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Hans Klok
Hans Klok 2018 (cropped).jpg
Klok in 2018
Born
Johannes Franciscus Catharinus Klok

(1969-02-22) 22 February 1969 (age 56)
Purmerend, Netherlands
Occupation Magician, illusionist

Hans Klok, born Johannes Franciscus Catharinus Klok on February 22, 1969, is a famous Dutch magician and illusionist. He is known for his amazing and fast-paced magic shows. He has performed all over the world, including in Las Vegas and at major international events.

Early Life and Magic Beginnings

Hans Klok was born in Purmerend, a town in the Netherlands. When he turned ten, he got a magic set as a birthday gift. This gift sparked his interest in magic. He started performing simple tricks for his friends at their birthday parties.

Becoming a Professional Magician

Hans began his professional magic career as a teenager. By the age of fourteen, he was already a champion. He won youth titles in conjuring for both the Netherlands and Europe. He also received the Wenegini Prize for his skills.

In 1990, Hans and his assistant, Sittah, won the Grand Prix of the Netherlands. They also received the Henk Vermeijden Cup. They were recognized for performing "the fastest metamorphosis in the world." This trick involves a quick change or disappearance. By the time he was 23, Hans was touring with famous Dutch comedian André van Duin.

International Performances

In 1994, Hans Klok performed for the first time in Las Vegas, USA. This was part of a big TV show called The World's Greatest Magic. It was broadcast live from Caesars Palace to 60 million people. After this, Hans prepared his first big theater show. It opened in October at the Luxor Theater in Rotterdam. Later, he created other popular shows like 'Magic Live on Stage' and 'Magic Impossible'.

World Cup Magic

During the opening of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, Hans Klok performed a spectacular illusion. About 500 million football fans around the world watched him. He made the 18-carat gold World Cup Trophy appear out of thin air inside a glass cage.

Las Vegas Shows

In 2007, Hans Klok had his own show on the Las Vegas Strip. It was called The Beauty of Magic. This 90-minute show was performed in a large theater at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. It ran from June to mid-December. The show featured famous people like Pamela Anderson as one of his assistants. She helped with illusions, including being sawn in half. Before this, Hans had also worked with Carmen Electra in his shows.

Touring and Television Appearances

Hans Klok has worked on Klassetv, an English program for Dutch children. He has also toured Europe with his shows.

The Houdini Experience

In 2010 and 2011, Hans toured with his show The Houdini Experience. This show was a special tribute to Harry Houdini, one of his childhood heroes. It followed the success of his show Hurricane.

In February and March 2012, Hans Klok brought The Houdini Experience to the UK. He performed for five weeks at the Peacock Theatre in London. For the opening night, model and actress Linda Lusardi joined him as an assistant. She took part in illusions, including the Buzzsaw finale.

Hans also appeared on BBC TV's The One Show to promote his UK performances. This led to him performing at Stella McCartney's London Fashion Week party in 2012. He entertained VIP guests with tricks like levitation and sawing TV presenter Alexa Chung in half.

Breaking World Records

On March 19, 2012, Hans Klok was given a special honor. He became a member of the Inner Circle with Gold Star by Jack Delvin, the president of The Magic Circle. This title is only given to a few special members.

During his UK visit, Hans appeared on the final episode of the BBC TV show The Magicians. There, he broke his own world record. He performed 12 large illusions in just five minutes.

In May 2013, Hans Klok performed the Illusion Challenge again. This time, he was on the French TV channel France 2, on the show Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde. He broke his record again by performing 15 illusions in five minutes.

Recent Tours and Awards

In recent years, Hans Klok has successfully toured in the Netherlands and Germany. His shows have been sold out in many theaters.

On July 10, 2013, Hans performed a daring stunt. He did the Jaws of Death illusion above the Amstel river in Amsterdam. This was to promote his "The New Houdini" show.

On January 26, 2014, Hans Klok won the Silver Clown award. This was at the 38th International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo. He was the first illusionist ever to win this award. In August 2014, Hans went on his final tour in the Netherlands with "The New Houdini" show.

2015-09-16 Hans Klok 190
Klok performing in 2015

Filmography

Hans Klok has also appeared as an actor in several films:

  • De D van dag (2003)
  • Sinterklaas en het geheim van de Robijn
  • De Grote Sinterklaasfilm en de Strijd om Pakjesavond (2023)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Hans Klok para niños

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