Born in 1942, Charles Windley began an interest in the art of magic at   age 9. Five years later, he began a professional career performing at   Hubert's Museum in New York. Later he worked as stage manager and   chief assistant to Bill Neff's Madhouse of Mystery, a full-evening   illusion show then on a National tour.

   This was followed by an international  tour as the stage manager to Chang, a Chinese magician.  Windley   then toured his own show, The Fantastic Wizard, appearing mostly in the U.S./Canada, Asia and South America. At its peak, the show carried 32 assistants.

During his career, Windley has performed in circuses, carnivals, amusement parks and cruise ships as well as in films and on the Broadway stage. He has written several books on magic including Teaching and Learning with Magic. His autobiography, From Fleas to Floating Girls ran as a series in BACKSTAGE. It has been expanded and will soon be published as a book. You can presently read about some of Windley's adventures in Confessions of a Spy by Pete Earley  (Aldrich Ames and Windley were childhood friends) and the recently published Beli Lugosi, Dreams and Nightmares by Gary Rhodes. Also Pleasant Nightmares, a biography of Dr. Neff by William Rausher.

In 1982, Windley opened a magic shop in Norfolk, Virginia called Magic & More and began publication of a monthly newsletter for magicians called BACKSTAGE . In 1995, Windley closed both of Magic & More's retail stores so that he could concentrate more of his time to writing and performing. He still presents his cabaret show several times a year in various hotels and night clubs around the country. When not on tour, you can find him in Norfolk, Virginia presenting his unique brand of magic and comedy at banquets, schools and, yes, even little kid's birthday parties. (This guy likes to work.)

He is one of only two magicians listed in Marquis' Who's Who in America (The other being John Booth).

For booking information, email windley@prodigy.net or phone (757) 440-7775.