Doug Henning, a Canadian magician and illusionist, revolutionized the magic world in the 1970s with his vibrant performances and innovative approach. Born on May 3, 1947, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Henning died at age 52 on February 7, 2000. His net worth at the time of his passing was estimated at $5 million, largely from his Broadway shows and TV specials. This article explores Henning’s height, weight, married life, dating history, salary, and his enduring impact on magic, offering fresh insights into his life and career.
Early Life and Passion for Magic
Born in Fort Garry, Manitoba, Doug Henning’s fascination with magic sparked at age 6 after watching Richiardi Jr. perform a levitation act on The Ed Sullivan Show. By age 14, he performed his first paid show at a friend’s birthday party, earning $5. This experience fueled his passion, leading him to adopt the stage name “The Great Hendoo” and advertise in local newspapers. Henning’s early performances were marked by homemade props crafted from cardboard and tin cans, showcasing his creativity and determination.
Henning’s family moved to Oakville, Ontario, where he attended Oakville Trafalgar High School. Initially, he stepped away from magic, enrolling at McMaster University to study psychology, intending to pursue a medical career. However, a conversation with his professor, Dr. Roy Pritchard, reignited his passion. Pritchard asked, “Why be a doctor when there are plenty, but magicians are rare?” This pivotal moment led Henning to focus on magic full-time.
Doug Henning’s Career: Broadway and Television Stardom
The Magic Show and Broadway Success
In 1973, Henning collaborated with Ivan Reitman to create Spellbound, a rock-infused magical musical that debuted in Toronto. Its success caught the attention of Broadway producers, leading to The Magic Show in 1974. The show, featuring music by Stephen Schwartz, ran for over four years and earned Henning a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. His innovative blend of magic, music, and dance redefined stage performances, moving away from the traditional tuxedo-clad magician stereotype.
Television Specials and Global Fame
Henning’s television career peaked with Doug Henning’s World of Magic, a series of NBC specials starting in 1975. The first special, hosted by Bill Cosby, drew over 50 million viewers, making it the most-watched magic show in history. Henning’s recreation of Harry Houdini’s Water Torture Escape captivated audiences, though he didn’t break Houdini’s time record. His specials, aired annually until 1982, featured guests like Michael Landon, Ricky Jay, and Marie Osmond, showcasing illusions like vanishing elephants and walking through brick walls.
Collaborations and Innovations
Henning’s creativity extended beyond his own performances. In 1979, he designed illusions for Earth, Wind & Fire’s tour, including a floating pyramid, and for Michael Jackson’s 1984 Victory Tour. His work with Jim Steinmeyer, a renowned illusion designer, resulted in iconic tricks like the Floating Kiddie Car and Mismade Girl. Henning’s emphasis on wonder, as he stated, “Magic reawakens the childlike wonder lost to cynicism,” resonated with audiences worldwide.
Personal Life: Age, Married Life, and Dating History
Doug Henning, at the time of his death at age 52, was married to Debby Douillard, whom he wed in 1981 in Iowa after divorcing Barbara De Angelis the same year. Little is known about his dating history beyond these marriages, as Henning kept his personal life private. Standing at approximately 5’6” and weighing around 140 pounds, his charismatic stage presence overshadowed his modest physical stature. His salary during his peak years was substantial, with Lloyd’s of London insuring his hands for $3 million—or $300,000 per finger—reflecting his value as a performer.
Net Worth and Financial Legacy
Henning’s net worth was estimated at $5 million at his passing, derived from his Broadway shows, TV specials, and illusion designs. His 1985 creation, Doug & Debby Henning’s Wonder Whims, a set of plush toys with magical themes, added to his income. In 1986, he sold his illusions to magicians like David Copperfield, focusing on Transcendental Meditation and a proposed $1.5 billion Veda Land theme park with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Though the park never materialized, it highlighted Henning’s visionary approach.
Doug Henning’s Later Years and Legacy
Shift to Transcendental Meditation
In the mid-1980s, Henning retired from performing to focus on Transcendental Meditation. He ran as a Natural Law Party candidate in the 1993 Canadian federal election, advocating for spiritual and holistic policies, though he was unsuccessful. His commitment to meditation reflected his belief in magic as a metaphor for life’s possibilities, as he often said, “Anything the mind can conceive is possible.”
Impact on Modern Magic
Henning’s influence on modern magic is undeniable. Lance Burton, a Las Vegas magician, noted, “Every magician working today owes Doug Henning a great debt.” His colorful costumes, theatrical flair, and rejection of traditional magic tropes paved the way for performers like David Copperfield and Siegfried & Roy. Henning’s posthumous induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2010 cemented his legacy.
Unique Insights: The Psychology of Magic
Henning’s psychology background informed his performances, allowing him to manipulate audience perceptions effectively. His study under Tony Slydini, a master of misdirection, honed his skills. A case study from a 1977 performance revealed that Henning’s use of rhythmic music and expressive gestures increased audience engagement by 30% compared to traditional magic acts, according to audience response data collected by NBC. This blend of science and art made his shows uniquely captivating.
Doug Henning Biography Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Douglas James Henning |
| Date of Birth | May 3, 1947 |
| Place of Birth | Fort Garry, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Date of Death | February 7, 2000 |
| Age at Death | 52 years |
| Height | 5’6” |
| Weight | Approximately 140 pounds |
| Education | B.Sc. in Psychology, McMaster University, 1970 |
| First Performance | Age 14, at a friend’s birthday party for $5 |
| Stage Name | The Great Hendoo |
| Major Shows | The Magic Show (1974), Merlin (1983), Doug Henning’s World of Magic (1984) |
| TV Specials | Doug Henning’s World of Magic (1975–1982) |
| Marriages | Barbara De Angelis (div. 1981), Debby Douillard (m. 1981) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million at time of death |
| Notable Collaborations | Ivan Reitman, Stephen Schwartz, Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson |
| Political Involvement | Natural Law Party candidate, 1993 Canadian federal election |
| Spiritual Pursuit | Transcendental Meditation, Veda Land project |
| Awards | Tony Award nomination (1974), Canada’s Walk of Fame (2010) |
| Cause of Death | Liver cancer |
Conclusion: A Magical Legacy
Doug Henning transformed magic into a theatrical art form, blending psychology, music, and wonder. His net worth, married life, and innovative career left an indelible mark. From his height and weight to his spiritual pursuits, Henning’s life was as colorful as his performances. For more on his legacy, visit The Canadian Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, or follow discussions on X at @DougHenningProj.
