Gazzo (magician)

In London Osborne took to street performance on the weekends at Covent Garden. His show was a mixture of magic and comedy. At the Magic Circle headquarters in London he practiced his sleight of hand card work, among some of the top performers in the country, from what he could now gather from Scott's manuscript. While he obsessed with false dealing, and Scott's work, Osbourne began to notice that no one else appreciated Scott's stature, or even knew he, or his work, even existed. The few that did believe the wild stories of 'The Phantom's' skills also believed he was still alive, fifty years after his famous demonstration in New York City in 1930, and this was the incentive Osborne needed to search out this mysterious figure of magic folklore.

In 1983 Osborne arrived in New York City. Short of money he relied on the kindness of other street performers, or their friends, to have a place to stay. He also had to tailor his style of comedy to the American audiences[4] in order to start making money from his street magic shows again.

He continued to practice his card work and demonstrated his skills to local New York magicians. After years of dedicated work his skills were without doubt. His reputation as a first class card dealer spread quickly and he soon found himself, much like his manuscript mentor, performing for the elite of New York's Inner Circle.

He was praised by the likes of Harry Lorayne and gambling expert Tony Giorgio.

Eventually Osborne began touring the states, and moved to Key West where he continued performing his street magic to greater success. He continued his traveling and in Boston acquired the new name 'Gazzo Macée'. This is where he met his first wife, Linda Ochwat. They were married and shared a brief time together. Gazzo's idea of marriage was not what he expected. He abruptly dropped Linda off at her relatives, said he would be off for a quick show, but never returned. Without any warning to her and no explanation afterwards, he began his new life.

His version of the classic cups and balls routine, in which he produced a full melon, got him an invitation by the American Association of Magicians to perform at one of their conferences. It was there he met Ray Goulet, a man who had seen 'The Phantom' decades earlier.

After finding no luck in obtaining information about Scott his original quest to America had virtually been forgotten. When Gazzo visited Goulet at his Museum of Magic in Watertown, Massachusetts,[5] he was shocked to discover that Goulet knew that Scott was still alive. He also knew where he lived. Goulet gave Gazzo a business card for 'Walter Scott and his magic' bearing an address in Massachusetts and a phone number.

Many more meetings followed and Scott gave his side of the story. He talked about cheating, scams, that night in New York, Vernon and McGuire. He revealed his life story and how he eventually had to give up his young hedonistic lifestyle. He also began teaching Gazzo all the 'work' he had used all those years before. Gazzo became known as Scott's pupil and was his emissary in the magic community, relating the stories of New York and the perfect deals.

He was baffling magicians everywhere he went with his refined, Scott-approved dealing skills. Gazzo now intended to write a book and share Scott's story, skills and advice.

Progress was slow however. Gazzo had married Kristin, and had a child named Chaney. Added to this was Scott's age, his memory fading as the years passed more and more.

In summer 1994 Gazzo suffered a mild stroke[6] in the middle of a street show. He was taken to a hospital and diagnosed. He was without medical insurance, and was discharged with a bill of $30,000.

Unable to work due to his illness, he was buoyed by his street performer friends who raised almost $20,000 to help him out. Although he began to physically recover he was starting to suffer from depression. This was a combination of not being able to work and that the stroke had affected his motor skills to the point he could no longer do Scott's 'work'.

His recovery was the result of Kristin's support and his own strength and sense of humour. It took almost two years and was not helped when Gazzo heard the news that Walter Scott had died, 12 May 1995.

Despite never recovering full use of his left hand he returned to magic, and worked on making people laugh at the show.

In 2001, aware that he was still the torchbearer for the Phantom legend, he resumed work on his book. He contacted David Britland and in 2002 they published Phantoms of the Card Table; Confessions of a Card Sharp. This book told Scott's entire story, and detailed his eventful demonstration in 1930. It detailed the special card work that Scott had perfected decades earlier and introduced the level of skill and practice necessary to survive as a cardsharp to an entire new generation.

Gazzo is now living in Bath, England, and continues to give lectures and performances around the world and perform street magic. He has published several magic related books, manuscripts and DVDs.[7] He also produces custom made magic items.[8]