I grew up in Alhambra, CA ... as the miracle child of Leo and Estelle Irby, who were surprised by me very late in their lives. As the youngest of four daughters, I had to adjust to having three "other mothers" for sisters. I actually have 2 nephews and a niece who are older than myself.

My childhood was a very happy one ... and unusual to say the least. While most kids were skating and riding bikes, I was playing with water torture tanks ... and guillotines! My dad was upside down more than he was right side up! Needless to say, that was not always easy for me to contend with. I knew his escapes were dangerous ... and could spell my father's gory death at any moment ... right before my eyes.

Often, I would see him performing live on the "You Asked For It" television shows ... hanging in a strait jacket, upside down on a burning rope ... or in a hungry Bengal tiger's cage ... and fear, anxiety, and panic would overtake me. Somehow I just knew that I wouldn't have him for long.

The stage was my playground from the age of 3. Theaters, dressing rooms, costumes, make-up, props, lights, music, audiences and applause were my world. I was often excused from school as the magic shows were our livelihood. At the age of 10, I appeared about 18 on the stage ... especially with the help of socks ... stuffed in strategic places!

The "Song of India" (now playing) was our show's theme song, which accompanied our beautiful illusion of the ethereal or "floating lady" ... which I performed often. The sword cabinet, however, was my specialty ... being the youngest, most limber, and quick ... performed to the "Sabre Dance". Though it could have been dangerous, I knew what to do ... and timing was everything. My dad's escapes ... Houdini-esque, of course, were the most spectacular.

Life was good, though a lot of hard work ... and my family was a team. Many famous names passed through my father's life ... Orson Wells, Edgar Bergen, Ernie Kovaks, Harold Lloyd, and J. Paul Getty (who had a crush on my mother)... ;) Probably the most well-known was a magic student of my dad's ... a young college guy named Richard M. Nixon, who went on to become President of the United States. Even a well-known movie needed my father's guidance and expertise on escapes. Tony Curtis was given hands-on training by my father for the motion picture "Houdini".

How did my father warrant such company and opportunities? He was not only the best in his field ... and the most daring ... but he was chosen to wear the mantle of Harry Houdini by the person most qualified to do so ... Mrs. Houdini herself. Beatrice "Bess" Houdini stood by and watched in agony as my father made a difficult escape from a milkcan in San Diego, CA. At it's successful conclusion, Mrs. Houdini, frightened and moved to tears, declared my father to be "the only man sufficiently skilled to follow in the footsteps of my late husband" (Read Saturday Evening Post article). Over the years, many escape artists have claimed this title or legacy. However, I would like to set the record straight that my father is the only one who can rightfully and historically claim the title of Houdini's successor. It is a well-documented fact, but has been much-overlooked by many in this field today. This legacy was an honor and a curse at the same time, because it was a grueling physical and mental task to live up to such a legend.

We crammed a lot of happy living into the 12 years that I had my father. I used to tease him a great deal because the only magic he couldn't perform ... was to grow hair on his head! He taught me many things in that short time ... most importantly, that there is only ONE true Magician ... God.

Though not much of a church-goer, yet a strong believer in Divine miracles, my dad did many charity and benefit shows, including USO, and those for crippled, blind, and orphaned children. To put a smile on a child's face was the utmost to him, and I felt very blessed to have been a part of that.

My beautiful mother, Estelle, was the one who provided my spiritual education, through church and choir. So, my life had a fine balance between honoring my mother and my father ... and having a close, loving relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I needed that strength from Jesus each time I was reminded of the dangers of my dad's career. My mother relied strongly on her faith for the same reasons.

Ultimately, the true test of faith and strength came on December 14, 1959, when, at the age of 57, my father died from complications brought on by the strenuous rigors of his profession. It had finally, and ... like Houdini ... suddenly ... taken it's toll. But, unbeknownst to me, Jesus was in control ... prepared to lead me out of the darkness of despair. He had been there all along, preparing me for that journey.

That is me next to my father, ready to catch the victim's head! :)

My beautiful parents, Estelle and Leo, whom I honor greatly on this site. I love them more than words can say.

(See Memorial For My Mother)

(Read My Personal Testimony)