Remembering History: In 1891, the young performer changed his name to Harry Houdini in tribute to the great French magician Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin. As soon as he began experimenting with escape acts, Houdini became enormously successful. He freed himself from jails, handcuffs, chains, robes and straitjackets. The possibility of failure and death thrilled his audiences.For many years, he was the highest-paid performer in American vaudeville.

In 1891, the young performer changed his name to Harry Houdini in tribute to the great French magician Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin. As soon as he began experimenting with escape acts, Houdini became enormously successful. He freed himself from jails, handcuffs, chains, robes and straitjackets. The possibility of failure and death thrilled his audiences.For many years, he was the highest-paid performer in American vaudeville.

In 1891, the young performer changed his name to Harry Houdini in tribute to the great French magician Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin. As soon as he began experimenting with escape acts, Houdini became enormously successful. He freed himself from jails, handcuffs, chains, robes and straitjackets. The possibility of failure and death thrilled his audiences.For many years, he was the highest-paid performer in American vaudeville.