The Charming Small Town In New Jersey That Was Home To David Copperfield Once Upon A Time
By Kim Magaraci|Published August 19, 2022
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
New Jersey is home to hundreds of stars, celebrities, famous athletes, and of course, tons of rock star musicians. Everyone knows about Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen, and it’s likely that your own hometown has a few professional athletes to brag about, too. Did you know, though, that one of the most celebrated magicians of all time was born and raised in Metuchen? That’s right – David Copperfield himself is a New Jersey native.
Metuchen, New Jersey is a small borough of about 13,000 people in the middle of the larger town of Edison.
It's known for having a wonderful downtown district and a variety of green spaces, plus a stretch of the East Coast Greenway goes through town. It's also known for the fact that one of New Jersey's most legendary natives comes from this little charming borough.
David Copperfield was born in 1956 and grew up right in the heart of New Jersey.
Copperfield's real name is David Seth Kotkin, but be was using a stage name to perform by the age of 10. Davino the Boy Magician was his first stage name, and by age 12, he was the youngest person admitted to the Society of American Magicians. By the time David was 16, he was teaching magic and illusions at NYU. He enrolled in college at 18, but quickly left to play the lead role in a magic stage show in Chicago, and that's where he chose the name David Copperfield.
Copperfield's show in Chicago became the longest running musical in Chicago. He began to perform across the country, with a stint in Hawaii and several television specials, too. Perhaps his most famous illusion was when he made the Statue of Liberty disappear and then reappear in 1983. He also escaped from Alcatraz, hovered over the Grand Canyon, walked through the Great Wall of China, and caused a Learjet to vanish.
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Copperfield's hometown of Metuchen is home to a little magic itself - and it's easy to see how such an All-American superstar came out of this charming, welcoming town.
Today, Metuchen is home to all sorts of shops, and restaurants and has a beautiful downtown district that's worth visiting for some outdoor dining and a day of boutique browsing.
It's also home to a major New Jersey Transit station, so getting to and from New York City is a breeze!
If you want to plan a day trip to visit the charming town of Metuchen, check out the Borough’s Facebook page and find upcoming events, celebrations, and various happenings around town! Follow the Borough of Metuchen for all the latest updates.
