The Amazing Johnathan, whose edgy comic/magic act made him a longtime Las Vegas headliner, died Tuesday at age 63, the Las Vegas Review-Journal said.
The cause was degenerative heart disease. In 2014, he had revealed the diagnosis, saying he had been given a year to live.
Born Johnathan Szeles in Detroit, he had come to the West Coast as a teenager and became part of San Francisco’s thriving street entertainment scene of the 1970s. Johnathan cited as particular influences the comedians Harry Anderson and A. Whitney Brown; mimes Shields & Yarnell were also success stories of the era.
Johnathan’s career advanced through comedy clubs and TV specials. His string of Las Vegas residencies started in 2000 and included the Golden Nugget, the Sahara and Red Rock Resort.
His failing health ended his regular performances several years ago, but he appeared on stage last month for a celebrity roast of former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, the Review-Journal said.
Johnathan died at his Las Vegas home, said his wife of seven years, sideshow performer and magician Anastasia Synn.