We were lucky to catch up with Walter King Jr recently and have shared our conversation below.
Walter, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My wellspring of optimism finds its roots in the unwavering faith of my mother. She was not just a woman; she was a beacon of belief in the extraordinary. The pivotal moment that reshaped my understanding of my potential unfolded on a Tuesday night when I was 17 years old. At the time, I had just embarked on my journey into the realm of community theater.
The turning point occurred with a call from the director of a theater production I was leading. To my astonishment, he proposed an audition for a real movie—something that had seemed light-years beyond the realm of possibility for me. Having just secured my first role in a play, the prospect of transitioning to the silver screen felt like a leap too grand for my capabilities. In a moment of self-doubt, I conveyed my hesitation to the director, emphatically stating, ‘I don’t believe I could do that.’
Rather than commiserating with my uncertainty, he reprimanded me and insisted I contact a casting agent to schedule an audition. In that stunned moment, my mother, fresh from her night church service, became my confidante. Anticipating agreement, I recounted the exchange to her, only to be met with her unbridled enthusiasm. ‘Great! Go for it!’ she exclaimed.
Initially taken aback by what seemed like audacious encouragement, I couldn’t ignore the contagious confidence she exuded. If she believed in the possibility, then why shouldn’t I? Fueled by her unwavering support, I summoned the courage to take the plunge. The outcome? My first speaking role in a made-for-television film, sharing the screen with none other than Levar Burton in “One In A Million.”
That transformative experience became a catalyst for my burgeoning optimism and self-assurance. From that moment forward, I never glanced back except to reflect on the person I was before, wondering why I once questioned the very path that eventually became my vocation.
This transformative experience marked the revelation of what I believed to be my true “calling.” Initially aspiring to be a graphic artist, I immersed myself in the world of art at Columbia College. However, it was my extracurricular involvement in theater that ultimately paved the way for my current profession as a professional illusionist.
The pivotal moment materialized during my role in a comedy production that required a Hip-Hop dance solo. Intrigued by the opportunity, I decided to infuse the routine with magical effects—an art form I had never considered as a potential career. Being self-taught in the realm of magic had been my clandestine hobby until then, but something about this scene resonated with the possibilities. The audience’s enthusiastic response to the magical Hip-Hop dance segment led to an unexpected proposition: a gig as a magician.
Initially deeming the idea as far-fetched, the allure of financial motivation prompted me to explore this newfound avenue. Tasked with delivering a ten-minute act, my initial presentation fell short at four minutes. Determined to rise to the occasion, I delved into the world of magic shops, crafting my inaugural ten-minute act. Lake Point Towers in Chicago hosted my debut performance, where I became the first magician to seamlessly integrate hip-hop dance with magic, earning my inaugural standing ovation. Thus, “The Magic of The Spellbinder” was born.
Guided by the philosophy that if it pays for itself, it’s worth developing, I continued to expand and refine my act. Influenced by the stylings of luminaries like David Copperfield and Goldfinger and Dove, the first African American magician I had witnessed on television during my childhood, I introduced larger illusions to captivate audiences, including levitating a lady in mid-air and transforming her into a leopard.
Four years into the business, my journey reached a significant milestone with my first televised interview, alongside artists such as the Pointer Sisters and Oprah Winfrey. This exposure led to my inaugural performance in Las Vegas at the renowned Mirage, solidifying my presence in the world of magic and entertainment.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
In the formative years of my craft, I found myself frequently booked at schools, particularly within the inner-city schools of Chicago. A recurring sentiment I encountered was, “I have never seen a Black Magician before.” This remark echoed consistently, resonating both in children’s assemblies, classrooms and adult venues. Motivated by this observation, I embarked on the creation of a unique production titled “Legacy of Black Magicians.” This show delved into the history of African American magicians, tracing their roots from Africa through the slavery period, the Harlem Renaissance, to the present day. Drawing inspiration from the book “Magical Heroes” by Jim Magus, this production became an annual fixture for nearly two decades during Black History Month at the prestigious DuSable Museum in Chicago, and I am honored to announce its return in February 2024. As a vendor with Chicago Public Schools, I’ve been entrusted to incorporate impactful messages into my performances, encouraging youth to steer clear of drugs, gangs, and violence while highlighting the magic of science, reading, and a special show with workshops for Social Emotional Learning.
Since 2018, I have proudly held the title of the “House Illusionist” for the renowned Chicago Magic Lounge, ranked among the top 10 tourist attractions in Chicago. In a recent and exciting chapter, I’ve rekindled my passion for acting, securing feature and leading roles in several streaming movies produced by Red On Black Films, under the creative helm of writer/director Quincy Trent.
I am thrilled to share that I have joined forces with esteemed organizations such as Target Area and Family Cares Mission, operating under the guidance of Apostle J Stanford of the AFC Center. This collaboration allows me to extend my reach beyond the stage, contributing to impactful community initiatives.
Looking ahead, a milestone event awaits in March 2024, as I am set to make my debut performance at the legendary Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA. This opportunity marks a significant achievement in my journey. As the world’s 1st and ONLY Hip Hop Illusionist I am eager to continue pushing the boundaries of magic, entertainment, and community engagement.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on the journey, three pivotal qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that greatly influenced my path include:
Resilience and Adaptability:
The ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to evolving circumstances has been instrumental. Whether facing initial doubts or navigating uncharted territories, resilience allowed me to persevere and embrace change. Advice: Cultivate a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for growth. Embrace change as a constant companion on your journey and learn from every experience, whether positive or challenging.
Passion and Creativity:
A genuine passion for the craft and a creative approach to problem-solving propelled me forward. It fueled my dedication during the learning phases and inspired innovative ideas that set me apart in the competitive realms of magic and entertainment. Advice: Identify what truly ignites your passion, and let it be the driving force behind your pursuits. Nurture your creativity by exposing yourself to diverse influences and always be open to exploring new ideas.
Continuous Learning and Networking:
Remaining open to ongoing learning and building a network of mentors, peers, and collaborators played a pivotal role. Staying curious, seeking mentorship, and connecting with others in the field allowed me to stay abreast of industry trends, refine my skills, and open doors to new opportunities. Advice: Never stop learning. Actively seek out mentors who can offer guidance based on their experiences. Network within your industry, attend events, and engage in communities to broaden your perspective and build valuable connections.
For those early in their journey, my advice is:
Embrace the Learning Process:
Understand that growth and mastery take time. Be patient with yourself, and view each step as a valuable lesson. Seek out learning opportunities, whether through formal education, mentorship, or hands-on experience.
Cultivate Passion and Purpose:
Identify what truly excites you and aligns with your values. Passion and purpose will fuel your perseverance and creativity. Connect with the deeper meaning behind your pursuits, and let it guide your journey.
Build a Supportive Network:
Surround yourself with a diverse network of individuals who share your interests or can offer guidance. Networking provides invaluable insights, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities that can significantly impact your growth.
Remember, the journey is unique for each individual, and success often involves a combination of perseverance, passion, and strategic networking. Stay focused on your goals, be open to learning, and enjoy the process of discovering your own path.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
While my professional journey has been marked by numerous blessings, favor, and successes, a persistent challenge remains—the acceptance of my race as an African American in my field. Remarkably, I have been fortunate not to have experienced direct prejudice from my professional peers; however, a recurring hesitancy from promoters, producers, and event planners has been an ongoing hurdle. Recently, there has been a glimmer of progress in navigating these obstacles, largely thanks to the support of individuals who have generously extended their assistance, even at the risk of jeopardizing their own reputations. I am genuinely grateful for these unsung heroes who have played a pivotal role in helping me overcome these challenges and forge ahead in my profession.
Contact Info:
- Website: magicofthespellbinder.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/magicofthespellbinder
- Facebook: facebook.com/walterking.thespellbinder
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/walter-king-jr-aa903b10
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBK_a3GUjk0
Image Credits
Walter King
