Jay Palmer (November 1, 1899 – August 13, 1970) was an illusionist and magician who started out as an assistant to The Great Leon (1921) and then to Harry Houdini (1921-1922).
Palmer was born William J. Burns in Nashville, Tennessee.
He was elected to The Lambs in 1949.
Around 1923, Palmer was playing Vaudeville with his own comedy magic act. Soon joined by wife Doreen, their signature routine was the Magic Kettle, a neverending liquid pouring effect.
The act was hilarious, and won many magic awards for originality. Much of the comedy came from Doreen’s “bored and condescending” attitude toward Jay and his magic. Doreen would provide comedy by disregarding the feelings of her magician husband while she was assisting.
The Palmers enjoyed a long and active career, touring with their wonderfully entertaining act into the 1960s. Jay Palmer died August 13, 1970.