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From the Archives: Magic for People Who Hate Magic.

Magician and juggler Penn Jillette. He's one half of the comedy team of Penn and Teller. They are to traditional magic what the Rolling Stones are to the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. Penn and Teller revel in making fun of traditional magicians, whom they characterize as sleazy lounge performers. Their hit Broadway show was a mix of rock and roll, insults, self-injury and baffling illusions. When David Letterman invited Penn and Teller to "Late Night," the pair made hundreds of hissing cockroaches appear on Dave's desk. On "Saturday Night Live," they seemingly cut a live snake in half. Their home video and book were both titled "Penn and Teller's Cruel Tricks for Dear Friends"; their latest book is "Penn & Teller: How To Play With Your Food" (Random House). (REBROACAST FROM 6/19/87).

06:29

Other segments from the episode on April 1, 1994

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, April 1, 1994: Interview with Harry Anderson; Interview with Ricky Jay; Interview with James Randi; Interview with Penn Jillette; Review of the film "House of the Spirits."

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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