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Houdini's last surviving stage assistant dies

Dorothy Young played the role of Radio Girl in the famous illusionist’s stage show during the mid-20s.

Mar 24th 2011, 11:18 AM 710 Views 0 Comments

Undated images of Harry Houdini performing a rope escape and card tricks.

Image: AP Photo

DOROTHY YOUNG, THE LAST surviving stage assistant of illusionist Harry Houdini and an accomplished dancer, has died aged 103.

Young’s death was announced by Drew University, where she was a prominent donor and patron of the arts. Drew spokesman Dave Muha said Young died Sunday at her home at Tinton Falls, New Jersey.

Young joined Houdini’s company as a teenager after attending an open casting call during a family trip to New York.

During her year with Houdini’s stage show in the mid-1920s, she played the role of “Radio Girl of 1950,” emerging from a large mock-up of a radio and performing a dance routine.

Young went on to become a professional dancer, performing in several movies. She also published a novel inspired by her career.

Google’s doodle today is in honour of Houdini’s 137th birthday.

- AP

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Houdini's last surviving stage assistant dies