John Edward Szeles, otherwise known as ìThe Amazing Johnathanî, is a stand-up comedian and magician, who is best known for his magic tricks during his year-round shows in Las Vegas. Szeles was born on September 9, 1958 in Detroit, Michigan, United States, and has been deemed to be one of the most successful performers to combine comedy with magic.
When performing, Szeles frequently uses his headband, and his shows liberally make use of gore. While he is good friends with another performer, Criss Angel, it was Szeles who helped Angel achieve a number of illusions, which can be noticed during his appearances on Angelís show.
At the start of his career, Szeles was a street performer, until he appeared on television. As of 2010, he can be seen continuously hosting shows in Las Vegas, as well as other venues in Australia and the rest of the United States. Szeles was also diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, and although earlier reports have indicated that Szeles is considering an early retirement, he has asserted that he feels well and will postpone plans of retirement indefinitely.