Google Doodle – Harry Houdini

24 Mar 2011 Leave a Comment

by Paulette in Uncategorized Tags: Dorothy Young, Harry Houdini, robert perkins

 

Dorothy Young

Entertainer Dorothy Young, the last of illusionist Harry Houdini’s  stage helpers, has passed away, aged 103.  Her death was announced by Drew University, where she had close ties as a donor and patron of the arts.  Spokesman Dave Muha said she passed away at her retirement home in Tinton Falls, New Jersey on Sunday.  She was just 17 when she joined Houdini’s company. She danced the Charleston at an open audition in New York, and the famous escape artist was so impressed that he gave her a contract and took her on tour. Her most famous role was that of Radio Girl of 1950, where she would emerge from a huge radio and show off some fancy footwork.  She had a son with her first husband, Robert Perkins, who died after 13 years of marriage.

 

Harry Houdini

Houdini, whose 137th birthday was celebrated today by a Google Doodle, died just two months after Young left the tour, in October 1926.

Google Doodle