Magician, actor, comedian, and daredevil. Pittsburgh born. Nationally touring. An entertainer since age 10.
EXPLORE THE CAREER →VIEW IMDb ↗
Lee Terbosic is a magician, actor, comedian, and daredevil who has had one job since the age of 10: entertainer. From close-up magic to theater productions, television investigations, and escapes above the city, his work brings together sleight of hand, comedy, storytelling, and a lifelong curiosity about the impossible.
At 12, Lee had his first regular performing gig: Tuesday nights at the Pizza Hut in Pittsburgh’s Lincoln Place neighborhood. Learning to win over a room, one table at a time, became the foundation of a career built on connecting with an audience. That same approach carries through his intimate residencies, theater shows, and large public escapes.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Lee chose to stay and build his career while taking his work around the world. His clients include Duolingo, Google, PNC Bank, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has performed for major universities, Fortune 500 companies, and audiences that include Aaron Paul, Jack Black, Wiz Khalifa, and Michael J. Fox.
On Discovery Science Channel’s four-part series Houdini’s Last Secrets, Lee traveled around the world with George Hardeen, Houdini’s great-grandnephew, investigating the magician’s illusions and family history. His television credits also include History’s Greatest Mysteries, America’s Got Talent, Four Weddings, and Now You See It, alongside his appearances on Pittsburgh Today Live.
Lee also created Anything Is Possible, a first-of-its-kind magic web series on Instagram, with original videos also shared on YouTube. He is featured in Joe Posnanski’s book The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini, which explores the magician’s enduring legacy.
Lee helped create Liberty Magic theater with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, establishing a home for intimate, world-class magic in the Cultural District. His signature show, In Plain Sleight, has played more than 200 performances there. His one-man play, The Life & Death of Harry Houdini, brings Houdini’s living room and final night at home to the stage with the blessing of the Houdini family.
His Hotel Monaco residency, 52 Up Close, is the longest-running magic show in Pittsburgh history: 52 seats, 90 minutes, and a VIP after-show experience in the Roberto Clemente Suite.
In 2016, Houdini 100 brought thousands of Pittsburghers downtown to witness Lee escape upside down 100 feet above Wood Street and Liberty Avenue. Millions more watched online. Pittsburgh proclaimed November 6, 2016, Lee Terbosic Day.
Now, Houdini 100 returns with The Great Firetruck Ladder Escape at Arts Landing on Halloween 2026: an upside-down escape 100 feet above the city, with a burning lifeline and limited time to get free.
EXPLORE LIVE SHOWSOn November 6, Lee performed an upside-down straitjacket escape above Wood Street and Liberty Avenue, at the same intersection a century after Houdini’s Pittsburgh escape. Thousands watched from the streets, with a livestream for remote viewers.
Explore the original escape →An ongoing residency at Kimpton Hotel Monaco. The Roberto Clemente Suite becomes an intimate room for 52 guests, 90 minutes of magic, and a VIP after-show experience.
Inside the residency →Discovery Science Channel’s four-part Houdini’s Last Secrets takes Lee around the world with George Hardeen. At Liberty Magic, The Life & Death of Harry Houdini brings the man behind the legend to the stage.
Explore the series →Lee’s signature magic and comedy production has played more than 200 performances at Liberty Magic, becoming the theater’s longest-running show. The latest summer run concluded August 1, 2026.
Meet the show →Lee’s original magic web series brought his performances to Instagram and YouTube, taking the impossible into everyday places in Pittsburgh and across the country.
Explore the original videos →Lee is featured in The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini by Joe Posnanski, an exploration of Houdini’s life and the people inspired by his legacy.
Discover the book →
Lee’s work with the Roberto Clemente Foundation brings his magic to events celebrating Roberto Clemente’s enduring legacy.
The Foundation carries forward Clemente’s humanitarian spirit through service, education and community programs. For Lee, these appearances connect the joy of live entertainment with a cause rooted in helping others.
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