Mister Senko (1905 - 1987)

Mister Senko is a Bulgarian illusionist. His real name is Evstati Hristov Karaijonchev. He was born on 12 February 1905 in Vratsa. Mr. Senko is the first Bulgarian to compete with Europe's biggest magicians. In 1939, in Berlin at the International Congress of the Art of Illusion, he first showed his crowning number, "Removing the Head". So he left the room with his head off. With this extraordinary number, he won second prize. With only one vote ahead the jury bestows the first place on the Austrian Kalanag - the then most popular magician in Europe.In 1961, he was named "Honorary Member of the French Academy of the Illusionists" in Paris. He was awarded the Robert Hood Order, elected as an honorary president of the Bulgarian Magic Club. He became an honorary citizen of Paris, Sofia and his hometown Vratza. Thanks to Mr. Senko Bulgaria becomes a member of the European and the World Organization of the Illusionists. Some of his most famous illusions are "The Electric Chair", "Cutting a Woman with a Circular Saw". For the number "Removing the Head" he was awarded the Special Prize of the American Association of the Illusionists in 1961 in Indianapolis. It was also showed in Hollywood in front of the stars of American cinema.Mister Senko was awarded the title "Hero of Socialist Work" and was awarded with the Georgi Dimitrov, People's Republic of Bulgaria - First Degree, Cyril and Methodius - first degree and other awards.He died at the age of 82 on July 26, 1987.(Photo: old.duma.bg)