Harriet Jacobson

Harriet Jacobson, 80, of West Bloomfield, died on Oct. 9, 2024after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Harriet, was a beloved figure in the Michigan, National and International magic world.

Born in Detroit, Harriet made her home in West Bloomfield Michigan with her now diseased husband and fellow magician Michael.

Interestingly, her interest in magic began with assisting her son Matthew in the late 1970s. In the decades that followed, she performed as a magician herself and as an assistant to her husband.

Harriet served as ambassador for the American Museum of Magic and was active in organizations such as International Brotherhood of Magicians, Society of American Magicians and London’s Magic Circle. In 2024, Harriet was inducted into the Michigan Magic Hall of Fame.

Harriet was something of a "grande dame" of magic. Loved by everyone, it was a tradition that Harriet was brought up on stage as a volunteer at any magic show. Harriet graced the stage at the Plymouth Community Arts Council at one of our Parlor Shows where she assisted Sean and Mirf.

Long time AAMC Member Jeff Boyer remembers...

I first met Harriet and her family in the 80s when their son, Matthew, was in the contest. Harriet was like a mother figure to many of us younger magicians. We got to know Harriet, Michael and Matthew really well. We heard a rumor that Michael had a hit song in the 50s. We asked him to tell us about it, but Michael wasn’t one to talk about himself. Harriet was the same way. Both of them wanted to highlight other people in their lives instead of them. I see Matthew has taken on the same philosophy. In the 40 years that I’ve known Harriet, she always had a smile on her face. I’ve had hundreds of conversations with her about lots of little things. After Michael passed away, Harriet started making her magic jewelry. I asked her why she chose to do that. She said because it brings her joy. She said she does things that brings her joy. 

Many of us last saw Harriette at the 2024 Get Together in Colon. She will be missed by so many magicians across the globe. Rest in peace.