Vegas Myths Busted: The Strip’s First Magician

The magic of the Las Vegas Strip has been a staple of entertainment for decades, but there’s one myth that’s been hiding in plain sight. Meet Gloria Dea, the first magician to perform on the iconic strip.

Gloria Dea: A Brief But Brilliant Career

Dea took center stage at the El Rancho Vegas in May 1941 with two shows that left audiences mesmerized. Her tricks included sleight-of-hand illusions, billiard ball manipulations, and card tricks.

The Magic Behind Dea’s Success

Dea’s father, an amateur magician known as