Harry Houdini, arguably the greatest and most famous magician of all time, states that he does not want his occupation in Who’s Who in America to be listed as “magician.” He repeatedly implores the Marquis editors to categorize him as an “actor, inventor, and author,” a request that is politely ignored. Houdini adds a secondary option, suggesting that he is a “mystifier, not a magician.” Marquis Who’s Who diplomatically refuses this option, citing the many public sources, which consistently identify Houdini as a magician.

The relationship between Houdini and Marquis Who’s Who remains cordial. In fact, Houdini continues to correspond with Marquis Who’s Who to update his biography until his death in November 1926.