Prospect Hts. magician scores first place at international competition

Bill Cook, a Prospect Heights magician previously profiled as a Daily Herald Suburban Standout, earlier this month won first place in the International Battle of Magicians.

Cook, 24, won the competition in Canton, Ohio, with an up-tempo act that revolves around him making CDs and iPods appear and disappear. He was awarded a first-place plaque, monetary award and a spot as the opening act for the Canton Palace Theatre. He performed to two sold-out crowds including great magicians from around the world.

Cook, who started learning magic when he was 10 years old, has performed both nationally and internationally, and is one of six co-stars in the award-winning documentary “Make Believe” that profiled the lives of young magicians.

Last year, he was the guest emcee of a TV show filmed in Rome called “La Grande Magia” (“The Illusionist”). More recently, he’s had the opportunity to perform for such stars as Neil Patrick Harris, Jimmy Kimmel, Zach Galifianakis, and Betty White. He was honored to be asked to Betty’s dressing room on the set of “Hot in Cleveland,” where he performed for her.

Cook, who makes all his magical props in his own workshop, is part of the monthly show in Chicago called “Magic Chicago” held at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont. The show is the first Wednesday of every month.

This summer, he’ll be traveling around the country performing. For more information, check out his website at www.billcookmagic.com.