The Amazing Johnathan Net Worth

The Amazing Johnathan: A Look at His Net Worth, Career, and Life

What was The Amazing Johnathan’s Net Worth?

The Amazing Johnathan, whose real name was John Edward Szeles, was a captivating figure in the world of comedy and magic. Known for his unique blend of dark humor, outrageous stunts, and illusions, he carved a distinct path in the entertainment industry. At the time of his death in February 2022, The Amazing Johnathan’s net worth was estimated to be $15 million. He left behind a legacy as a one-of-a-kind performer who redefined the boundaries of both comedy and magic.

He famously dubbed himself the “Freddy Krueger of Comedy,” a moniker that hinted at his edgy, often shocking, comedic style. He released two successful comedy specials, “Wrong on Every Level” (2006) and “The Amazing Johnathan Live” (2007). He also took on the role of director and co-producer for “The Amazing Johnathan Live,” showcasing his multifaceted talents behind the scenes.

For 13 years, The Amazing Johnathan was a Las Vegas headliner, captivating audiences year-round. His residency began at the Golden Nugget in 2001, solidifying his status as a prominent entertainer in the city. Beyond his stage performances, he ventured into entrepreneurship. In 2008, he opened the Amazing Underground, a members-only drive-in movie theater in Las Vegas. His innovative spirit continued with the creation of the SCREAMont Experiment, a 35,000-square-foot haunted hotel attraction that debuted during the 2012 Halloween season. His interests extended to the publishing world, where he released “Every Trick in the Book” in 2001, offering insights into practical jokes and magic tricks, showcasing another facet of his expertise.

The Amazing Johnathan’s life and career have been immortalized in two documentaries, including “Always Amazing: The True Story of the Life, Death and Return of The Amazing Johnathan” (2018) and “The Amazing Johnathan Documentary” (2019). These films offer deeper insights into the man behind the persona, providing viewers with an intimate look at his journey.

Early Life

Born John Edward Szeles on September 9, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan, The Amazing Johnathan’s early life laid the groundwork for his future career. He grew up in Fraser, Michigan, with his parents, Doreen and Edward, along with sisters Gail and Nancy. His father, Edward, worked as a draftsman and designed military equipment, offering him a unique upbringing. During his education, he attended Bethlehem Lutheran School and Fraser High, where he characterized himself as a “below average student.”

His fascination with magic began in 1973 when he purchased his first magic trick. He subsequently started taking lessons from Bob Moats, an amateur magician and owner of a magic shop. His first performance was at a neighbor’s birthday party, marking the start of his entertainment journey. He entered the Fraser High talent contest in 1975, although all six tricks he performed failed to impress the audience. These early experiences shaped his comedic style and unique approach to magic.

In 1976, he ventured to California with friends, deciding to stay in the state. He hitchhiked from Los Angeles to San Francisco with his friend Kathy. While living in a student co-op in Berkeley, he began street performing to earn money. It was during this time that he met Harry Anderson, a street performer who later became a star on “Night Court.” Anderson’s act inspired him to incorporate comedy into his own shows. He also crossed paths with A. Whitney Brown, who would become a writer for “Saturday Night Live” and a correspondent on “The Daily Show,” who taught him how to write comedy. By 1980, his shows on Fisherman’s Wharf drew large crowds, leading to multiple arrests for obstruction. He continued performing outdoors at Pier 39 before making his comedy club debut at the Holy City Zoo, where he was an immediate hit.

Career

The Amazing Johnathan’s career took off after performing at an industry night showcase at the Hollywood Improv. His television debut came in 1983 on “The 8th Annual Young Comedians Show” and as a guest star on “Thicke of the Night.” He soon made appearances on “Late Night with David Letterman” and in 1986, he was one of four comedians chosen to do a private show for President Ronald Reagan and French President François Mitterrand. The other comedians selected were Jerry Seinfeld, Larry Miller, and Yakov Smirnoff. This event showcased his growing popularity and recognition within the entertainment industry.

In 1991, Johnathan hosted the variety/game show “Ruckus,” which he co-created with Merv Griffin. He continued to appear on television throughout the 1990s, including “The Chuck Woolery Show,” “The A-List,” and “Viva Cabaret.” He was featured in several episodes of “An Evening at the Improv” from 1988 to 1994. His television appearances included a guest spot on “The Weird Al Show” in 1997 and appearances on “Make Me Laugh” and “The World’s Wildest Magic.” His career reached a peak with his own episode of “Comedy Central Presents” in 2001, and he also appeared in the documentary “The Aristocrats” in 2005. He was a frequent guest on Fox’s “Comic Strip Live,” appearing 24 times, and gained popularity in Australia through multiple appearances on “Hey Hey It’s Saturday.”

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In 2001, The Amazing Johnathan met actress/comedian Penny Wiggins at the Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, California, and she became his onstage assistant, “Psychic Tanya,” appearing with him in his specials. In 2005 and 2006, he appeared in three episodes of “Criss Angel Mindfreak,” and in 2008, he was featured in the TV special “The Mad Men of Comedy Magic.” In 2013, he began hosting “Burn Unit,” a weekly video podcast. In 2018, he appeared in the horror movie “The Litch,” and in 2021, he was animated in the “Rickdependence Spray” episode of “Rick and Morty.” He held residencies at various Las Vegas venues, including the Harmon Theater and Bally’s, and he was seen on numerous television shows, such as “Just for Laughs,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” and “Masters of Illusion.”

Personal Life

The Amazing Johnathan’s personal life was as colorful as his stage persona. He married Sandra Bowing in 1995, and they divorced in 2000. On June 7, 2014, he married performance artist Anastasia Synn at A Special Memory Chapel in Las Vegas, with comedian Gallagher officiating the ceremony. Guests included David Copperfield and Penn and Teller. Johnathan became the stepfather to Synn’s daughter, Haley. He was open about his past use of cocaine and meth. He once stated, “My whole show was written entirely on coke. I’d pretend to snort ‘fake’ coke on stage – but it was real. I actually even freebased backstage.”

In 2007, he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition, identified as cardiomyopathy. In 2014, he announced he had 12 to 15 months to live and would be retiring, with his heart functioning at 15% capacity. He wasn’t eligible for a heart transplant due to Type 2 diabetes. He performed what he thought would be his final show at The Magic Castle in Los Angeles on July 1, 2014. However, he defied his doctors’ prognosis, and in 2017, he went on tour. He explained his decision to come out of retirement, “They gave me a year and a half and that was almost three years ago, and I get tired of sitting and waiting for it to happen. So I just thought, I’m going to go back to work…If I die, I die on stage, rather than in my bed.” According to his website, “most of the impairment caused by the lack of circulation has healed almost completely.”

The Amazing Johnathan passed away on February 22, 2022, at the age of 63, leaving behind a lasting impression on the entertainment world.

Awards and Nominations

The Amazing Johnathan received numerous accolades throughout his career. He won the “Las Vegas Review-Journal’s” Best Comedian award, and the publication named him one of the Top Ten Acts in Vegas. He was named Comedian of the Year by “Nevada Magazine.” The International Magic Awards honored him as the Best Comedy Magician three times. In 2020, “The Amazing Johnathan Documentary” earned him a spot on the Cinema Eye Honors Awards list of The Unforgettables, which recognizes significant nonfiction film subjects.

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Legacy

The Amazing Johnathan left behind a legacy as a ground-breaking entertainer who pushed boundaries. His unique combination of comedy and magic, his willingness to challenge conventions, and his ability to captivate audiences cemented his status as a true original. His influence can still be seen in modern comedy and magic, and his work continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world. He remains a memorable figure in the world of entertainment.