Ballantine" and "The Great Ballantine" on popular TV shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and The Steve Allen Show in the 1950s and 1960s.

Carl Ballantine was the first magician to perform in Las Vegas. He appeared there in 1956 with famous stars like Harry James and Sammy Davis Jr.

Carl Ballantine's Acting Career

Ballantine as Lester Gruber in McHale's Navy

Carl Ballantine also had a successful acting career in movies and TV shows. He appeared in several films, including McHale's Navy (1964), Speedway (1968), and Mr. Saturday Night (1992).

One of his most famous roles was Lester Gruber in the TV show McHale's Navy (1962–1966). He played one of the PT boat sailors who was always coming up with funny, wild plans. He worked alongside actors like Ernest Borgnine and Tim Conway on the show.

He also made guest appearances on many other TV series. He was on The Partridge Family, I Dream of Jeannie, and The Monkees. Later, he appeared on CHiPs as a magician called "The Great Marvello." His last movie role was in Aimee Semple McPherson in 2006.

Carl Ballantine performed on Broadway in the play A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in 1972. He was also a frequent judge on the funny talent show The Gong Show. In his later years, he lent his voice to the cartoon Garfield and Friends, often playing Al J. Swindler, a character who sold silly items.

Personal Life

Carl Ballantine's first marriage ended in divorce. In 1955, he married actress Ceil Cabot. They were married until her death in 2000. They had two daughters, Saratoga and Molly, both named after racetracks.

Death

Carl Ballantine passed away on November 3, 2009, at his home in Hollywood, California. He was 92 years old.

Awards and Honors

Carl Ballantine received several awards for his magic and comedy.

• In 1973, he won the Special Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts.
• In 1984, he received the Performing Fellowship from the same academy.
• In 1985, he won the "Louie" Award from Tannen's Magic.
• In 2007, he was given the Lifetime Achievement Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts.

The famous comedian Steve Martin presented him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Steve Martin called Ballantine "the king of bungling magicians" and said he influenced many magicians and comedians. David Copperfield, another famous magician, said that Carl Ballantine truly "created comedy magic" and made it his own unique style.

Filmography