Harry Houdini (born Ehrich Weisz) was a magician, illusionist, and escape artist. He was born on March 24, 1872, in Budapest, Hungary, although he claims to be born in Appleton, Wisconsin. His family soon immigrated from Hungary to America. While in Hungary, his father worked as a rabbi. He took his name from Jean-Eugene-Robert-Houdini, even though Harry would later criticize Jean later in life. He was best known for things like escaping out of strait jackets and being chained while underwater.