Michael Grandinetti once predicted the score of a Super Bowl XXXVII (Tampa Bay 48, Oakland 21) two weeks in advance, live on Los Angeles radio.
The West Mifflin-born illusionist, 33, has become one of the biggest names in magic. He has been featured on NBC's "The World's Most Dangerous Magic," "Entertainment Tonight" and "Fox & Friends," among many other televised appearances. He has performed with Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, on the red carpet at ESPN's ESPY awards, and at the White House Easter Celebration.
At age 20, he performed his own two-hour show at the Byham Theater, making a Harley-Davidson motorcycle disappear in mid-air, and levitating on the point of a sword.
His latest show, this weekend at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, is called "Timeless Wonders" and includes classic and never-before-seen illusions.
The star who would play me in the movie version of my life and why:
Had to consult family and friends on this one. My sister-in-law says Zac Efron because he comes from a working-class background and is a perfectionist. I was also told James Franco and Matt Dillon.
Childhood hero and why:
My childhood hero is the same as my hero as an adult, my dad. He's always been the perfect example of kindness, strength and support.
The piece of memorabilia from my childhood I wish I still had.
My Fisher Price Magic Set. I did my first show with this set when I was 5 years old for kindergarten "show and tell" at St. Therese School in Munhall.
The superpower I wish I had in real life and why:
I'd have to go with being able to fly. That would be the closest thing to real magic I could think of. Plus, no more airports!
I can't live without my: iPod, cell phone, DVR, or laptop?
Definitely my laptop. I tend to be a workaholic. How did we get by without these things?
Pick one:
A. Pirates
B. Penguins
C. Steelers
D. Other
C. Steelers. While I'm a fan of all of the hometown teams, right now I have to go with the Steelers.
Top thing on my 'Bucket List' to do before I'm gone:
Bring my own magic series to television and perform a unique magic show on Broadway.
In five years, I'd like to:
Still be performing magic in any way possible. I absolutely love what I do!
My favorite thing about Pittsburgh is:
The friendly people. Pittsburgh is a big city with a small-town feel. There really is no place like it.
Star I'd like to dance with on "Dancing with the Stars":
Hmm ... if we're talking about the pros, Julianne Hough or Cheryl Burke -- I'd love to meet them, but I'd never want them to see me try to dance!
Three people I'd love to have dinner with:
Johnny Carson and Doug Henning, both past leaders in their fields who are no longer with us, and I think Regis would have great stories after all of his years in the business.
My favorite sandwich, plus fixings:
Turkey with spinach and tomato on whole wheat with fruit on the side ... a little plain/on the healthy side, I know, but you'd be surprised at the tight spaces I have to fit in for magic!
One word my mother would use to describe me:
Perfectionist
When I was 10, I wanted to be:
A magician. I'm so lucky that I found what I always wanted to do when I was very young.
Exercise I hate most:
Actually, I am a gym-a-holic. I go six days a week and am hooked.
I'm deathly afraid of:
Even with the dangerous illusions I've done, I'm not a fan of knives -- even large kitchen knives make me uncomfortable. Maybe it's the potential hand injuries -- a magician's nightmare.
If I was auditioning for "American Idol," my song would be:
Sung in a room locked away from any other person. I wouldn't put anyone through that!
The first band I saw in concert (when and where):
Journey at the A.J. Palumbo Center -- I used to help set up shows there when I was in college at Duquesne University to learn the ropes of the touring world.
Favorite Pittsburgh-area landmark:
That's a tough one, with so many great places in town, but one of the best places to really experience the beauty of the city is definitely the top of Mt. Washington.
Saturday mornings you'll find me:
Traveling back from a show or at my computer working on the next show. I enjoy getting an early start in the mornings.
The worst advice I ever received:
"That will never work" or "don't try that, you won't be able to do it." Someone once told me "don't know what you can't do" -- and I think that is good advice!
In high school, I was:
Always thinking about magic. Just like today, it's always swirling around my mind.
My most treasured fashion accessory is:
My black T-shirt.
If I wasn't a magician, I'd be:
Not doing what I loved to do.
The last book I read:
"The Little Stuff Matters Most" by Bernie Brillstein and "The War For Late Night" by Bill Carter
My favorite Pittsburgh pizza:
My mom makes a KILLER pizza -- so for me, when I'm in Pittsburgh, nothing beats it!
If I could live my life as someone else, it would be:
Actually, I'm very happy being me. Through easier and more challenging times, my life has been an adventure that I've always been very thankful to be on.
My favorite cable channel:
I like the Biography Channel -- I think it's very interesting to hear everyone's story.
Life would be better without:
Egos. I don't like big egos.
I never travel without my:
Laptop, phone, music and at least three books.
People would be surprised to know that I:
Studied piano for 10 years. I still love to play.
