Bruce Cervon

Bruce Cervon (June 20, 1941 – May 24, 2007) was an American magician who was best known for his close-up magic, both through performance and invention. He published a series of books and helped to create a permanent record of the magic of Dai Vernon through The Vernon Chronicles, and Bruce Cervon's Castle Notebooks.

Biography

Early years

Bruce Cervon was born Andrew Bruce Cernava (a Croatian surname) to Helen Rauzon Cernava and George Cernava in 1941. He changed the surname to Cervon (pronounced 'SIR-von'). Raised in Akron, Ohio, his introduction to magic came aged seven, through reading his father's copy of Professor Hoffman's Tricks with Cards, and through being given a Gilbert Mysto Magic set. He later found The Akron Novelty Company, which was the only magic store in the area. As he grew older, he began performing professionally at fairs and outdoor shows throughout Ohio and for various civic clubs throughout the Midwest. His wife Peggi, billed as "Crystal", was his assistant.

As a teen, Bruce also played guitar and sang in a few doo-wop groups, including Jordan and the Fascinations and The Caps. He played locally and recorded a few records. The period has been described as the "Golden Age of Close-up Magic".

Friction began to develop between Cervon and Jennings in the early 1970s as Vernon pitted the men against each other, separately challenging them to devise methods for effects, and suggesting the other had developed a better handling. and his performances were often praised by his peers. He was nominated seven times for "Best Close-up Performer" and won it twice. and in 2000 he was honored with the "Performing Fellowship", the highest Academy of Magical Arts award a performer can receive. Dai Vernon himself praised Cervon, saying, "I would place him right at the top with the other 'greats' in magic."

Cervon was well known for his admiration for Dai Vernon, saying on one occasion "I've been the number one Vernon fan since I was a young boy", and for his careful recording of everything he learned with Dai Vernon at The Magic Castle. His notes grew to fill thirteen binders, and became known as the legendary "Castle Notebooks." Later with Dai Vernon's permission the "Castle Notebooks" aided in the creation of "The Vernon Chronicles." It is through his efforts that many of Vernon's accomplishments have been preserved. Vernon described him as "my long time good friend."

Cervon was appreciated for his willingness to discuss details of the art with other magicians: as one writer expressed it after Cervon's death, "These magical enthusiasts and hobbyists spoke of times when Bruce had taken the time to share his time and knowledge with them. To their amazement this legitimate superstar of magic had gone out of his way to make himself available to them. Each story was a little different. Sometimes it was when Bruce would sit down and take the time to really teach them a routine or a move. Some people had stories that touched on the other facets of Bruce such as his love of music. Each person had been lifted to a new height by the way Bruce had generously shared his time."

He also performed at high-profile celebrity parties. He performed frequently for such notables as Cary Grant, Orson Welles, Jack Benny, Bette Davis, Rosalind Russell, Gregory Peck, Jimmy Stewart and Elvis Presley. He became known as the "Beverly Hills Magician" performing for the Glitterati. He was Johnny Carson's personal selection for the annual Tonight Show party. Best Close-up Magician of the Year (Twice; 1972 and 1975) Best Lecturer of the Year (1970) Performing Fellowship (1999) 21 Nominations from the Academy of Magical Arts Best Close-up Magician of the Year Best Lecturer of the Year Best Magician of the Year Best Parlour Magician of the Year