Steve Baker (illusionist) facts for kids
Stevan "Mr. Escape" Baker (July 26, 1938 – September 17, 2017) was an amazing American magician and escape artist. He was also a comedian. From 1967 to the early 1990s, Steve Baker appeared on many TV shows. These included Dick Clark's LIVE Wednesday and Games People Play. He also starred in an HBO special called The World's Greatest Escapes. On this show, he was with Tony Curtis and Dorothy Dietrich. Steve Baker was also seen several times on That's Incredible!.
Contents
Early Life and His Escape Journey
Childhood and Inspiration
Steve Baker was born on July 26, 1938, in East St. Louis, Illinois. His parents were Joseph and Cleo Baker. As a child, Steve had rheumatic fever. This illness meant he had to stay in his room while his friends played outside.
When he was eight, his family moved to California. They wanted to see a doctor who specialized in rheumatic fever. During the years he was resting, Steve started reading. He found a book called "The Art of Escape" about Harry Houdini. This book really inspired him.
After three years, Steve got better from his illness. He then challenged his friends to chain him up. He wanted to practice the escape tricks he learned from Houdini's books.
Starting His Career
Steve Baker's career as "Mr. Escape" officially began on February 22, 1967. He performed an upside-down straitjacket escape. He hung from the Tribune Tower Building in Oakland, California, United States. Thousands of people came to watch this amazing stunt. Actress Dawn Wells was there, along with a sheriff who was related to Wyatt Earp. The British Pathe Newsreel Organization filmed this escape.
Steve Baker became a favorite of TV personality Dick Clark. He performed many times on Dick Clark's shows. These included Dick Clark Live Wednesdays on NBC and later LIVE with Dick Clark on CBS.
Military Service and Global Adventures
Steve joined the U.S. Air Force during the Cold War. But even then, he kept practicing his escapes. He would perform shows when he was not on duty to earn extra money.
After his time in the military, Steve went to Vietnam. He performed for the troops there. His courage and determination grew a lot during this time. He decided he wanted to be even better than Houdini. If Houdini performed on the eighth floor, Steve wanted to go to the ninth. With every escape, Steve's confidence grew stronger.
Steve Baker was able to travel the world doing what he loved. In 1971, at a show in Boise, he asked an audience member to help with a trick. This person was Julia Veltri. She later became his wife and stage assistant for 41 years. Together, Steve and Julia traveled to many countries. They performed magic tricks and daring escapes.
Later Life
In 2006, Steve and Julia moved to Irving, Illinois. Steve became ill some years later. On September 17, 2017, Steve Baker passed away at his home. He was 79 years old.
