Magician, Escape Artist. Brother of Harry Houdini. Born Ferencz Deszo Weisz, later changed to Theodore Weiss upon the family's arrival in America, he was known to the family as Deshi and later Dash, both derived from his Hungarian middle name. For a short time the two brothers performed in an act called "The Brothers Houdini" until marriage intervened and Dash was replaced by the new Mrs. Houdini, Bess. Having become a success in Europe, Houdini apprised his younger brother of the opportunities there and urged him to come over - at this point, Dash began to use the name Hardeen, which had been selected for him by his brother and which he would use for the rest of his life. While overshadowed by Houdini, Hardeen became a star attraction in his own right. Although rivals in the public eye, in reality the two brothers were very close. Upon Houdini's death, his handcuffs and stage apparatus were willed to Hardeen, and Hardeen attempted to position himself as the heir to his brother's legacy. Hardeen was also a founder and charter member of the Magicians' Guild, formed in 1944.
Magician, Escape Artist. Brother of Harry Houdini. Born Ferencz Deszo Weisz, later changed to Theodore Weiss upon the family's arrival in America, he was known to the family as Deshi and later Dash, both derived from his Hungarian middle name. For a short time the two brothers performed in an act called "The Brothers Houdini" until marriage intervened and Dash was replaced by the new Mrs. Houdini, Bess. Having become a success in Europe, Houdini apprised his younger brother of the opportunities there and urged him to come over - at this point, Dash began to use the name Hardeen, which had been selected for him by his brother and which he would use for the rest of his life. While overshadowed by Houdini, Hardeen became a star attraction in his own right. Although rivals in the public eye, in reality the two brothers were very close. Upon Houdini's death, his handcuffs and stage apparatus were willed to Hardeen, and Hardeen attempted to position himself as the heir to his brother's legacy. Hardeen was also a founder and charter member of the Magicians' Guild, formed in 1944.
Bio by: ronzoni
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