My wife says it failed long ago. [16], A documentary titled The Amazing Johnathan Documentary about his illness and return to the stage was released on Hulu in 2019. His only credited performance as an actor was "The Obligatory Holiday Episode" of The Weird Al Show (playing the part of Uncle Johnathan). I had been promised that I would finally get to speak to the man known to his fans and friends as the Amazing Johnathan, but the minutes tick past and the streetlamps come on outside my window. But in the end, even he could not escape its reality. [14] However, Szeles defied his initial terminal prognosis. 2023 PremiumSeating.com | All Rights Reserved, 30 N Gould St #4277, Sheridan, WY 82801, USA, UFC - Ultimate Fighting Championship Parking, "Great site, will use every time." Choreographer Chaitanya Masters Cause of Death Was Suicide! About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . PremiumSeating.com is an event ticket resale marketplace supported by a 100% Guarantee. Watch The Amazing Johnathan Documentary on Hulu, This story has been shared 47,135 times. Unsurprisingly, Szeles is livid at the accusation, and storms offbut not before asking Berman, Are you disappointed that Im not dying in your time frame?. Earlier this week, Hulu teamed up with Neon to acquire Little Monsters out of Sundance. If you've waited a long time to see Amazing Johnathan live, the wait is over. I realised pretty early on that the movie was taking on a structure that wasnt traditional and, instead of seeing that as a negative, I decided to lean into it. A24 is the distributor. attempted to coerce Berman into smoking methamphetamine, as the magician claimed it helped his general health. Look no further. Courtesy of Hulu. survived more than seven years after that announcement, with Synn providing constant care. 54.36.126.202 All in all, it is possible that his illness was a trick. The Amazing Johnathan Documentary is released in the UK on 19 November. 2,759, This story has been shared 2,307 times. [17], A second documentary, Always Amazing: The True Story of the Life, Death, and Return of Amazing Johnathan, was also released in 2019, on YouTube. Simply take a look above to find the Amazing Johnathan tour schedule as its quite possible that Amazing Johnathan will be stopping in your city while on their next tour. When you purchase a ticket for an independently reviewed film through our site, we earn an affiliate commission. [8], In 2011, Szeles was performing regular shows in Las Vegas at the Harmon Theater while also taking select dates at venues across the United States and in Australia. Mac King, currently performing at Excalibur and currently the longest-running headliner on the Strip, posted, So sad to lose my friend Johnathan, absolutely one of the funniest guys in the world. The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, a new documentary now available on Hulu, is not what you think. A powerhouse on stage and brilliantly funny. But if you're like me and love off color humor, you will leave with a Clark Griswold smile.. In his heyday, the Amazing Johnathan was earning $3m a year and had a stage charisma as outsized as his tricks, which included appearing to. Ben Berman directed the film. This psychological drama stars Kelvin Harrison Jr., Octavia Spencer and Naomi Watts. 2,307, This story has been shared 2,126 times. The Amazing Johnathan, and it's been awhile since he's taken the stage in general. Well, you dont see me do it, so legally were in the clear! Berman laughs. There are certain people like that in Vegas magicians, hypnotists, singers and you think, are these people famous anywhere else? He also confronts the other documentary crews. Berman, Miranda Bailey, Russell Groves, Amanda Marshall and Jacob Perlin are producers on the film, with Jason Beck, Kirk Johnson and Jon Mugar executive producing. That was when Berman turned up. 47,135, This story has been shared 14,871 times. But after three years of waiting to die at home, the Amazing Johnathan was still alive and desperate to return to the stage. He lives, man. He was previously married to Anastasia Synn and Sandra Szeles. In November 2014, he told an audience at an ENTSpeaks event at Inspire Theater in downtown Las Vegas he had been given a year to live. YOU'VE REACHED YOUR MONTHLY ARTICLE LIMIT. Here's When It Returns With New Episodes, Drew Barrymore Halts Segment After "Severely Old" Mac and Cheese Noodle Flies off Her Desk: "It's Rock Hard". 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However in 2014, Johnathan was diagnosed with a terminal heart. He was fun and funny, not cheesy like David Copperfield but not po-faced like David Blaine. John Edward Szeles (September 9, 1958 February 22, 2022), better known by the stage name The Amazing Johnathan, was an American comedian and magician. Do you have any more details due to the heartfelt News? Click to reveal A.J. You'll be excited to know that Amazing Johnathan is on tour in 2023-2024. His website identified the condition as cardiomyopathy and went on to assert that, because of a combination of weight loss and blood thinners, Johnathan was doing well. 7,864, This story has been shared 7,674 times. We spent that time snuggling with him.. The Amazing Johnathan is not the first person in the entertainment industry to mystify his fans with a confusing life or death status. Sometimes the mysterious truth turns out to be wholly prosaic. He was a pioneer who paved the road for comedy magicians in so many ways, but more importantly from day 1 (in the 90s) when I was unknown he showed me so much kindness and support. The Amazing Johnathan's cause of death has been revealed on social media. [12][13], However, his heart condition worsened, and Szeles announced that he would effectively retire, performing a final show in Toledo, Ohio, for the general public, and then for members of The Magic Castle on June 30 and July 1, 2014. He was 63. It is with great sadness, we announce that standup comedian and magician John Edward Szeles has died on February 22, 2022. The heartbreaking news was announced on Wednesday morning by fellow standup comic Penny Wiggins on Facebook. People have and will continue to question the legitimacy of the entertainers illness, as that is what people do with enigmatic figures they love. We say farewell to a giant in the field. On June 7, 2014, he married Anastasia Synn. An assistant to Johnathan's wife tells TMZ . Soon, she starts running, and increases her distance by a mile a day. There were many problems caused by him, and as painful as it was, I knew it would be valuable for my film, Berman says. Always Amazing is the story of The Amazing Johnathan's storied career as a comedian/magician, the unlikely friendship that was cemented after meeting a 12-year-old boy while on tour in. At the top of the show, Wiggins greeted A.J. Premium Seating offers a 100% Money-Back Guarantee on every ticket we sell. The Amazing Johnathan. Please help us write a better, more reliable article by sharing your information with us. He appeared on various talk and variety shows from the mid 1980s to mid 2000s. (John Katsilometes/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @JohnnyKats, Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist John Katsilometes, left, and The Amazing Johnathan talk during an episode of PodKats!, recorded at the magician's home in Las Vegas, Sept. 11, 2019. The Amazing Johnathan has been seen on Lettermen, HBO, and Comedy Central. It was released in 2019 via YouTube. Copyright 2019 Las Vegas Review-Journal, Inc. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service, "The Amazing Johnathan," with his irreverent magic act, rose to popularity landing one of the longest residencies in Las Vegas. He dedicated the special to his Uncle Eugene, who showed him his first card trick which "started this whole mess". Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, a.k.a. The thing is, The Amazing Johnathan is not supposed to be alive. t is dark outside and I am sitting alone at home, a silent phone to my ear. Born in Detroit on Sept. 9, 1958, Johnathan developed an act peppered with drug references and gruesome/funny bits, such as pretending to swallow his own eyeball, skewering his tongue with an oversized nail and taking swigs of Windex. We guarantee that your tickets will be authentic, valid for entry, and will arrive on time for your event - or your money back. Now 60, suffering from a terminal heart . so, I can't find any information about Jonathan (you know, the guy who inspired The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Endearingly, Doug edits my questions during our interview to avoid spoiling some of the plot for your readers. Szeles appeared on various talk and variety shows from the mid-80s to mid-2000s. (He has nothing to lose, says Penn Jillette; Hes a disrupter, says Judy Gold.) What Happened to EMLL Legend Humberto Garza Sr at 85. U2s Las Vegas shows were supposed to be affordable, but you need to dig deep to attend. HBO will release this doc in the spring. Hey photo shoppers can you get this fucking idiot out of my picture? But it is actually failing, for real.. RIP LENNY: Man dies on Las Vegas street after hes apparently shot, Grading the Raiders 9 picks in the NFL draft, Dates for first 2 games of Golden Knights-Oilers series set, Athletics owner doesnt deserve public funding from Las Vegas, Harry Styles has one direction: The MSG Sphere, A $2M donation sends Las Vegas dance company for a spin, Its always been my dream: Glaser co-headlining with Spade on the Strip, Smokey Robinson cruising back to the Strip, MSG Sphere developing show with Darren Aronofsky, Its Bupkis, new Vegas comedy series for Brad Garrett. Each new wrinkle is a personal affront that leads him to a state of only moderately productive self-reflection. Although his heart is still severely damaged, reads Szeless website, most of the impairment caused by the lack of circulation has healed almost completely.. 7,674, This story has been shared 6,092 times. He had sold off several vehicles over the years, donating a portion of the profits to charity. In 2018, we had the honor of meeting and interviewing him. In 2018, Facebook came under fire many times for its use and misuse of users' personal data. 1,195, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Does 'Yellowstone' Return Tonight? (TVT). Rest In Peace, another fan wrote. Johnathan is survived by his sisters, Nancy Rogers and Gail McGuire. Its true that The Amazing Johnathan has made a career out of shock and awe. But he hasnt shaped that confusion into a movie worthy of the game being played with him. Im holding on, he said. (Hulu). Awkwafina, one of the breakout stars of 2018, stars in this film about a family that opts not to tell their beloved matriarch about her lung cancer diagnosis, instead scheduling an impromptu wedding-reunion back in China. The Golden Knights have delivered the Las Vegas Strip club vibe to T-Mobile Arena. Almost two years in the making, Joe Berlinger's take on the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy is finally hitting the big screen. Make sure to take a look at otherconcerts,sports, andtheatertickets as well as there are many top events to watch this year! More news: On The Buses Star Anna Karen Killed Painfully in FireVan Jones Children Open their Arms for a New Baby Girl, Subscribe to theUS day News newsletter inboxto receive celebrities daily news. On top of that, Berman begins to wonder if the Amazing Johnathan is dying at all. Running time: 1 hour 31 minutes. The Amazing Johnathan died on February 22, 2022, at the age of 63. One is that Szeless reveals hes invited another documentary crew to filma crew that Szeles says has won an Academy Awardthus creating competition for Berman. Theyre both going to make this movie, no matter what, in Bermans case, Szeles throws at him. The magician was an unbridled practical-joke artist. Then, in 2014, the Amazing Johnathan disappeared. I lived in Vegas in 2005 for a few months and Id see the Amazing Johnathan in adverts out there, says Louis Theroux, a fan of Bermans documentary. And The Amazing Johnathan is one of the best people at doing exactly that. Having been diagnosed with a serious heart condition that made it impossible for him to perform nearly a decade ago, the beloved entertainer said his goodbyes and took his last bows, before leaving the stage for good. The Latest:True Tejano Legend Joe Bravos Passing Brought Sorrow to Many. From 2001 to 2014, he was a year-round headliner in Las Vegas. You can also leave a condolence message below the comment box to honor him. Such a big theme of the movie is trying to determine whats truth and whats illusion, and there are still some things I dont know. John Katsilometes column runs daily in the A section. The Amazing Johnathan was born on 9 September 1958 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. His deduction? Then Johnathan pulled off his best trickhe didn't die. News. Sales 7am - 1AM ESTCustomer Service: 7am - 9pm EST. Hey, guys, how are you doing? [17][19], A memorial service was held for Szeles in Las Vegas. "Nightcrawler" director Dan Gilroy reunited with Jake Gyllenhaal for the high-art thriller "Velvet Buzzsaw," which also stars Rene Russo, Toni Collette and Natalia Dyer. 1,318, This story has been shared 1,255 times. For years, The Amazing Johnathan pulled a fast one on death. Im in favour of showing things youre not supposed to see, like sound recorders, or someone tripping. But tonight, as the PR tries frantically to put my call through to him, there is only silence at the other end of the phone. But, as stated on his website, the expiration date came and went, and The Amazing Johnathan is still here. John Edward Szeles, AKA the Amazing Johnathan, in a still from Ben Bermans documentary. Prior to that appearance, Johnathan performed with Synn at the Wonderground magic showcase at The Olive Restaurant in October 2016. Ben Berman with the Amazing Johnathan in a still from his documentary. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Are you a fan or a friend? Because, as well as the difficulty of trying to film the Amazing Johnathan who is either awol or smoking crystal meth in his bedroom it turns out there are two, or maybe three, other documentarians also making a movie about the Amazing Johnathan. (Note: some already have distributors). What exactly changes his mind is not clearaccording to him, Szeles never allowed him to attend any doctor appointments or view any medical recordsbut Berman confirmed in an interview with Decider that he no longer had any misgivings that Szeles wasnt telling the truth. So I thought it was very bold of Ben and we get the sense of Johnathan as this supreme hustler and rogue.. Hot off his awards run for "BlacKkKlansman," Adam Driver is back in "The Report" alongside Jon Hamm, Jennifer Morrison and Maura Tierney. Rolling Stone. Maybe this is why Szeles so appeals to him: an attraction to death. In November 2014, in front of a live audience on ENT Speaks, the performer stated that he had a year to live. Also Read: 'Untitled Amazing Johnathan Documentary' Film Review: Portrait of Comic Goes Off the Rails, Then Changes Direction. He had been performing in the city for 13 years. Its hard to tell. It was really hard, Berman says. After all, the evidence is right in front of us, lying in the pool, high on meth, three years after he was given a year to live. But he obviously wasnt a normal magician.. Johnathan passed Tuesday. 6,092, This story has been shared 3,957 times. Filmmaker Ben Berman sets out to capture The Amazing Johnathan's comeback tour while peeling back the curtain on his unique, meth-fueled life. His last show, according to his website, was this past May in Royal Oak, MI. His final shows were sold out and Szeles received standing ovations each night. Documentaries continue to be huge, and this one details the struggles and meteoric rise of young Puerto Rican bartenderAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez from the Bronx to toppling incumbents in an electric primary race for Congress. He considers being alive to be the best trick hes ever pulled off, but thats exactly what his critics cannot figure out: Was it an actual trick? In November of 2014, Szeless announced in front of a live audience that he had a been given a year to live from his doctors, thanks to a heart condition known as cardiomyopathy. Our Call: STREAM IT. [6], Szeles also authored a how-to book on practical jokes titled Every Trick in the Book, a compilation of both classic practical jokes and plain magic tricks, along with his own original material in both categories. The Amazing Johnathan has already cheated death a few times, one Sunday afternoon in particular. Your IP: Ben Berman directed the film. Saturday 23 November 2019 08:13, UK The Amazing Johnathan called himself the 'Freddie Krueger of comedy' due to his gore filled tricks Why you can trust Sky News Director Ben Berman says the moment he met comedian and illusionist the Amazing Johnathan, he knew he was the perfect subject for a documentary. Aug 16, 2019. DAVID BECKER/LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL We are a ticket resale marketplace and not the primary ticket seller. There was nobody else like him.. As for plans for his memorial, Synn said she was hoping to secure a major Las Vegas theater for a public celebration of life. [20][21][22][23][24][25], Learn how and when to remove this template message, "The Amazing Johnathan weds Anastasia Synn at A Special Memory Chapel in Las Vegas", "Pauly Shore, Part 2: The grown-up years? I like his sensibility, all that darkness and irreverence. Amazing Johnathan may be touring in Columbia, Oakland, Hartford, Saratoga, Rogers, Anaheim, Austin, Newark, Miami, or Portland and you can buy tickets online from us. He died on 22 February 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. This thing was probably meant as a sentimental chronicle of both Szeless return to magic and his medical miracle he says he was told he had just a year to live; the movie finds him three years later, in 2017. history. Lily Collins plays Elizabeth. (Norm Clarke/Las Vegas Review-Journal), The Amazing Johnathan, a comedian and magician, roasts former Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman at Oscar's Steakhouse, on the 10th anniversary of the restaurant's opening, at The Plaza, Jan. 13, 2022, in Las Vegas. But the once wheelchair bound magician has again begun to walk. The Amazing Johnathan Documentary premieres on Hulu on August 16. I dont feel like Im going to be going anytime soon.. This brings us back to the aforementioned documentaries, the filmmakers were shocked to see his habit in action. I met with my management and a team of lawyers, back when I lived in L.A., said Johnathan, who arrived in Las Vegas in February 2001 to headline at the Golden Nugget. ^ Cramer, Maria (February 23, 2022). I wanted to disappear for five years, minimum, and then come back and show the whole process of what I had to do, as a documentary, what I had to do and how I had to deal with my bank accounts.