Ken performing the Table of Death in 2006

This effect was invented by world-renowned illusionist, Andre Kole.  He performed it in the 1950′s. The effect was featured on the television show, “The Magician” starring Bill Bixby. Andre was also in that episode as the person who died in the effect. As an interesting side note, Bill Bixby was about to perform the illusion incorrectly and Andre had to run out and stop the shooting, otherwise Bill Bixby would’ve actually died while performing the illusion! Andre saved Bill’s life!  Through the years, other illusionists have performed this effect, including David Copperfield. Many have performed this without Andre’s permission. One of the people who attempted to perform a homemade version of this effect actually died while performing it.

Ken and Andre Kole at his house in Arizona in 2002

Andre Kole is the one who helped me get my start as a Christian Illusionist when I was 22. He is a gracious, Christian gentleman who has helped me immensely in learning the basics of stage illusions. This effect is being performed with Andre’s permission and blessing. I so appreciate Andre’s heart for the Gospel while maintaining his strong commitment to excellence.  Andre’s other illusion inventions have been an inspiration to me and countless other illusionists in the area of creativity and innovation. Most of the top magicians in the world today (including David Copperfield, Siegfried and Roy, and Doug Henning) have performed some of Andre Kole’s inventions. Andre is credited with inventing the methods for The Statue of Liberty Disappearance, Levitating across the Grand Canyon, walking through the Great Wall of China, and removing a person’s head.

Table of Death 2009 Show