Michael Ammar (born June 25, 1956) is an American close-up magician.^{[1] [2]}

Ammar was born in Logan, West Virginia. His father's background was Syrian,

Ammar earned a degree from West Virginia University in business administration in 1978.^[2]

In 1982, Ammar competed with magicians from 30 countries to win first prize ex aequo with Aurelio Pavito in Close-up Magic at Lausanne, Switzerland.^[3]

During the 1980s he developed a close friendship with his mentor, Dai Vernon ("The Professor"), whose influence is apparent in Ammar's performances.^{[citation needed]}

Ammar was the magic week finale on Late Night with David Letterman in 2010 and has made multiple appearances on The Tonight Show.^[4] He moved to Los Angeles - where he became a regular performer at the Playboy Mansion, and made appearances on the Merv Griffin Show, The Tonight Show, CNN, and Travel Channel.^{[citation needed]}

Ammar appeared at the Magic Castle in Hollywood.^{[citation needed]}. By 1990, the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood had awarded him its "Oscar" in six separate categories (the maximum number of awards for which he is eligible).^[2]

He appeared on NBC's 1998 "Worlds Greatest Magic 5" special,^[2] and has been a guest on the Late Show with David Letterman.

Ammar has made private performances at Universal Studios and the Vatican.^{[citation needed]} He performed and coordinated the magic talent at George W. Bush's Presidential inaugural banquet.^[2] He was the first featured performer at the "Caesars Magical Empire" at Caesars Palace.^{[citation needed]}

Ammar has performed on television in England, France, Canada, Japan, Sweden, Norway, Australia and Russia.^[2]

Ammar's work includes the popularization of Topit, with his refinement of Topit technique and inspired a number of close-up magicians to adopt it. He has written "The Topit Book" and made "The Topit DVD".

Ammar has been lecturing to other magicians since about 1982.^[1]

In 1999, Magic Magazine named Ammar as "One of the Most Influential Magicians in the Twentieth Century".^[2]

On August 26, 2010, Outside cited Ammar as the "go-to source" for magic instruction.^[5] The magazine published a list of "100 Things to Do Before You Die", and numbered 45 as "Learn a magic trick"—suggesting studying with the master, Michael Ammar.^[5]

• Distinguished Alumni Award from West Virginia University 2003
• Magician of the Year, Tannens, NY 2000^[2]
• Best Close Up Magic, World Magic Awards, 1999^[2]
• Gold Medalist, World Sleight-of-Hand Competition, FISM, 1982
• Best Sleight-of-Hand, International Magic Awards, 1991
• Best Sleight-of-Hand, International Magic Awards, 1992
• The Academy of Magical Arts Parlour Magician of the Year (1985, 1990)^[6]
• The Academy of Magical Arts Close-Up Magician of the Year (1981, 1983)^[6]
• The Academy of Magical Arts Lecturer of the Year (1982, 1983)^[6]