Ricky Jay
Biography
Ricky Jay, born Richard Jay Potash, was an actor, magician, cardsharp, and film consultant. Born on June 26, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, he gained worldwide fame and respect for his love and deep study of card tricks and deception. He was often called in to consult for movies and television shows where deception was a key element of the story. Known as an exceptional close-up magician and playing-card handler, his acting credits included films such as Boogie Nights, Tomorrow Never Dies, and Magnolia, as well as television shows like the X-Files, the HBO series Deadwood, and David Mamet's The Unit. He passed away on November 24, 2018, at the age of seventy-two.
Career overview
Ricky Jay, born Richard Jay Potash, was an actor, magician, cardsharp, and film consultant. His love and deep study of card tricks and deception gained him worldwide fame and respect. Because of his expertise, he was often called in to consult for movies and television shows where deception was a key element of the story. Recognized as an exceptional close-up magician and playing-card handler, his career also encompassed significant acting work across film and television.
In his acting career, Ricky Jay appeared in several notable feature films, including Boogie Nights, Tomorrow Never Dies, and Magnolia. His television work included appearances on The X-Files, the HBO series Deadwood, and David Mamet's The Unit. Across these various roles, he consistently portrayed intense characters who appeared to know everything while communicating only through riddles and suggestions.
Throughout his life and career, Ricky Jay accumulated fifty-two known credits. Born in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA, on June 26, 1946, he lived a multifaceted professional life until his death on November 24, 2018, at the age of seventy-two.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
56 titles- Dai Vernon: The Spirit of Magic (2017) as Self
- The Automatic Hate (2016) as Uncle Josh
- Sneaky Pete (2015) as T.H. Vignetti
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2014) as Self
- Teen Titans Go! (2013) as Narrator (voice)
- Getting On (2013) as Thoracic Surgeon
- Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay (2012) as Self
- Moguls & Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood (2010) as Self
- Lost Masterpieces of Pornography (2010) as Narrator
- Lie to Me (2009) as Mason Brock
- FlashForward (2009) as Man in Warehouse
- The Great Buck Howard (2008) as Gil Bellamy
- The Brothers Bloom (2008) as Narrator (voice)
- Redbelt (2008) as Marty Brown
- Ricky Jay Plays Poker (2007) as Self
- Ricky Jay Plays Poker (2007) Executive Producer
- Ricky Jay Plays Poker (2007) Writer
- David Mamet on House of Games (2007) as Himself
- The Unit (2006) as Agent Kern
- The Prestige (2006) as Milton
- Last Days (2005) as Detective
- David Mamet on 'House of Games' (2005) as Himself
- Deadwood (2004) as Eddie Sawyer
- Deadwood (2004) Writer
- Incident at Loch Ness (2004) as Self - Party Guest
- The Making of Last Days (2004) as Himself
- Heist (2001) as Don 'Pinky' Pincus
- Heartbreakers (2001) as Dawson's Auctioneer
- State and Main (2000) as Jack
- That Moment: Magnolia Diary (2000) as Self
- Magnolia (1999) as Burt Ramsey / Narrator
- Mystery Men (1999) as Vic Weems
- Boogie Nights (1997) as Kurt Longjohn
- Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) as Henry Gupta
- The Spanish Prisoner (1997) as George Lang
- Sink Or Swim (1997) as The Hat
- The Story of Magic (1997) as Host
- Hustlers, Hoaxsters, Pranksters, Jokesters and Ricky Jay (1996)
- Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants (1996) as Self
- Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants (1996) Writer
- The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky (1995) as Hawkes
- The X-Files (1993) as The Amazing Maleeni / Herman Pinchbeck / Albert Pinchbeck
- Ring of the Musketeers (1992) as Kerns
- The Water Engine (1992) as Ratty Inventor
- Homicide (1991) as Aaron
- Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women (1990)
- Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women (1990) Writer
- The Simpsons (1989) as Ricky Jay (voice)
- Things Change (1988) as Mr. Silver
- House of Games (1987) as George
- The Paul Daniels Magic Show (1979) as Self
- Doug Henning's World of Magic (1976)
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self / Patron
- Doug Henning's World of Magic (1975) as Self
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Ricky Jay best known for?
Ricky Jay is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Sneaky Pete (2015), The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2014), Teen Titans Go! (2013), Joe (1970).
When and where was Ricky Jay born?
Ricky Jay was born on June 26, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA. They passed away on November 24, 2018.
How many credits does Ricky Jay have?
Ricky Jay has accumulated over 56 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1961 to 2017.
What is Ricky Jay's background in cinema and television?
Ricky Jay, born Richard Jay Potash, was an actor, magician, cardsharp, and film consultant. Born on June 26, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, he gained worldwide fame and respect for his love and deep study of card tricks and deception. He was often called in to consult for movies and television shows where ...
Ricky Jay by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The X-Files (1993) as The Amazing Maleeni / Herman Pinchbeck / Albert Pinchbeck — aged about 47
- The Prestige (2006) as Milton — aged about 60
- Deadwood (2004) as Eddie Sawyer — aged about 58
- The Simpsons (1989) as Ricky Jay (voice) — aged about 43
- Lie to Me (2009) as Mason Brock — aged about 63
- Magnolia (1999) as Burt Ramsey / Narrator — aged about 53
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