Ask the Memphian: Did Houdini ever perform in Memphis?
The Harry Houdini star of fame outside the Orpheum Theatre April 3, 2026. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)
As Chalmers Cullins told the story about the time he met Harry Houdini, the famous magician was in Memphis for a performance and had a sudden yen to own a bearskin rug.
So Cullins, who worked as something of a fixer for the Orpheum Theatre and its sometimes temperamental performers, tracked down just such a rug and gave it to Houdini.
Houdini loved the garish piece, but so did Cullins, who told the magician that he wouldn’t mind taking it off his hands if Houdini ever tired of it.
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Houdini magic Society of Memphis Magicians Orpheum Theatre Ask the Memphian Subscriber OnlyThank you for reading The Daily Memphian. Your support is critical.
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Jody Callahan
Jody Callahan graduated with degrees in journalism and economics from what is now known as the University of Memphis. He has covered news in Memphis for more than 25 years.
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