Citizen Kern - Ron Saylor

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

Personal Stats:

Name: Ron Saylor

Age: 48

Birthplace: West Covina, CA

Title: Magician

How he got started: When he was nine, Saylor’s mother took him on a routine trip to the mall where legendary magician Chuck Jones just happened to be performing. The act left an impression. “I knew that magic would be a part of my life,” Saylor, who put on his first show at the ripe old age of 10, said. And it was a hobby that he kept throughout high school and college. He even put on private shows outside of his career. But 10 years ago, Saylor decided to make magic his only job. He bought a few ads and, shortly after, gave up his day job to perform full time.

Career highlights: One would think that being asked to perform at Christina Aguilera’s baby shower, among other celebrity parties, couldn’t be topped. But Saylor has also performed on the Emmy’s, won a People’s Choice Award, put on shows in Vegas, Chicago, New York, and he’s even performed numerous times at The Magic Castle in Hollywood—the mecca for all professional magicians.

His heroes: There’s no way Saylor could not say Harry Houdini and Lance Burton. As a magician whose talents lie in close up, stage magic, illusion, escapology, and mentalism, Saylor does have a few others who’ve influenced him through the years, including Richard Turner and Harry Blackstone, Jr.

His favorite part of the industry: “I get to do what I love every day,” Saylor explained. “And it’s a profession that allows me to give back.” But putting smiles on people’s faces isn’t all that he enjoys. “The magic community is very supportive. Everyone wants to help each other out—I don’t see any envy among the magicians (including Vegas mainstays like Criss Angel) I’ve had the pleasure to meet and work with.”

Article appeared in our 28-2 Issue - June 2011