Matt Wayne

Matt Wayne: The Magic New Yorker

2011-11-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

This article is printed in the

New York Resident Magazine's

October 2011 issue.

Matt Wayne: The Magic New Yorker

By Dorri Olds

Matt Wayne, aka Celebrity Magician, is a Renaissance man. He came to New York City with one month’s rent plus 600 dollars in his pocket, then forged a career á la Manhattan. The repertoire up his sleeve? Magician, actor, producer, TV personality and charitable fundraiser.

Does this man ever sleep?

Matt caught a break when he landed a stint on a reality dating show called “Wingman.” He was selected based on his pitch: “I’m a magician, have toured all over the world, but I can’t get a date.”

Through that show, he met his now girlfriend of three years, Karen Biehl, owner of Eli the Celebrity Chihuahua (of Milkbone Dog Biscuits box fame). Biehl said, “I’d always dreamed of a man who would give me white roses. On our first date, Matt made me a white rose from a cocktail napkin.”

Speaking of roses, Matt has since worked with ABC’s “The Bachelor” Prince Lorenzo Borghese raising funds for animal causes. “Matt, Karen, Eli and I all hit it off. Whenever I watch Matt perform magic, he’s exceptional. We’ve bonded over our shared love for animals and he’s like a historian on magic.”

Richard Pryor, Jr., son of the late comedian, is a fellow fundraiser and friend who described Matt as “a true artist in every aspect. He’s genuine and gives his all. You can feel his energy. It’s amazing how he always puts others first, not like your typical celeb.”

Through his multitude of work projects, Matt has rubbed elbows with the City’s rich and famous, i.e. Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters, Loretta Swit, Al Pacino, James Earl Jones. His corporate clientele is a list of Who’s Who: Trump International, Citibank, Morgan Stanley, Coca-Cola.

Matt and I sat down at a café in Chelsea. His height, slender build and jet-black hair are disarming. He greeted me with a huge smile and, as we spoke, it was easy to see why he’s a celebrity. I was smitten.

New York Resident: You are an anomaly—magician, actor, producer, spokesman.

Matt Wayne: Many actors got started in magic—Billy Crystal, Steve Martin, Adrien Brody. My DVD “Got a Light?” was an overnight success and earned me instant notoriety in the magic community. It’s an instructional step-by-step tutorial of a modern version of the 3-shell game. Things just took off after that.

NYR: Can you tell me about your new movie, When the Devil Comes?

MW: I play a German priest involved in an exorcism that goes terribly wrong. It takes place in Germany, although it was shot here in New York. The premise is an outbreak of demonic possession. There’s a bunch of exorcisms and lots of cool special effects—like a girl walking on the ceiling. I felt lucky to work with the stellar up-and-coming cast. It stars Dechen Thurman, Uma’s brother, as one of the main priests and Sarah Bradford of The Adjustment Bureau. It’s a cross between Blair Witch Project and The Exorcist.

NYR: You produce an Off Broadway play too, correct?

MW: Yes. It’s in its fourth year now at the Soho Playhouse. It’s a comedy calledThe Complete Performer. One reviewer called it a ‘comedy extravaganza.’ It stars Late Show with David Letterman’s Emmy Award-winning writer Ted Greenberg. Ted is the son of Alan Greenberg, the billionaire and former chairman of Bear Sterns, who is a big teddy bear. I met Alan through my work as a magician for the rich and famous.

NYR: I’m very interested in hearing about your contributions to charities.

MW: I love animals. I’m like the Betty White of magic. I devote all my available time to helping animals. I was so moved by the tragic Tuscaloosa tornado this past May I created a relief effort called, “Operation Toto.” I contacted many friends including Loretta Swit, Bonnie Jill-Laflin, the NBA’s first female scout, actor Doug Jones from Hellboy movies and Richard Pryor, Jr. They all gladly participated. Loretta even agreed to host. I called the Alabama State Department to say I wanted to help and asked to be put in touch with animal shelters and the Humane Society down there. I turned my campaign into the only relief effort that came from the northeast. The New York Daily News did a write-up about it. Prince Lorenzo Borghese was one of many generous donors.

NYR: What can you tell me about the Prince?

MW: Most people know him from “The Bachelor,” but he’s also the founder and president of Royal Treatment Italian Pet Spa. His own black lab suffered from dry skin so, ten years ago, he created a special pet shampoo line. Because his family has been in cosmetics since the early ’50s he has tons of contacts. He made calls and did research to learn what ingredients were causing dry skin. Then he created a healthier shampoo made with organic formulas.

NYR: Did the media poke fun at him—a Prince with a pet spa?

MW: Oh yeah. He told me, ‘People think my family just sits around and plays croquet or something but we work, we give back.’ He’s really a great guy. This past June he used his celebrity to help raise money for the New Rochelle Humane Society at their 100^th Anniversary.

NYR: Last September you launched a show called “Laff-a-Digitation.” How did that name come about?

MW: That’s my own play on words—prestidigitation is a fancy word for magic and the show is a combination of comedy and magic. I rounded up headlining comics like you’d see on Comedy Central. Last year’s went so well that I’ll make it even bigger this year.

NYR: You’ve done a lot of work for animal welfare organizations like Bideawee, right?

MW: Yes. I do everything I can. My life is targeted at helping animals and children. That’s what motivates my career. Richard Pryor, Jr. and I worked together at a Bideawee charity event for horses. I also do a lot of fundraising to help neglected children.

NYR: I’ve read that you’ve traveled far and wide to entertain U.S. troops.

MW: Yes, all over Asia—South Korea, Thailand, Japan. The reason I wanted to become a celebrity was to have a voice. I aim to grow my voice as loud and high as I can. Celebrities are so blessed and I hate it when they don’t use their fame to help others. There are so many important causes.

NYR: You have much to be proud of. Have I left anything out?

MW: [Grins] Yes, there’s more! In September 2010, YouTube launched their new Live Stream feature along with Howcast. I helped add magic to the “How To” videos. My live 30-minute magic tutorial was used to launch the live stream. The series has gotten close to 2 million views and my show was voted number one by Gizmodo. Also TouchTricks, the world’s first virtual magic kit for the iPhone and iPod touch, chose me as their official spokesperson.

NYR: Any last parting words about your multi-faceted career?

MW: My overall desire is to be helpful. Social media has been great. An 11-year-old who was going through radiation for a brain tumor found me online and tweeted. He said my hard work had inspired him. He said Matt Wayne would never give up, so neither would he.

Dorri Olds (DorriOlds.com) is a freelance writer and web designer.

Toto Relief: Photos!

2011-07-19T09:38:00.001-07:00

On May 10, 2011, Celebrity Magician Matt Wayne traveled from New York City to Tuscaloosa,Alabama with a truckload of donated animal aid for those affected by the tornados in the southern states. His rescue effort: Operation Toto Relief, was the first relief that came from the state of New York and northern states.

(Above: Matt Wayne chats with Dr. Paul Bronold)

A week prior, Wayne himself organized the shipments anddonations received for Operation Toto Relief, with the help of members of the NYC

community; dropping off blankets, food and medical supplies for the animals at Animal Haven Shelter in New York's SoHo district. It was then planned that Matt would deliver the supplies in-person to Canant's Veterinary Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama; as well as the Metro Animal Shelter on May 10, 2011.

Using his connections in the entertainment industry, Wayne offered financial donors a gift package that included signed headshot autographs from notable friends including actors: Richard Pryor Jr., Doug Jones (Hellboy 1 & 2, Pans Labyrinth), Bonnie Jill-Laflin, Loretta Swit (M*A*S*H), Orfeh (Legally Blonde, Saturday Night Fever), & Andy Karl (Wicked, Legally Blonde).

More photos:

Matt Wayne outside of Animal Haven shelter in New York City.

Matt Wayne unloads supplies at Canant's Vetertinary Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Matt Wayne chats with the staff at Canant's Veterinary Hospital.

Matt Wayne with Dr. Paul Bronold of Canant's Vetertinary Hospital.

All photos taken by: John Tomasko

Day two- Aid to Animals. Operation Toto Relief for Alabama Animals.

2011-04-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hello again Everyone,

Here's a quick update: I'm going down to Alabama, and I'm bringing donations from New York City with me to help the animals in both Birmingham, Alabama & Tuscaloosa, Alabama!

Operation Toto Relief is now underway!

Today, I was able to to get Animal Haven Shelter in New York City onboard to be the location for drop-off donations.

So, if you're living in NYC or live within the surrounding states; you are able to send donations to the following address:

Animal Haven
C/O Operation Toto Relief
251 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 274-8511

Drop-offs can start today (April 29th) and will run to Friday, May 6th. Donors are asked to donate between the hours of:
1-6pm on weekdays, and 12-5pm on weekends.

I'll then be packing up all the donations collected at Animal Haven in a truck to transport them down to Canant's Veterinary Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The plan is then to distribute aid accordingly to these surrounding shelters and clinics: Metro Animal Shelter and the Humane Society of West Alabama. I'm hopeful to do on-site distribution to families in the devastated areas, and really hope to provide a boost to the area.

At 3:30pm EST today (April 29th) I was on the phone with Dr. Paul Bronold again at Canant's Veterinary Hospital. The updates from Dr. Bronold were still gloomy, but some of the updates were positive. The main point that Bronold made to me was that these animal facilities are at maximum capacity. Families are coming in asking for food and blankets for their pups.

Once again, if you'd like to send donations directly to the shelter, please send them to:

Canant Veterinary Hospital
Operation: Toto Relief
C/O Dr. Jimmy Canant
1100 Rice Valley Road
Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

I will keep Everyone posted on this relief effort, I'm looking forward to making this trip down South!

-Matt Wayne

---
To reach Matt Wayne:
info@CelebrityMagician.com

Southern States: Aid to Animals. Operation: Toto Relief in Alabama.

2011-04-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

I was reading the NY Times this morning and about the tornados that tore their way through the state of Alabama. Then I turned on the television and saw the footage of the devastation. Me being me, I picked up the phone and called the state of Alabama. After explaining who I was, that I was from New York City and what I wanted to do-- I got through. Skipping to the point: I want to help the animals. I'm calling on Everyone here. My thoughts are of course with the people, but I feel for the animals in this area.

Mission: Help animals. Reason? Turn on the television.

10:39 am EST: I just got off the phone with the following organizations down in Alabama: Humane Society & the Canant Veterinary Hospital. Metro Animal Shelter, I attempted, but the phones are still down. Speaking to Dr. Paul Bronold & Dr. Jimmy Canant at Canant's hospital, they both sounded like they've been through a war and were running on zero sleep.

They are just now starting to see people coming in with trauma-stricken pets. Bronold went on about a man who was in his basement with his pup when the tornado hit, afterwards he came in with his dog; when he himself had head trauma, but he wanted his dog taken care of first!!

Skipping even more to the point: I want to organize donations. Anything. Pet food, blankets, stickers with smiley dog faces on them to boost morale. Everything but monetary donations, take your money and buy food with it.

Dr. Canant's vet hospital is going to act as the hub for this operation at the moment. They weren't hit as bad, but just a mile away (no joke), there's total destruction apparently. They are willing to do distribution and everything to both the Humane Society of Alabama and the Metro Animal Shelter.

For those in NYC and surrounding areas that want to help, I've partnered with Animal Haven shelter. Drop-off donations are being stored at this amazing facility till Friday, May 6, 2011. Donors are asked to donate between the hours of:
1-6pm on weekdays, and 12-5pm on weekends. You are able to send, or drop off donations to the following address:

Animal Haven
C/O Operation Toto Relief
251 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 274-8511

I will then be loading everything into a truck and taking it down to these shelters affected by the storms in Alabama. See my most recent post regarding: Day Two of Operation Toto Relief: Click Here!

To reach me:
info@CelebrityMagician.com , feel free to e-mail.

For all those outside of NY, I encourage you all to ship supplies to the below address. Any help in promoting this effort would be greatly appreciated!

Warmly,
Matt Wayne
Pup-lover

To send donations directly to the hospital:

Canant Veterinary Hospital
Operation: Toto Relief in Tuscaloosa.
C/O Dr. Jimmy Canant
1100 Rice Valley Road
Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Laff-A-Digitation benefit for Bideawee.

2010-09-01T06:26:00.000-07:00

Send advanced RSVP e-mail to: Info@LaffADigitation.com
Or CLICK HERE to purchase a $10.00 ticket directly from Bideawee!

Comedy and animal lovers will unite on September 16, 2010 at 7PM at Broadway Comedy Club in New York City for a 90-minute, hilarious show benefitting Bideawee, one of the country’s oldest and most respected animal welfare and pet adoption agency. 100% of the proceeds are going directly to this not-for-profit, 501(c)3 humane organization.

Guests will enjoy a show featuring: Howard Feller (30 Rock, The John Stewart Show), Angry Bob (Last Comic Standing, CNN), Matt Wayne (FLNs Wingman series), Sheba Mason and Mike Motz (The Complete Performer, Dateline). Headlining the evening will be Vic Henley (David Letterman, Comedy Central Presents: Vic Henley). The evening will be hosted by Rich Carucci.

More on the show
Laff-A-Digitation, conceived in 2007 and launched in September of 2010 by celebrity magician, Matt Wayne, is a monthly benefit show that combines top comedic and magic talent to help a select charity raise money for their given cause. Using his contacts in the entertainment industry, Matt has been able to produce a comedy show that features headliner quality comedy acts- for a reasonable cost to patrons. And the best part is that 100% of the proceeds taken in at the show benefit the charity.

More on Bideawee
Bideawee, which means “stay awhile,” in Scottish, is one of the country’s oldest and most respected animal welfare and pet adoption organizations. Founded in 1903 by Mrs. Flora Kibbe, Bideawee has been providing shelter, care and compassion to homeless animals in helping them to find their forever homes for over 100 years.

Bideawee is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 humane organization and 100% of Bideawee’s funding comes from private sources. For more information visit: www.bideawee.org

September 16, 2010.
Show starts promptly at 7PM, 90-minute show.
6:30PM Red Carpet/Press arrivals.
Broadway Comedy Club, 318 West 53rd Street (Between 8th & 9th Avenue)

Suggested donation of $10.00. 100% of donations collected go to Bideawee.
Or CLICK HERE to purchase directly from Bideawee!
*2-drink minimum applies to all audience members.

To make an advanced ticket reservation, please e-mail:
Info@LaffADigitation.com

For press inquiries, please contact:
Laff-A-Digitation - Jen@JenMarden.com
Bideawee – Steven Tedder: Steven.Tedder@Bideawee.org

Homeless? There's always the HUV.

2010-04-26T12:23:00.000-07:00

The month of May has been extremely busy! Many wonderful events and charity galas, but just not enough time to cover them all. One in particular deserves a larger mention. On April 22, 2010, I had the pleasure of witnessing the HUV Project Launch in New York City. The event served as the initial fundraising effort for these 'Homeless Utility Vehicles'. These cart-like, weather resistant mobile devices are wonderful shelters for those that are homeless. These HUV carts were originally created to assist with the fundamental needs of the homeless in America. However, given the immediate crisis facing the 1.5 million Haitian survivors- the events overseas have overshadowed the initial agenda of the HUV Project.

After chatting with HUV's Founder, Stephen Mills, I can assure everyone that these devices are built to last. He himself spent many nights sleeping in his creation. It's surely a step up for someone that's currently sleeping on the rugged city streets. If faced with homelessness, I can easily see these as being a more comfortable upgrade from the park bench or alley. The added mobility and protection from severe weather conditions makes HUV very practical. Given the recent tragic events overseas, I'd think that anything providing shelter to those in need of it would be deemed a blessing. I can see these HUV devices providing a huge benefit to those that need the help. No one deserves to be homeless, but everyone that is facing this situation deserves proper shelter.

With approximately 744,000 homeless people in America, the HUV is both a functional design concept and a provocative display of activism. The HUV is a personal shelter in the form of a vehicle that can be used by those experiencing homelessness. The vehicle is intended for the individual who has chosen not to take advantage of local community shelters. The vehicle is not a cure for homelessness, but rather a transitional housing for those currently experiencing homelessness. (Excerpt courtesy of: www.The HUVproject.org)

Cancer Research & Funding Art Now!

2010-03-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

If you know me personally, you know that I'm not a clubber. I'm an event and charity enthusiast. My life has become a whirlwind of supporting various charities, and every week I seemingly become involved in spreading awareness. This past week on March 25th I had the pleasure of being a guest at the Spring into Style event at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City.

(Matt Wayne attends the Cancer Research Institute:
Spring Event SPRING INTO STYLE at Saks Fifth Avenue, NYC • March 25, 2010.
Photo by Steven Rosen)

It was a wonderful evening to support The Cancer Research Institute Young Philanthropists group. Fashion, cocktails, and philanthropy all in one big bundle to support the Institute’s groundbreaking efforts to change the face of cancer treatment. How's that for being magical? If the evening wasn't exactly 'magical' , the after-effects should be. They raised over $20,000 for the Cancer Research Institute. A big thanks to the Cancer Research Institutes' Young Philanthropists Council, you all made for a fun start to the evening. Was happy to attend, and I look forward to continuing the support for their endeavors in raising more awareness.

Next up for the evening was the Fund Art Now launch downtown.

(Matt Wayne and Karen Biehl attend Fund Art Now's celebrity charity event at Collective Hardware on March 25, 2010 in New York City. Photo credit: Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Having the pleasure of seeing my friend and Fund Art Now advisory board member, John Magzalcioglu, is always a joy for Karen and myself. We were happy to make the trek to Collective Hardware to witness the launch of this promising organization. I was particularly anxious to witness the photography of Mr. Zach Hyman, his "Decent Exposures" pieces were fascinating to see in-person. I've been hearing a lot about Hymans photography from close friends. He didn't disappoint. The photos on display were quite unique, and I recommend those interested to seek out his work. Raffles were also part of the evenings festivities which included: A 4 day vacation in Barbados, $5,000 gift certificates to rent a Lear Jet, and $500 gift certificates for the Diamond International Club. Sadly, yours truly isn't flying to Barbados, but I'm still enthused about what Fund Art Now is all about- David Zelikovsky, founder of Fund Art Now, has a wonderful start here for supporting artists.

The Princes Ball

2010-02-07T16:29:00.000-08:00

Well hello my friends! This past week has come to a close, but tomorrow starts yet another hectic week! But with hectic weeks ahead-- comes loads of fun. I'd rather have a hectic schedule than sit at home tweedling my thumbs. At least when I'm out-and-about, I occasionally tell a funny joke*. Come to think of it, the next two weeks schedule wise are very booked up! With Fashion Week quickly approaching-- I'm hopeful that I don't run out of energy.

*Note: (It's best when others laugh at your joke. Solo laughter coming from yourself isn't the best indicator.)

On Friday February 5, 2010, I was elated to be a guest and show support for the 2010 Princes Ball Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala. It was held at Ciprianis on 42nd St., New York, NY. Was a lovely occasion to see many of the socialite crowd of New York out in support of this gala which benefitted The Lifeline Humanitarian Organization.

Photo Credit: Sunny Norton (Guest of a Guest)

Having mingled with TRH Prince Alexander and the wonderful Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia. They both were wonderful to meet and chat with, both Karen and myself were delighted to spend time at this event.

It was quite the magical evening!

This upcoming week features more red carpet benefits and events! There's never a dull day! One of these events will take place on Friday February 12, 2010. Karen and I will be guests at the SKYBARK Pre-Westminster Fashion Show at the Hotel Pennsylvania. Rumor has it that my lovely Karen Biehl will be presenting an award. Amongst other surprises throughout the evening!

2010-01-28T21:07:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK - JANUARY 21: (L-R) Karen Biehl and Matt Wayne attend a Help Haiti Now benefit at Nikki Beach Midtown on January 21, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
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Wow, this week has proved to be quite crammed and busy with new happenings in my world. First off, welcome to my first blog entry! I'm quite new to this whole blogging 'thing', so please forgive my lack of blogging sense. I'm sure I'll find my way of blogging and settle right in quietly. There are so many things on the horizon for 2010! I'm quite excited to fill you all in, however-- all in good time! For now though this blog will be going through many changes in the upcoming weeks. My team and I have decided that Facebook, Twitter and all the other wonderful networks that I've culminated a sizeable following from aren't giving you all what you want. You asked for more content! More personal connection to me, Matt Wayne. Well, this blog was their answer and solution. Their answer to me was, "Matt, you better start blogging!" So here I am.

Pretty soon iPhone/iPod touch users will even be able to get my thoughts in one application! We're working on releasing the Matt Wayne app! So, no matter where you are-- you'll be able to get my daily thoughts on life. Will be sharing with you all that's going on in the 'celebrity' world that I tend to be immersed in. From charity events, to photo shoots. I plan to give you all 24/7 access. It's coming soon! How cool is that?!

NEW YORK - JANUARY 21: (L-R) Karen Biehl and Matt Wayne attend the American Red Cross, Concern Worldwide and The Edeyo Foundation Fundraiser on January 21, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ekerovich/GuestofaGuest.com)