DOROTHY YOUNG, THE LAST surviving stage assistant of illusionist Harry Houdini and an accomplished dancer, has died aged 103.
Young’s death was announced by Drew University, where she was a prominent donor and patron of the arts. Drew spokesman Dave Muha said Young died Sunday at her home at Tinton Falls, New Jersey.
Young joined Houdini’s company as a teenager after attending an open casting call during a family trip to New York.
During her year with Houdini’s stage show in the mid-1920s, she played the role of “Radio Girl of 1950,” emerging from a large mock-up of a radio and performing a dance routine.
Young went on to become a professional dancer, performing in several movies. She also published a novel inspired by her career.
Google’s doodle today is in honour of Houdini’s 137th birthday.
- AP
