$800 million? It’s like magic. Picture: AP Source: AP
THE greatest magic trick the world’s top illusionist ever pulled was quietly amassing a fortune.
An $800 million fortune, to be exact, according to Forbes .
You read that right. How has David Copperfield, a Las Vegas show man, build a nearly $1 billion empire?
Copperfield was a fierce success in the 90s, long before the rise of modern magicians such as David Blaine, Criss Angel and Dynamo.
Now 57, a veteran of the magic circuit, Copperfield is quietly an uber-success on the back of his years in Vegas, revenue from TV specials, DVDs, memorabilia and - more recently - an impressive real estate portfolio.
Forbes reports that in addition to him making the Statue of Liberty disappear, Copperfield has pulled one giant, golden rabbit out of the hat and joined Forbes’ 400 list of “Ones to Watch”.
The 15-person list includes, entrepreneurs and entertainers on the verge of cracking nine figures, and the self-made magician is nearing the $1 billion mark.
Copperfield is joined on the elite list by Madonna ($500 million) and pro golfer Phil Mickelson ($325).
You’re looking at One. Rich. Dude. Picture: AP Source: AP
His fortune, according to Forbes, comes chiefly from Vegas. His show at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino brings in $50 million in ticket sales alone. Then there’s the merchandise.
If there’s any doubt about him improving on that $800 million sum, that’d be put to rest by a new show he’s set to release this year of “Jurassic Park sized” proportions.
Maybe he should talk to Clive Palmer?
And if you’re not already super jealous, here’s the size of his real estate portfolio, according to Forbes:
“A Skyloft penthouse provided by the MGM Grand and a rented mansion away from the Strip. But he actually owns 11 private islands in the Bahamas and a four-story penthouse in New York City.”
Ugh. Saw us in half already.
