As a young reporter in Appleton, Wisconsin, Edna Ferber interviewed this hometown celebrity originally from Hungary

On the episode of Jeopardy! that aired on Friday, February 28, 2025, the Final Jeopardy clue fell under the category “Famous Names”:

“As a young reporter in Appleton, Wisconsin, Edna Ferber interviewed this hometown celebrity originally from Hungary.”

Who is Harry Houdini?

Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz (later changed to Ehrich Weiss), was originally from Budapest, Hungary. His family immigrated to the United States when he was just a child, eventually settling in Appleton, Wisconsin. Though Houdini later claimed to have been born in Appleton, historical records confirm his birth took place in Hungary in 1874. His father, Mayer Samuel Weiss, served as a rabbi in the Appleton community, which played a formative role in his early years.

While Houdini’s time in Appleton was relatively brief, he always maintained a connection to the city, considering it his boyhood home. This deep-rooted connection would later contribute to his legend as one of the most famous illusionists and escape artists in history.

Edna Ferber’s Early Journalism Career

Edna Ferber, a celebrated American novelist and playwright, began her career in journalism before achieving literary fame. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, she moved with her family to Appleton, Wisconsin, at a young age. As a teenager, she showed an early interest in writing and journalism, which led her to work as a reporter for the Appleton Daily Crescent.

During her time at the newspaper, she interviewed notable figures, one of whom was Harry Houdini. At the time, Houdini was already gaining recognition for his feats of magic and daring escapes. Ferber’s brief encounter with the illusionist was just a stepping stone in what would become a remarkable career in literature, including Pulitzer Prize-winning works such as So Big and Show Boat.

Houdini’s Rise to Fame

Houdini’s career took off in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as he mastered the art of escape. His ability to free himself from handcuffs, straitjackets, and submerged containers earned him worldwide fame. He performed in major theaters across the United States and Europe, astonishing audiences with seemingly impossible feats.

Beyond his escape acts, Houdini was also a skeptic and an outspoken critic of spiritualism. He dedicated much of his later career to exposing fraudulent mediums who claimed to communicate with the dead. This pursuit brought him into conflict with famous figures of his time, including author Arthur Conan Doyle, a staunch believer in spiritualism.

The Legacy of Houdini and Ferber

Both Houdini and Ferber left lasting impacts in their respective fields. Houdini remains one of the most legendary figures in the history of magic, with his name synonymous with daring escapes and illusion. His influence continues through modern-day magicians who still draw inspiration from his groundbreaking performances.

Edna Ferber, on the other hand, cemented her legacy in American literature, crafting stories that captured the essence of American life. Her works, particularly Show Boat, inspired adaptations in theater and film, leaving a cultural impact that extends far beyond her time.

While their paths crossed only briefly in Appleton, Wisconsin, the connection between Houdini and Ferber serves as an interesting footnote in the histories of two remarkable individuals.