Illusionist Criss Angel gets Hollywood star, says inspired by Houdini
(L-R) Actor Gary Oldman, illusionist Criss Angel, magician Lance Burton, mixed martial arts athlete and actor Randy Couture attend a ceremony honoring Angel with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. July 20, 2017. REUTERS/Gus Ruelas
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Illusionist Criss Angel received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame on Thursday, saying he drew inspiration from another famous magician, Harry Houdini.
"It's unbelievable. Houdini died in 1926 and this star will remain here for as long as this planet is here," Angel said during a ceremony in Los Angeles.
"You realize that all of these people that are on this street are just like you and me, except they worked their ass off", Angel said, standing on the star-studded boulevard.
Illusionist Criss Angel attends a ceremony honoring him with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. July 20, 2017. REUTERS/Gus Ruelas
Born Christopher Sarantakos, Angel earned his fame on the 2005 A&E Network show "Mindfreak" with an act that included walking on water, levitating and being set on fire.
In one memorable performance, Angel floated more than 150 meters (500 ft) above the Luxury casino's pyramid in Las Vegas. Angel was named Magician of the Century by the International Magicians Society in 2010.
Starting out dressed in gothic outfits, with long, black hair and black nail polish and make-up, Angel has since mellowed his image.
(L-R back) Actor Gary Oldman, magician Lance Burton, mixed martial arts athlete and actor Randy Couture, (L-R front) Jeff Zarrinnam, Chair of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, illusionist Criss Angel and Leron Gubler, President/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce attend a ceremony honoring Angel with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. July 20, 2017. REUTERS/Gus Ruelas
"The man who I have come to know is a kind, gracious soul, beyond generous with his time and who is on an unending mission to give back," said British actor Gary Old man.
Magician Lance Burton and Ultimate Fighting Championship (CFC) fighter Randy Couture were among others who turned out to honor Angel at the ceremony.
(L-R back) Actor Gary Oldman, magician Lance Burton, mixed martial arts athlete and actor Randy Couture, (L-R front) Jeff Zarrinnam, Chair of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, illusionist Criss Angel and Leron Gubler, President/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce attend a ceremony honoring Angel with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. July 20, 2017. REUTERS/Gus Ruelas
(Reporting by Reuters Television, Writing by Karishma Singh)
Illusionist Criss Angel poses with his star during a ceremony honoring him with a new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. July 20, 2017. REUTERS/Gus RuelasIllusionist Criss Angel stands on his star during a ceremony honoring him on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. July 20, 2017. REUTERS/Gus RuelasIllusionist Criss Angel reacts during a ceremony honoring him with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. July 20, 2017. REUTERS/Gus RuelasIllusionist Criss Angel (L) hugs actor Gary Oldman during a ceremony honoring him with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. July 20, 2017. REUTERS/Gus RuelasMixed martial arts athlete and actor Randy Couture (L) speaks during a ceremony honoring Criss Angel (R) with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. July 20, 2017. REUTERS/Gus Ruelas
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