Larry Becker
In the world of mentalism, a few names stand out as pioneers.
Individuals whose work didn’t just entertain but reshaped the art.
Larry Becker was one of those names; A creator, performer, teacher
and risk taker, his influence stretched across decades and continents.
Early Life
Larry Becker was born in Baltimore, Maryland on August 13th 1929.
His fascination with magic began in his early teens and at the age of 14,
he saw Dante the Magician on stage.
Dante was a towering figure in traditional illusion and something sparked. That moment planted the seed of showmanship and wonder but it would take years before Larry’s own unique path would emerge.
He served in the U.S. Military and later had a successful career in advertising. At the same time he was pursuing his passion for magic
and mentalism. It wasn’t until 1984 that he decided to go full time
as a professional mentalist and from then he never looked back.
Signature Routines
Larry Becker was not just a clever thinker, he was a bold performer.
His routines pushed boundaries in ways that few mentalists dared to attempt. His most infamous piece, Russian Roulette was exactly what it sounds like:
A loaded gun, an audience and an unimaginable level of suspense.
He was also known for effects like Casino Royale,
Ultimate Flashback and Sneak Thief.
These routines are still part of many modern mentalists working sets.
His material was not only theatrical, it was practical,
easy to follow and psychologically compelling.
Each routine was designed to make the audience question was it suggestion? Psychology? ESP? Larry never gave a straight answer.
He let the mystery live in the minds of his spectators.
Contributions
Larry Becker wasn’t just a performer,
he was also one of the most prolific writers and inventors in mentalism.
His books remain staples on the shelves of serious mentalists.
World of Super Mentalism Vol. 1 (1977)
and Vol. 2 (1979) introduced many of his early ideas.
Stunners! (1992) became a legendary publication in the field.
A compilation of his most powerful routines,
it covered everything from book tests to prediction effects.
Later releases like Mentalism for Magicians,
Larry Becker’s Mental Masterpieces and More Stunners!
Cemented his place as one of the most valuable creators in the business.
His creations weren’t pipe dreams or overly complex,
they were designed to work in real world environments, for performers.
Collaboration and Influence
Larry Becker also believed in the power of collaboration.
In the 1990s, he teamed up with fellow mentalist Lee Earle
to form Mentalism Unlimited.
This was a project that produced powerful tools and effects
for performers around the world.
They blended old school wisdom with modern psychological techniques
and offered products that were practical, tested and theatrical.
Larry challenged the norms, encouraged ethical creativity and inspired mentalists to push the envelope without falling into cliché or con artistry.
He also lectured around the world, mentored countless performers
and spoke at magic conventions and mentalism gatherings.
Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Larry Becker received nearly every major accolade that the mentalism and magic communities could offer.
Among his many honours:
Mentalist of the Year (1981)
Lifetime Achievement Award from the Psychic Entertainers Association
Milbourne Christopher Literary Award for outstanding writing
MIMC with Gold Star from The Magic Circle.
One of the highest honours in UK magic.
Hall of Fame Inductee by the Society of American Magicians (1999)
Lederman Award (2000)
MindVention Lifetime Achievement Award (2009)
These weren’t just trophies on a shelf, they were acknowledgments
from a global community that deeply respected his contributions.
Death
Larry Becker passed away on October 7th 2023, at the age of 94.
The mentalism community mourned the loss of a legend
but his work lives on in the routines we perform, the books we study
and the principles we follow.
His passing wasn’t just the end of a life,
it marked the close of a chapter in mentalism’s evolution.
Like all great performers, Larry ensured the next generation
of mentalists would carry on without him.
He left us with tools, scripts, philosophies and examples of how mentalism
can be both smart and spectacular.
Stay Weird
ЯYΛП MΣПƬIƧ
International Man of Mischief