Former Hollywood development executive David Kwong has quickly parlayed his time in show business into a budding career as a brainy magician thanks to his crossword routine. Featured in the New York Times, New York Magazine and this site, everytime we turn around it seems Kwong has done something else impressive.
He continues to work as a magic consultant to films such as Now You See Me and according to an article today in the process of developing feature film projects with David Copperfield himself.
Meanwhile, his status continues to rise amongst young professionals, hipsters and tech nerds.
Today he performs at private parties and venues like Soho House and the Core Club, on tour with the band Mumford & Sons, and for companies like Google, where his mix of “puzzles and prestidigitation” appeals to young, techie crowds. “It feels to me like a modern version of an old stage act,” says New York Times puzzle editor Will Shortz, a friend. “It’s parlor magic done before a small group of people — an act that will please a general audience and amaze even magicians.”
If you haven’t seen his signature crossword bit, check it out below.