Jonathan Levit
Encyclopedia
Jonathan Levit is an American
magician, actor
, television host and theatrical producer
. He has appeared in quite a number of movies and television series, and is currently the host of VH1
's reality series, Celebracadabra
. Jonathan also performs frequently at the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.
for several years. During those years, he would take in the culture from all over Europe
and the world.
At the age of 8, Levit was bitten by the performing bug, and his life was never same. While back in America
, Levit happened upon some old magic tricks in the basement of his home, which belonged to his father. Jonathan first set foot on stage to perform his first magic act at the age of 12. That same year, Levit appeared on The Sally Jessy Raphael Show along with David Copperfield
as a guest.
Levit continued his training as a magician, studying with some of the top minds in the art, honing his sleight of hand and performance skills, at the same time receiving numerous awards in close up, stage and street performing competitions.
Producing grabbed Levit's interest while in college at Syracuse University
in New York
. Levit would produce a variety of sold out shows on and off campus during his academic career, casting many performers that have gone on to become forces of their own in the entertainment fields.
Before leaving Syracuse, Levit was sent the inspiration he needed and would look back on to give him the push to pursue his true interest. Bob Costas
wrote Levit a note telling him to "follow your dreams...you can't go wrong." He still holds that note from time to time as a reminder. This was the spark Levit needed, as he loaded up his car and set out for Hollywood.
, Levit immediately dove into training at various acting studios. It didn't take long for him to get into his groove once again. His first appearance on television came in the form of a starring role, opposite Ricky Jay
, on The X-Files
. This role would pave the way for an adventurous and successful life as an actor and television host. Appearing in starring roles in top-rated television shows and commercial films, Jonathan has enjoyed a constant journey forward. As a television host, Levit has been swept all over the world, exploring some of the most intriguing and exciting stories imaginable.
While at home in Los Angeles, Levit continues to work as an actor, television host and voiceover artist and is often a welcomed performer at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Here, he has the opportunity to hone his other lifelong passion of performing magic. It's this balance of acting and magic that keeps Levit sharp - "both arts enhance each other."
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
magician, actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, television host and theatrical producer
Theatrical producer
A theatrical producer is the person ultimately responsible for overseeing all aspects of mounting a theatre production. The independent producer will usually be the originator and finder of the script and starts the whole process...
. He has appeared in quite a number of movies and television series, and is currently the host of VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
's reality series, Celebracadabra
Celebracadabra
Celebracadabra is an American reality television series on VH1 that premiered on April 27, 2008. The series involves celebrities attempting to learn and perform magic. Magician/actor Jonathan Levit serves as the host. On Thursday June 12, 2008 C...
. Jonathan also performs frequently at the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.
Early life
At the age of 3, Levit experienced life as a world traveler, moving with his family to IranIran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
for several years. During those years, he would take in the culture from all over Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
and the world.
At the age of 8, Levit was bitten by the performing bug, and his life was never same. While back in America
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Levit happened upon some old magic tricks in the basement of his home, which belonged to his father. Jonathan first set foot on stage to perform his first magic act at the age of 12. That same year, Levit appeared on The Sally Jessy Raphael Show along with David Copperfield
David Copperfield (illusionist)
David Copperfield is an Emmy Award-winning American illusionist, and was described by Forbes as the most commercially successful magician in history. Copperfield's network specials have been nominated for 38 Emmy Awards and won a total of 21 Emmys...
as a guest.
Levit continued his training as a magician, studying with some of the top minds in the art, honing his sleight of hand and performance skills, at the same time receiving numerous awards in close up, stage and street performing competitions.
Producing grabbed Levit's interest while in college at Syracuse University
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. Levit would produce a variety of sold out shows on and off campus during his academic career, casting many performers that have gone on to become forces of their own in the entertainment fields.
Before leaving Syracuse, Levit was sent the inspiration he needed and would look back on to give him the push to pursue his true interest. Bob Costas
Bob Costas
Robert Quinlan "Bob" Costas is an American sportscaster, on the air for the NBC network since the early 1980s.-Early life:...
wrote Levit a note telling him to "follow your dreams...you can't go wrong." He still holds that note from time to time as a reminder. This was the spark Levit needed, as he loaded up his car and set out for Hollywood.
Career
Upon moving to Los AngelesLos Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, Levit immediately dove into training at various acting studios. It didn't take long for him to get into his groove once again. His first appearance on television came in the form of a starring role, opposite Ricky Jay
Ricky Jay
Richard Jay Potash , better known by the stage name Ricky Jay, is an American stage magician, actor, and writer. He is a sleight-of-hand expert and is notable for his card tricks, card throwing, memory feats, and stage patter.-Life and career:...
, on The X-Files
The X-Files
The X-Files is an American science fiction television series and a part of The X-Files franchise, created by screenwriter Chris Carter. The program originally aired from to . The show was a hit for the Fox network, and its characters and slogans became popular culture touchstones in the 1990s...
. This role would pave the way for an adventurous and successful life as an actor and television host. Appearing in starring roles in top-rated television shows and commercial films, Jonathan has enjoyed a constant journey forward. As a television host, Levit has been swept all over the world, exploring some of the most intriguing and exciting stories imaginable.
While at home in Los Angeles, Levit continues to work as an actor, television host and voiceover artist and is often a welcomed performer at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Here, he has the opportunity to hone his other lifelong passion of performing magic. It's this balance of acting and magic that keeps Levit sharp - "both arts enhance each other."