6 LIFE LESSONS I LEARNED FROM JEFF SHERIDAN
I’m very sad to hear of Jeff Sheridan’s passing. A few years ago my friend Jim Moore put together a book about Jeff, and I wrote this piece for it. I’d like to share it again now.
I still vividly remember the first time I saw Jeff Sheridan. It was in 1975 on channel 5 news, at the end of a newscast. They were doing the weather report from Central Park and the newscaster said: “There was even a magician out in the park today making magic.” It was Jeff Sheridan producing card fans and single productions, and even though it was just a few moments flashing on the screen, it made a profound impact on me. In fact, it was unforgettable.
In 1976, when I started spending time in New York City in my early teens, I would encounter Jeff at Al Flosso’s and Tannen’s Magic Shop. He was older, wiser, and would hold court with a few intellectuals. He was always surrounded by intellectuals.
I heard that he performed at Writers Walk in Central Park and other places on Fifth Avenue with his manipulation act, and I was intrigued, so I started showing up at his performances every time.
He took me into his small social circle as a friend and student. I would follow him around New York and would go to his apartment on the West Side and literally sit at his feet with a few other magicians as he talked about surrealist art, magic, philosophy, and theater.
STUDY ART
Jeff taught his students that magic was an art, and that it was important for us to study the history of art. When I met Jeff, he was deep into the Surrealist movement. I had no clue what that was about, but Jeff was excited to share his passion for artists like Dali, Man Ray, Magritte and many more. Jeff was well-versed in this area of expression, and it informed his unique style.
EXPAND YOUR MAGIC CIRCLES
Spend more time with musicians, poets, dancers, and actors. Jeff moved in very artistic circles and performed for Salvador Dali and John Lennon. He encouraged us to explore art, fashion, history, and to put all of this into our magical performances.
PACK SMALL, PLAY BIG
Jeff’s classic street act fit into his shoulder bag.If it didn't fit in the bag, it didn’t go to the street.He could play huge crowds in Central Park because he knew how to use movement, facial expression, and how to elevate every object he used, not just physically but mystically. The cards danced and fluttered in his fingers; the rope swirled and hypnotized. His finale was the diminishing cards—each time the cards got smaller, the audience’s astonishment grew larger.
WORK TO SILENCE
Jeff worked in Central Park without words and without music—just the silence and the natural sounds of the park, with the audience’s reactions becoming the soundtrack. You could hear every gasp and every “No way!” New York City is loud, and people go to the park to escape the noise. Jeff used that quiet as a magical tool.
DRESS SIMPLY BUT ELEGANTLY
Jeff's elegant style influenced me and all his students. Many of us copied his look until we found our own. His signature black turtleneck and sleek black pants became iconic. Walking through the city with Jeff, people always turned to look. He looked like a magician—always.
LESS IS MORE
On and off stage, Jeff was a minimalist. I cherished my time with him at his West Side apartment. He taught me about art, aesthetics, and how they inspire magic. Jeff never let props overshadow performance. When you watched Jeff Sheridan, you saw a real magician—not someone demonstrating props. His art was pure and direct. He taught by example.
These are just a few lessons I learned from Jeff over the years. His impact on my magic was profound. He continues to inspire through his teaching and his legacy. I am honored to have studied with him, to call him my teacher, and to have been a small part of his magical world.
Jeff Sheridan influenced generations of magicians, especially in New York City. His artistic vision shaped street magic, manipulation, and the very idea that magic could be high art. We will miss him deeply. His magic and his inspiration lives on here at our Magic & Mystery School. We will keep Jeff's name and memory alive… Those who are remembered never die.
Blessings to on your journey, my friend.
Jeff
Jeff McBride's Magic & Mystery School
Las Vegas, NV
To learn more about Jeff Sheridan and his remarkable life, you can find the tribute book created by Jim Moore VISUAL ALCHEMY the magic of Jeff Sheridan.