The Royal Dynasty of Magic is a lineage of great magicians that goes back five generations. It began with the unexpected death of popular magician, Alexander Herrmann, in 1896. That’s when Harry Kellar, hoping to capture Herrmann’s crowds, started to bill himself as the successor of Herrmann. When Kellar neared retirement in 1908, he named young magician Howard Thurston as his successor in a Royal Dynasty of Magic. Thurston was talented and popular and also willing to pay Kellar $13,000 for his show’s equipment. They finalized the plans with a ceremony in which Kellar placed a mantle on the shoulders of young Howard, proclaiming him a new king in the Royal Dynasty of Magic. In 1933, as Thurston’s long and successful career was coming to an end, he chose Dante the Magician as his successor. Dante had played the finest theaters in the world to much acclaim.

After retiring, Dante searched for his successor. He chose Lee Grabel after seeing his illusion show in San Bernardino in 1954. He met with Lee, and plans were made to combine the Dante and Grabel shows into one big elaborate illusion show, with Lee billed as Dante’s successor in the dynasty. However, Dante died in 1955, before a formal announcement could be made. Not till 1986 did Lee declare himself to be the heir in the Royal Dynasty of Magic. In 1994, he chose Las Vegas headliner Lance Burton as his successor. Lee was the recipient of many magic awards and was profiled in books, periodicals, and newspapers. He performed his last show at the age of 86.