Chung Ling Soo, “The Marvelous Chinese Conjurer” was the stage name of American stage magician William Ellsworth Robinson (1861-1918).

Billy Robinson began his trade as a technical assistant to Alexander Herrmann (the Great). He was later poached by Harry Kellar for his experience and secrets, and began a period of alternating between the two performers. It was at this time that he met and fell in love with Olive (Dot) Path, resulting in him leaving his wife and small child for her.

As he acquired a vast knowledge of magical techniques it became inevitable that he would start performing himself. Initially billed as “Robinson, the Man of Mystery” he and Dot took to the stage. After seeing a genuine Chinese magician Ching Ling Foo perform, he copied the act wholesale (including tricks) and began performing as Hop Sing Loo later becoming Chung Ling Soo with Dot performing as Suee Seen his (supposedly) Chinese assistant. He played the part of a Chinese magician to the full employing interpreters when talking to journalists and never speaking when on stage.

Chung Ling Soo became a hugely famous star at the turn of the century in the United Kingdom, but his career ended in tragedy on 23rd March 1918 at the Wood Green Empire when he was killed whilst performing his trademark act “Condemned to Death by the Boxers” a bullet catching trick. As the rifles sounded Chung Ling Soo was heard to say, in perfect English, “Oh my God. Something’s happened. Lower the curtain” and the subterfuge was over.