Master Magician Ricky Jay dead at 72

November 25, 2018 | by Rodolfo Vieira

Ricky Jay, one of the greatest names of the world of magic has recently passed away and his death came as a surprise to many people.

The magician, who also had several acting roles, drew his last breath on Saturday, November 24, 2018, at the age of 72 in Los Angeles, California.

His death was announced by his great friend, Michael Weber, through his Twitter account, letting his thousands of fans know about the terrible loss.

Broken Wand — R.I.P Ricky Jay

Great Magician, entertainer and Actor who will be sadly missed. @EricIdle pic.twitter.com/5TWU1eKE6j
— Andy’s Magic - Children’s Entertainer & Magician (@AndytheMagic) November 25, 2018

ONE OF A KIND

Jay was considered to be one of the most compelling figures in magic and was regarded as a kind and unique man by his manager, Winston Simone.

"His knowledge and appreciation for magic and the allied arts was truly remarkable."

R.I.P. my dear friend Ricky Jay. The world has truly lost a little of its magic today.
— Joe Mantegna (@JoeMantegna) November 25, 2018

Aside from his magician acts, Jay also starred in films such as "Magnolia," as the narrator, "Tomorrow Never Dies" and in "Boogie Nights," where he played the role of a cyberterrorist.

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

A MAN OF MANY TALENTS

Actor Steve Martin, who is also a fellow magician, spoke highly of Jay in a 1993 interview with The New Yorker, during which he described the late performer as a true master of his craft.

"I sort of think of Ricky as the intellectual élite of magicians. I’ve had experience with magicians my whole life. He’s expertly able to perform and yet he knows the theory, history, literature of the field. Ricky’s a master of his craft.

Steve Martin, The New Yorker, April 5, 1993

I am sorry to share that my remarkable friend, teacher, collaborator and coconspirator is gone.
— Michael Weber (@mwisme) November 25, 2018

Neil Patrick Harris, most known for his role as Barney Stinson in the sitcom "How I Met Your Mother," paid tribute to Jay by saying that 'his knowledge and appreciation for magic and the allied arts was truly remarkable.'

Stan Lee was known not only for his celebrated superheroes but also for his creative cameos in various Marvel films and TV shows: From a mailman to a security guard, Lee has played a small role in nearly every one of the Marvel films between 1989 and 2017 https://t.co/REcpeWJrjA pic.twitter.com/1io9mamF4Q
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 12, 2018

ANOTHER LEGEND GONE

But Jay wasn't the only legend who recently left this earth; Stan Lee, the father of superheroes such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America and the Hulk, also passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will never be matched, as well as many fans in tears.