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David Copperfield, whose birth name is David Seth Kotkin, was born on September 16, 1956, and is an American illusionist and stage artist. He is regarded as one of the most prosperous entertainers in history. Forbes recognizes him as the most financially successful magician, having sold over 33 million tickets and accrued more than $4 billion in revenue (figures from 2006; updated estimates still place him among the top solo performers).
Copperfield’s television specials have amassed 38 Emmy nominations and 21 wins, a result of his blend of narrative and grand illusions. He possesses 11 Guinness World Records, including the most tickets sold by an individual performer and the highest lifetime earnings for a magician. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was honored as a Living Legend by the U.S. Library of Congress, and received accolades from the French government as a Chevalier of Arts and Letters. Some of his most recognizable illusions comprise making the Statue of Liberty vanish (1983), levitating over the Grand Canyon (1984), traversing the Great Wall of China (1986), escaping from Alcatraz (1987), disappearing in a Learjet (1981), and flying on stage (1992).
Age
David Copperfield was born on September 16, 1956, in Metuchen, New Jersey. He will be 69 years old as of March 2026.
Biography Update
David Seth Kotkin was born to Jewish parents in New Jersey. His mother, Rebecca, worked as an insurance adjuster, while his father, Hyman, ran a men’s clothing shop. His grandparents hailed from Ukraine and Russia. As a reserved youngster, David turned to magic to build confidence and blend in. At 10, he performed as “Davino the Boy Magician” in his local community. By the age of 12, he was the youngest individual ever accepted into the Society of American Magicians. At 16, he instructed a magic class at New York University and began to perform professionally under the name David Copperfield, which was inspired by the novel by Charles Dickens.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Copperfield garnered fame through Broadway productions and television specials, where he showcased grand illusions such as making the Statue of Liberty disappear and traversing the Great Wall of China. He was a pioneer in intertwining storytelling with magic for a cinematic experience. Beginning in the 1990s, his Las Vegas performances featured flying, teleportation, and engaging tricks.
Recently, Copperfield has concentrated on his Las Vegas production and creating innovative illusions, including concepts like altering Mount Rushmore or correcting the Leaning Tower of Pisa. He initiated Project Magic in 1982, a therapy program that utilizes magic tricks to assist disabled patients in regaining motor skills. This initiative currently operates in over 1,100 hospitals across 30 nations. He also supports UNICEF, disaster relief initiatives such as Hurricane Dorian in 2019, and arts organizations. Despite being a private individual, Copperfield occasionally discusses themes of creativity, determination, and imagination. As of 2026, he continues to perform nightly in Las Vegas and is engaged in developing new stage concepts for upcoming tours.
Net Worth
As of 2026, David Copperfield’s net worth is estimated between $1 and $1.2 billion, amassed from:
- Decades of Las Vegas residencies and international tours (over 500 performances annually at peak)
- Television specials and licensing agreements
- Merchandise, book sales, and branded products
- Real estate investments, including a $17.55 million home in Las Vegas (acquired in 2016) and a penthouse in New York
- Investments and entrepreneurial ventures
- Forbes ranked him among the top-earning celebrities in the 2000s and 2010s, with annual incomes often exceeding $50 to $60 million.
His consistent performances and astute business strategies have established him as one of the wealthiest entertainers in history.
Son
David Copperfield has a daughter, born in 2010 with his long-term partner, Chloé Gosselin, a French fashion model. Their child’s name and birth date remain confidential. Copperfield has not confirmed the existence of any additional children. In rare interviews, he has stated that fatherhood holds significant meaning for him, but he prefers to keep his family life private. No other children have been publicly acknowledged.
Wife
David Copperfield has never been wed. He was engaged to German supermodel Claudia Schiffer from 1994 to 1999. They met in 1993 at a gala in Berlin, where she participated in his magic performances. Their engagement ended in September 1999, with both citing hectic schedules and distance as challenges. Since that time, Copperfield has remained unmarried. His longest publicly known relationship was with Chloé Gosselin, with whom he has a daughter. They have not married, and their current relationship status remains private. Copperfield has expressed that he cherishes independence and does not intend to marry.
Career Highlights
Spanning over 50 years, David Copperfield’s career has featured revolutionary illusions, television specials, numerous accolades, and an enduring Las Vegas residency.
- Initiated his professional career as a teenager; the youngest member of the Society of American Magicians at age 12.
- Headlined Broadway productions in the 1970s-1980s.
- Produced 15 significant television specials (1977–2001), earning 21 Emmy awards from 38 nominations.
- Notable illusions include: Vanishing Statue of Liberty (1983), flying on stage (1992), crossing the Great Wall of China (1986), escaping Alcatraz (1987), disappearing Learjet (1981).
- Holds 11 Guinness World Records (most tickets sold by a solo performer, highest lifetime earnings for a magician, etc.).
- Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame; recognized as a Living Legend by the Library of Congress; Chevalier of Arts and Letters (France).
- Long-standing Las Vegas residency (1990s–present) at the MGM Grand and various venues.
- Founded Project Magic (1982), a therapeutic program using magic for rehabilitation in hospitals globally.
- Performed for royals (Queen Elizabeth II), presidents, and international audiences; historically grossed over $4 billion in ticket sales.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | David Seth Kotkin (stage name: David Copperfield) |
| Date of Birth | September 16, 1956 |
| Age (March 2026) | 69 |
| Net Worth (2026 est.) | $1–1.2 billion |
| Marital Status | Never married; engaged to Claudia Schiffer (1994–1999) |
| Children | One daughter (born 2010 with Chloé Gosselin) |
| Career Highlights | 21 Emmy wins; 11 Guinness Records; Statue of Liberty illusion; Las Vegas residency (ongoing); Project Magic founder |
| Current Status | Performing in Las Vegas; creating new illusions; active in philanthropy |
