Origins & Early Life

Douglas James Henning (May 3, 1947 – February 7, 2000) was a Canadian magician, illusionist, escape artist and politician. Henning was born in the Fort Garry district of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Henning became interested in magic after seeing the Peruvian magician Richiardi Jr. perform on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He subsequently learned a variety of tricks and performed for his relatives. He began practising magic at Oakenwald School in Fort Garry. Later, his family relocated to Oakville, Ontario. Eventually he named himself "The Astounding Hendoo" and started advertising in local newspapers. After Henning graduated from Oakville Trafalgar High School, he stopped doing magic, not wanting to do it for a living.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He felt that there were only two kinds of magicians, "...magicians for kids, and magicians for nightclub acts. I didn't want to be either kind." So, instead, he enrolled and became a student at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and studied psychology, in preparation for a medical degree. There, Henning met Ivan Reitman, when he appeared in the 1968 Reitman-directed production of Li'l Abner in the role of Lonesome Polecat. To support himself during this time, Henning...

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