Nash Fung brings magic to UWO

Lexi Langendorf, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Award-winning magician, speaker and comedian Nash Fung will host a virtual magic show for UWO students today at 8-9 p.m.

Sign up for the event and see more information on UWO Titan Connection.

With over 18 years of experience, Fung has been voted two-time winner of “Best Entertainment Provider,” two-time winner of “Magician of the Year” and “Mentalist of the Year” and three-time winner of “Best Reception Entertainment.”

Fung was born in Japan and now lives in Seattle, Washington, with his wife and young daughter.

“Watching my daughter grow is the most mesmerizing and magical experience of all,” Fung said.

Injecting his shows with a mix of humor, magic and mind-reading, Fung mesmerizes audiences all over the world with his never-before-seen illusions.

He performs for big corporate clients such as Boeing, Microsoft and Amazon, as well as small coffee house audiences. He also mentors other magicians internationally.

Fung said that he began practicing magic for the first time in the fifth grade to impress a girl.
“I got a magic kit, and I thought if I practice and I win the talent competition, I’ll get the girl,” Fung said. “So I practiced, and then the day I performed I was so nervous. I volunteered some kid to join me on stage to help with the trick. Unbeknownst to me, that kid had the exact same magic kit I had bought. So he knew every secret, and you know how fifth graders are, he ruined every single trick. I was so embarrassed.”
Years later, Fung once again picked up magic and began performing again at the age of 14 when he moved to the United States.
“I used magic to deflect their attention from seeing my insecurity,” Fung said.
Fung gained national exposure in summer 2015 when he appeared as a featured performer on “Fool Us,” a show where contestants aim to fool famous magicians Penn and Teller with their magic skills.

“It was a fantastic experience,” Fung said.

When he is not performing on the road or spending time with his family, Fung is a passionate volunteer in the Seattle community for “Birthday Dreams” and the “Crisis Connections.”

Birthday Dreams, a nonprofit organization, creates birthday parties for children in homeless shelters whereas Crisis Connections provides a caring voice through the phone to help those in crisis and empower them to make a positive life change.

Fung said he is devoted to expanding the art of magic while serving his community and sharing his passion with the world.

“Together, we can build a stronger, more caring, and empowering community!” Fung said.