Sunday, November 25, 2018

Ricky Jay, Magician and ‘Boogie Nights’ and ‘Magnolia’ Actor, Dies at 72

Ricky Jay, a magician and character actor known for his roles in such films as “Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia,” “Tomorrow Never Dies” and “The Spanish Prisoner,” has died. He was 72.

“I am sorry to share that my remarkable friend, teacher, collaborator and coconspirator is gone,” tweeted Michael Weber, Jay’s partner in the Deceptive Practices consulting firm, which advises movie, TV and theater projects on various illusions and magic secrets during their productions. Among the films they consulted on were “The Prestige,” “The Illusionist” and “Oceans Thirteen.”

He was also credited as “Illusion Wheelchair Designer” for “Forrest Gump” — it was Jay and CGI specialists who made it appear as if Gary Sinise’s wheelchair-bond character Lt. Dan was a double-amputee.

Also Read: Nicolas Roeg, 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' Director, Dies at 90

In addition to guest starring roles in numerous TV shows, including “Deadwood,” “Lie to Me,” Flashforward” and “The X-Files,” Jay was an accomplished magician and an expert card technician, and is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records for throwing a playing card 190-feet at 90 mph.

Condolences immediately began to pour in from some of his famous fans.

Master magician and historian Ricky Jay has passed away. The breadth of his knowledge and appreciation for magic and the allied arts was truly remarkable. Such sad news, such a profound loss. #RIP https://t.co/VRYRxhkQKr

— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) November 25, 2018

Awful news about Ricky Jay. One of a kind and now there's none. RIP, Ricky. #irreplaceable

— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) November 25, 2018

Very sorry to hear about the loss of the great #RickyJay
A true original… a true one of a kind.
Godspeed Ricky.https://t.co/yN2OBaz1pY via @variety

— Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin) November 25, 2018

Oh no, Ricky Jay has died. He was such a brilliant magician. This is a terrible loss of an incredible craftsman.

— Ken Olin (@kenolin1) November 25, 2018

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Source: the wrap feed