  david copperfield (born david seth kotkin; september 16, 1956) is an american illusionist, and has been described by forbes as the most commercially successful magician in history."houdini in the desert". forbes.com. may 8, 2006 copperfield's television specials have won 21 emmy awards of a total 38 nominations. best known for his combination of storytelling and illusion, copperfieldâs career of over 30 years has earned him 11 guinness world records,guinness world records 2006, p. 197 isbn 1-904994-02-4 a star on the hollywood walk of fame, and a knighthood by the french government;"reappearing act: inside the multimillion dollar world of illusionist david copperfield". forbes.com. september 5, 2013"david copperfield". imdb.com. and he has been named a living legend by the us library of congress. copperfield has so far sold 40 million tickets and grossed over $4 billion, which is more than any other solo entertainer in history. when not performing, he manages his chain of eleven islands in the bahamas â musha cay and the islands of copperfield bay, which has completed a $35 million 
1956_births American_magicians American_male_actors American_male_film_actors American_people_of_Russian-Jewish_descent American_television_personalities Living_people Magician_of_the_Year_Award_winners People_from_Metuchen,_New_Jersey Professional_magicians