Bradley Feldstein passed away on May 5 after contracting COVID-19.

He was born on July 24, 1951 in Spring Valley, N.Y. Encouraged by his mother, Feldstein pursued and developed an interest in illusions and basic magic tricks, landing a job as a magician’s assistant in his early teens.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy in New York, then went on to study mime, acting and directing at institutions in the United States and France.

Returning to the passion of his youth, Feldstein branded himself as “Bradley Fields.” With his Magic Theater and Illusion Show, he got a start as an opening act at small venues and clubs, eventually headlining performances around the world over the course of his five-decade career.

He prized audience engagement and wonder over an elaborate spectacle. The birth of his two sons inspired him to open the MatheMagic show, performing for children hundreds of times a year. Feldstein would often do events for children in the morning and for adults that same evening.

He is survived by his two children, Noah and Jonathan; a brother, Jeffrey Feldstein; and a sister, Nancy Lloyd.

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