Dom DeLuise

Reflecting back when I heard that Actor/Comedian Dom DeLuise died the other day, I went through my notes from a conference I attended in Los Angeles in 1997. It was a "Professional Performers Workshop." About a dozen magicians from around the country gathered to exchange ideas and spend some time with celebrity guest lecturers.

Magician BJ Hickman with actor/comedian Dom DeLuise in 1997, a year after Hickman left broadcasting to go into business for himself.

I had a chance to talk with Dom DeLuise at some length during the workshop (He loved magic and one of his characters was that of a bumbling magician). He told me that it was important in his career to diversify. He mentioned that he wasn't in any movies that year, but that he was doing all right. He talked about diversification, creativity, and a good business sense. When he died, the headlines noted he was an Actor, Comedian, Chef, Author, and voice in Animated Films.

It's advice like DeLuise's that, on a much smaller scale, made me consider adding speaking presentations, marketing and advertising services, and educational programs to my "magic show" business; and add creative techniques to make sure I stay productive.