Since way back in the 1970s, magicians and illusionist Penn & Teller have been entertaining audiences not only with their illusions but also with their humorous stage personas and dedication to debunking what they see as ridiculous myths. The duo has toured the world with their unique act and now take up residency in Las Vegas where their live show can thrive. Their performances in Las Vegas at The Rio were noted to be the longest running headlining act in Las Vegas history.

The Beginning

Penn and Teller first met in 1975, introduced to one another by Weir Chrisemer and performed their first show together that same year at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. From then through 1981, Penn, Teller, and Chrisemer performed as a trio called “The Asparagus Valley Cultural Society” which played in California at the Phoenix Theater in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. Chrisemer assisted the two in developing some bits of their act that remained even after he left show business in 1981. Penn and Teller kept Teller’s “Shadows” trick and began that year to work as a duo on a show called “Mrs. Lonsberry’s Séance of Horror.”

In their performances, Penn acts as narrator and raconteur while Teller remains almost entirely silent, communicating only through mime. On occasion, Teller’s voice can be heard during their live shows and TV appearances. Humor is an intrinsic part of their acts as they delight audiences with their cynical and sarcastic approach to magic.

They also host a television show titled Penn & Teller: Bull****! wherein they advocate their views on politics, religion, conspiracy theories, paranormal, and science with their unique brand of humor. They have done segments on topics such as gun control, astrology, PETA, weight loss, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the war on drugs.

Outside of “Work”

The two have written numerous books about magic together, including Penn & Teller’s Cruel Tricks For Dear Friends, Penn & Teller’s How to Play with Your Food, and Penn & Teller’s How to Play in Traffic. As well as this duo performs together and collaborates, they are said to be just that- business partners. It turns out that outside of their brilliant act, they have just that one thing in common: magic. Although, in an interview for Big Think, Penn said that even though their interests outside of magic do not blend, that Teller is his best friend and his children think of him as a member of the family. They further stated that their relationship is based on utmost respect for each other and that their disagreements only promote creativity and push them to be better on stage. Each new show that they develop earns critical acclaim and they've appeared on too many late-night shows to count.

Now's the time to buy cheap tickets to see Penn & Tell perform their one-of-a-kind magic act before *poof*…they disappear.

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