Dell O'Dell
Learn more about Dell O’Dell, the glamorous, comedy magicienne and television pioneer, and discover how she became to be known as “The World’s Leading Lady Magician.”
Dell O’Dell’s Powerful Presence Endures
October 29, 2023Body
In the history section of Smithsonian magazine, cultural and arts contributor Vanessa Armstrong dives into Dell O’Dell’s story, with a particular focus on the magicienne’s years on television.
Debbie O'Carroll
While Dell O’Dell would be an obvious choice for this installment, I’ve already written about her life and career, so come and meet a magician with Irish heritage and a lively onstage persona (several of them, in fact).
Adelaide Herrmann
It’s clear that all female magicians who came afterward stand on the shoulders of Madame Herrmann (1853-1932), whose lavish stage show was graceful, elegantly costumed, and mysterious.
Dell presenting her signature version of the Nest of Boxes. Even though a silent clip, you can see her strength of personality and also, her physical strength. Those boxes were heavy!
Dell is presents the Nekko Omar Perfect Mystery, vanishing a rabbit from an apparently empty box that has been suspended between two uprights.
Dell is performing “Fresh Fish” in the early Forties. Invented by magician Arnold Furst, the torn-and-restored paper effect starts with a sign that reads “Fresh Fish Sold Here Today.”
Here is Dell, with a friend, enjoying by two other legendary magicians: Johnny Paul, and later, JB Bobo.
In this silent clip, Dell O’Dell works her magic in a night club in the Forties, assisted by her husband, Charlie Carrer, presenting classics of magic.