Lance Burton Film and Television Appearances
Lance Burton is an American stage magician known for television specials and limited film work. His primary screen presence comes from magic specials and variety shows rather than traditional narrative movies. His most notable televised magic special aired on CBS in 1986, where he performed illusions before a live studio audience. This special helped establish his reputation in broadcast entertainment and led to later appearances on major network programs.
Burton's film work is sparse compared to his stage career. He appeared as himself in the 1982 documentary The Magic of David Copperfield, which showcased prominent illusionists of the era. He also performed magic segments in variety and talk shows that were later distributed on home video and streaming platforms. These appearances are cataloged on entertainment databases that track guest roles and magic performances on television.
Career Milestones and Business of Magic
Burton won the Grand Prix at the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM) World Championship of Magic in 1982, a milestone that opened doors to network television contracts and international performance tours. He headlined at the Hacienda Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for five years starting in 1996, making him one of the youngest magicians to secure a long-term residency on the Las Vegas Strip.
The business side of Burton's career aligns with the broader entertainment and hospitality model used by Las Vegas residencies. His contract terms, audience metrics, and show run length are comparable to data reported in analyses of entertainment economics by Forbes. His career illustrates how stage magicians monetize live performance, television exposure, and brand licensing in the modern entertainment industry.
Lance Burton's Influence on Modern Magic and Media
Burton's style combined classic stage illusion with a calm, storytelling approach that influenced a generation of magicians performing in casinos and on streaming platforms. His work is studied in magic history resources that document the transition of stage magic from touring shows to fixed-residency entertainment venues.
Today, his performances are referenced in articles about the evolution of magic on television and in Las Vegas entertainment guides. Archives of his specials and appearances are available through library media databases and platforms such as the Internet Movie Database, which tracks performer credits across film, television, and special programs. These records provide a factual baseline for understanding his screen legacy.