1895 poster for Houdini's stage act
Elmo paying homage to the same poster
Harry Houdini (1874-1926) was a stage magician and escape artist, becoming synonymous with both professions for decades to follow. His performing career ranged from headlining the vaudeville circuit to starring in silent movies. By the 1920s, Houdini had expanded his stage act to include the exposure of fraudulent mediums.
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- Many magicians in Muppet productions have names inspired by Houdini (often simply adding "ini" to an existing word). Sesame Street examples include The Great Blechini, Big Bird as the Great Ninteeni, The Great Quackini, The Great Groverini, and The Great Halfini. Others include "The Great Boodini" (Little Muppet Monsters) and the Great Featherini (The Furchester Hotel "The Magician's Assistant").
- When Telly Monster uses Mumford's magic wand in Sesame Street Episode 2454, Oscar refers to him as Houdini.
- Uncle Statler and Uncle Waldorf bring a collection of hats to the Nursery in the eight season Muppet Babies episode "Hats, Hats, Hats." They claim a top hat belonged to Houdini, leading Baby Kermit to assume it's magic.
- Cookie Monster, in a Letter of the Day sketch, tries to protect the cookie shaped like the letter A by placing it in a safe. Proud of his efforts, he quips "Houdini, eat your heart out."
- A graphic by Diana Leto, used to promote the Elmo's Magic Numbers DVD, parodies Houdini's 1895 "King of Cards" poster.
- The act of The Great Escapo in Muppets Most Wanted, breaking out of shackles including a neck collar, echoes Houdini's.