Background
Ammar was born in Logan, West Virginia.
Ammar was born in Logan, West Virginia.
West Virginia University.
He is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest living magicians. He is of Lebanese Christian heritage. Ammar earned a degree from West Virginia University in business administration in 1978.
Ammar was invited to perform on Johnny Carson"s "The Tonight Show" – where he was a repeat guest.
He moved to Los Angeles - where he became a regular performer at the Playboy Mansion, and made appearances on the Merv Griffin Show, The Tonight Show, Cable News Network, and Travel Channel. Ammar appeared at the Magic Castle in Hollywood.
By 1990 the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood had awarded him its "Oscar" in six separate categories (the maximum number of awards for which his is eligible). He appeared on National Broadcasting Company"s 1998 "Worlds Greatest Magic 5" special, and has been a guest on the Late Show with David Letterman.
Ammar has made private performances at Universal Studios and the Vatican.
He performed and coordinated the magic talent at George West. Bush"s Presidential inaugural banquet. He was the first featured performer at the "Caesars Magical Empire" at Caesars Palace. Ammar has performed on television in many countries, including: England, France, Canada, Japan, Sweden, Norway, Australia and Russia.
Ammar helped pioneer the magic lecture tour industry, and has been lecturing to other magicians since about 1982.
In 1999 Magic Magazine named Ammar as "One of the Most Influential s in the Twentieth Century". On August 26, 2010, Outside Magazine cited Ammar as the "go-to source" for magic instruction.
The magazine published a list of "100 Things to Do Before You Die", and numbered 45 as "Learn a magic trick"—suggesting studying with the master, Michael Ammar.
Distinguished Alumni Award from West Virginia University 2003 of the Year, Tannens, New York 2000 Best Close Up Magic, World Magic, 1999 Gold Medalist, World Sleight-of-Hand Competition, FISM, 1982 Best Sleight-of-Hand, International Magic, 1991 Best Sleight-of-Hand, International Magic, 1992 Best Parlor, Academy of Magical Arts, 1990 Best Parlor, Academy of Magical Arts, 1985 Best Close-Up, Academy of Magical Arts, 1983 Best Lecturer, Academy of Magical Arts, 1983 Best Close-Up, Academy of Magical Arts, 1981.
