Jay Owenhouse (born August 10, 1963) is an American illusionist "Legendary Locals of Bozeman". Phillips, Rachel. Legendary Locals of Bozeman. Mount Pleasant, SC: Ardcadia, 2016. who operates the second largest touring magic show in the United States. He is known for his work with tigers and his performances of famous illusions originally done by Harry Houdini. Notably he has performed a version of the Suspended Straitjacket Escape with the addition of spiked jaws that slam shut after two minutes."Jay Owenhouse dares Utah audiences to believe in magic, themselves." The Salt Lake Tribune. 19 February 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
Early life and education Owenhouse was born in Alameda County, California, to James W. Owenhouse"James Wilson Owenhouse Obituary". The Bozeman Daily Chronicle. 8 December 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2015. and Ella May Owenhouse (née Wilcox) on August 10, 1963."The Birth of John Owenhouse". Californiabirthindex.org. Retrieved 19 January 2015. At four years old, Owenhouse saw a magician perform for the first time at a birthday party. He performed his first show at age 14, and soon after, he met his friend and mentor, magician Doug Henning. Jay's early experience with magic grew into a passion for the craft and, as a teenager growing up in northern California, Owenhouse began performing magic shows of his own at shopping malls, elementary schools and birthday parties."Keeping Magic Alive". The Spokesman-Review. 27 September 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
After finishing high school, Owenhouse moved to Bozeman, Montana, to attend Montana State University"Five Montana Family Businesses Recognized for their Achievements September 26." www.montana.edu. Retrieved 19 January 2015. where he studied psychology and began designing his own illusions. While attending college, Owenhouse met his future wife Susan Daines, whom he married on July 24, 1987."Susan Marie Owenhouse (1966-2009) Obituary." The Bozeman Daily Chronicle. 17 April 2009. Retrieved January 19 January 2015. Following his graduation from Montana State University in 1990, Owenhouse founded Owenhouse & Associates to pursue a career in magic.
Television appearances Owenhouse has appeared on Fox's Magic on the Edge, where he performed his Water Torture Cell illusion,"Jay Owenhouse Water Torture Cell" and the original Masters of Illusion TV series with Harry Blackstone Jr."Magician Jay Owenhouse dares audiences to believe' Rapid City Journal. 12 February 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2016."Illusionist Jay Owenhouse to perform in Billings on April 30" Billings Gazette. 31 March 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2016.
Personal life Owenhouse lives in Bozeman, Montana, with his four children, John, Peter, Juliana and Christina, and two tigers, Sheena and Shekinah. His wife of 22 years, Susan Daines, sister of United States Senator Steve Daines, died of primary sclerosis cholangitis on April 13, 2009.
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