Teller (magician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Teller
Teller in 2023
Born	Raymond Joseph Teller (1948-02-14) February 14, 1948 (age 77) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Education	Amherst College (BA)
Occupation	Magician
Years active	1974–present

Teller, born Raymond Joseph Teller on February 14, 1948, is a famous American magician. He is one half of the amazing magic team called Penn & Teller. His partner is Penn Jillette. During their shows, Teller usually stays silent, which is his special trademark.

Early Life and Education

Teller grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His parents, Irene and Joseph Teller, were artists who met at art school. Teller went to Central High School and then Amherst College. He studied Classics, which means he learned about ancient Greek and Roman history and languages. After college, he became a high school teacher, teaching Latin.

At some point, Teller legally changed his name to just 'Teller'. This means he uses only one name, which was his family's last name. He started using 'Teller' professionally even before he formed his first magic group.

He taught Greek and Latin at a high school in New Jersey. In 2001, his old high school, Central High School, added him to their Hall of Fame.

Health Updates

Teller had a few back surgeries in 2018 and 2019. In late 2022, he had heart surgery to help his heart work better.

Magic Career

Penn & Teller in 2012

Teller first started performing magic with his friend Weir Chrisemer. Their group was called The Othmar Schoeck Memorial Society for the Preservation of Unusual and Disgusting Music.

He met Penn Jillette in 1974. With Chrisemer, they formed a three-person act called Asparagus Valley Cultural Society. This group started at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.

In 1981, Jillette and Teller decided to perform just as a duo. They became the famous team Penn & Teller, and they still perform together today. On April 5, 2013, Penn and Teller received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is a special honor for people who have done great things in live performances. The next day, they were named Magicians of the Year by the Magic Castle.

Teller rarely speaks during his magic shows. However, he often talks in interviews and other situations. His quiet act started when he was younger. He found that if he didn't speak during his college magic shows, people paid more attention and didn't bother him as much.

Writing and Directing

Teller has written several books. He worked with Penn Jillette on three magic books. He also wrote a book about his father called "When I'm Dead All This Will Yours!": Joe Teller – A Portrait by His Kid. This book, published in 2000, tells his father's life story and includes his father's paintings and cartoons.

Teller also helped write a science paper about how people pay attention during magic tricks. It was published in a science magazine in 2008.

In 2010, Teller wrote a show called Play Dead. It was a spooky show, like the old "spook shows" from the 1930s and 40s. The show first played in Las Vegas and then in New York.

Directing Stage Shows

Teller has also directed plays. In 2008, he worked with Aaron Posner to direct a play called Macbeth. They used magic tricks in the scenes with the Three Witches.

In 2014, Teller and Posner directed another play, The Tempest. This play is about a magician, and they used stage magic to bring it to life. They directed a new version of Macbeth in Chicago in 2018.

Teller also directed a movie called Tim's Vermeer, which came out in 2014. He and Penn Jillette were executive producers for the film.

Film and Television Appearances

Teller has appeared in many movies and TV shows, often playing himself or a character related to magic.

See also

In Spanish: Teller para niños