Michael Carbonaro

Known for his original hidden camera magic series, THE CARBONARO EFFECT on truTV, Michael Carbonaro has been seen on television in shows such as Happily Divorced, 30 Rock, Grey’s Anatomy, and CSI Miami. A performing magician since his youth, Carbonaro went on to study experimental theater at New York University with the aspirations of entertaining audiences through a variety of theatrical mediums, including hidden-camera magic, which he later showcased frequently on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Carbonaro’s late night appearances then launched him into stardom through his hit comedic series, “The Carbonaro Effect,” on truTV. A trickster at heart, Michael performs inventive tricks on unsuspecting members of the public who are unaware that he is a magician. Jaws drop when he causes a car to disappear from under a security guard’s nose or makes alien crabs transform into kittens in a science lab. Whether posing as a coffee shop barista, museum curator, or seemingly unremarkable store clerk in the REAL world, Carbonaro's illusions – along with his absurd, matter-of-fact explanations – leave REAL people bewildered and families at home laughing out loud. Michael regularly showcases his bizarre antics and mind-blowing magic at corporate events and through his highly-acclaimed national theater tour, “Michael Carbonaro Live!” Michael’s extensive list of accolades includes the “OUTFEST Best Actor” award as well as the “Magician of the Year” honor, bestowed upon him by the Academy of Magical Arts in 2015. In 2016, he was the inaugural recipient of the Copperfield Prize which recognizes an individual for elevating the art of magic.