Harry Potter Wizard Magician Is Real?

Approx. 6 min. Read | Written by Lee Asher
Harry Potter Wizard Was A Real Life Magician

Yes! Harry Potter Wizard Was A Real Magician!

"Does art imitate life? Or does life imitate art?" - Anon.

This eternal question gains a magical twist as we unveil a figure seemingly born from fiction but steeped in reality. Imagine, if you will, a real-life magician bearing the moniker "Harry Potter." Your skepticism is forgiven, yet this isn't the realm of fantasy – it's an enchanting page from history.


The Enigmatic Performer

In a world long before wands waved on the big screen, a certain Harry Potter, not unlike the one we're familiar with, graced the stage. Would you believe me if I told you a real-life magician named Harry Potter existed? It's true! I know, it's too good to be true. But it's real. Look at this Canadian newspaper clipping that top-notch researcher Emily Herron found in the Dundas True Banner and Wentworth Chronicle (show above). The stage wasn't the sprawling halls of Hogwarts but the Dundas Town Hall in Ontario, Canada (shown below)


"Harry Potter 'The Original American Wizard' brought his show to the Town Hall of *Dundas, Ontario (Dominion of Canada)." - Original Ad Posted Sunday, May 23rd, 1858

*Dundas, Ontario is now modern-day Hamilton, Ontario (Canada).

According to historical records, this "Harry Potter" was more than just a name. He was a skilled magician who captured the audience's imagination with feats that included legerdemain, sleight-of-hand, and ventriloquism. The echoes of his performances still reverberate through time, reminding us that magic and magicians has always held a special place in human hearts.


1858 Advertising for Harry Potter The Wizard Magician Performing At The Dundas Town Hall.

Dundas Town Hall Where Wizard Magician Harry Potter Performed in 1858.

Unveiling the Curtain of Time

Is Harry Potter alive or not? While the Harry Potter of our beloved series remains a creation of J.K. Rowling's unparalleled imagination, the historical Harry Potter brought joy and wonder to audiences in an era far removed from our own.

Is the wizarding world real? While the fantastical realms of Hogwarts and Quidditch might not exist in our reality, the wonder and fascination with magic have always been an intrinsic part of human culture. The historical Harry Potter reminds us that magic has transcended time in its own mesmerizing way. Perhaps you want to learn some magic?

Who is Harry Potter based on?

The inspiration behind J.K. Rowling's iconic character is a subject of speculation. While the historical Harry Potter provides an irresistible connection, it's essential to remember that the author's creative alchemy blended various influences into the tapestry of her wizarding world. She probably had no idea this Harry Potter existed. But one cannot help but this. A possible source of inspiration could be the renowned African-American celebrity magician Richard Potter. He was exceptionally famous during his time, and perhaps "Harry Potter" who came years after Richard's death, used the Potter name for his own marketing purposes.

How old is Harry Potter right now?

Great question. The historical Harry Potter left his mark in the annals of history in the 1850s. Regrettably, the veil of time obscures his true age, rendering it impossible to precisely ascertain his years. Curiously, another excerpt from The Montreal Star, a Canadian newspaper, reveals that Harry Potter continued his performances for nearly four decades thereafter.

Newspaper clipping from 1897 claming Harry Potter was the wonder of incline rope trick.

Newspaper clipping from The Montreal Star, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Saturday, September 11th, 1897 professing Harry Potter is the wonder of the Incline Rope Trick.

As for the fictional Harry Potter, his age remains forever entwined with the pages of his stories, frozen in a timeless narrative that continues to captivate generations.

The Endless Saga of Magic and Reality

As we close the chapter on this voyage into the historical enigma of Harry Potter, remember that the interplay between reality and imagination is as intricate as any spell. Whether in the mystique of a real-life magician's act or the wonder of a fictional wizard's adventure, the allure of magic transcends the boundaries of time and existence.


You may find the original source here ...

Originally published on August 28th, 2015 by Emily Herron, Archives Technician at the Dundas Museum & Archives.