Who is Paul Kozak?



Paul Kozak is one of most entertaining, talented individuals working today. The Great Kozak has been around, paid his dues, and not just as good as he used to be—he just keeps getting better all the time. Kozak is a true talent.

For years, Paul was the consummate comedy club headliner. I’ve seen Kozak rule the room: from the moment of his first gleeful cackle, he is instantly watchable and likeable. You can believe “it’s gonna get hot tonight” when the Great Kozak flashes his playful smile along with a menacing, slightly evil command to “Watch me work!” When Kozak grabs the stage, it is action, fire, music, magic, and most of all … fun.

It has taken a lot of years, and a lot of hard work from Paul to both achieve and maintain this level of quality mayhem, but he has sure done it. When it comes to knowing the ins and outs of the comedy club gig, Paul knows it from all sides—and knows how to make it rock. Anyone thinking they’ve got what it takes to make it in the comedy circuit world would do well to seek the counsel of Paul—he can tell you what you need to do, and what you shouldn’t do like very few people can.

The Kozak experience has long been “instant party.” From the time Kozak lets it go, those around him are in for quite a ride: a ride of fun, surprise, and action. I’ve seen it many, many times—whether just before catching a plane, or lighting up the stage. When Kozak wants to, he can fill the room like so very few performers can. Everybody likes him; the chicks always dig him. Had Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons paid a bit closer attention to Kozak, they wouldn’t have had to slather on all that make-up. Paul Kozak defines “Headliner” to me. Few can follow him; no one in their right mind would attempt such a precarious maneuver. Part mayhem, part magic, all fun, all entertaining—the Pyrotechnic Prince of Prestidigitation is Paul Kozak.

Recent years have brought the Kozak beast to Las Vegas, where his talent continues to glisten, with the addition of Paul’s highly tuned “toe-throw.” It is Vegas, baby, and Kozak is a part of it. I watch Paul do his thing whenever I get the chance.

Earlier this year, I was brought to Las Vegas for a trade show. I make it a point to visit with my good friend, Frank Zak, and of course Paul Kozak if at all possible. The “World’s Greatest Magic Show” at the Greek Isles is invariably a terrific show, with a well-balanced line-up that is just plain outstanding. Kevin James, as you might imagine, always does a superlative job—and closes the show.

The thread that keeps it all together is Paul Kozak, through multiple costume changes and toe-throws. This must be a new experience for Paul, accustomed to making his own rules as the perennial headliner. Now, we have scripting, timing, and a Las Vegas audience counting on Paul to keep it all moving, keep it all fresh, and keep it all happening. Paul doesn’t just handle it, he excels at it. Kozak shines as brightly as ever—there really is something to be said for talent, after all.

This year, good friends Chuck Hawks and his girl Jerri came to the show with me. They’d never seen a “real live magic show before,” and as you can imagine—they were thrilled. What Paul didn’t know until right now is that Jerri was battling terminal cancer, and was so very sick she almost didn’t make the trip to Las Vegas. She was tired, but still strong willed enough that she wanted to keep going as long as she could. She wanted to see Vegas one last time. Well, Jerri has left us to be in a better place, passing on only a few weeks later. Chuck Hawks remarks to this day that the last time he saw Jerri truly comfortable, truly pain free, smiling and laughing out loud was that night not so long ago when she had the chance to see Paul Kozak. So that night, Paul, though you may not have realized it—you made a big difference in Jerri’s life. I saw it happen, she was thrilled about it then and after, and Chuck is quite grateful. So am I. She was able to work back in Oregon for a short while afterwards, and couldn’t stop talking about what a wonderful time she had—and that she and Chuck were so glad they made the trip. No one can bother trying to tell me magic can’t make a difference; I have seen it too many times. That night, Paul Kozak made a hugely positive difference in someone’s life without question. Thank you for that, Paul. Now, you know.



I’m proud of Paul Kozak. I’m proud of his dedication, I’m proud of his perseverance, I’m proud of his ever-growing list of accomplishments. Most of all, I am proud to be able to say that Paul Kozak is a friend of mine. Paul is one of the true “good-guys” in Magic. We should all be proud of him; I’m glad for the opportunity to express a small portion of that here.

If you ever get to Vegas, make it a point to see “World’s Greatest Magic,” a show bristling with world-class performers. And don’t forget to lead the applause for my friend, Paul Kozak—though, I’m sure you won’t need any encouragement to do so. Congratulations on your “Guest of Honor” visit to the Magic Café, Paul. I hope Steve Brooks treats you to a coffee mug, at the very least.

It is 9 o'clock in the morning here in Vegas, I'm at my desk blow'n a choke, sipp'n some joe and crying. Please send my heartfelt condolences to Chuck Hawkes. I had no idea. What a privilage to have had an affect on someones life and well being. What an honor to have made some difference to somebody. What a grace and blessing it is to be alive, sober and a Magician. May God Bless you Chuck & Jerri.
Randy...you are the "****" and I love you...Koz

I would say Wakeman's post above is the ALL TIME GREATEST post on any magic BBS in history... what a great story and what a great tribute to the Kozmeister!

I remember seeing Mr. Kozak on cable on the comedy channels doing his act in the clubs. I, also, remember saying to myself, "Now, that is the definition of a pro". I've not had the opportunity to see him in person, yet, but I hope to get to Vegas and see his show, soon. After watching him several times on tv, he kind of vanished from the scene, and I always wondered what happened to him. After reading the article about him in one of the magic mags recently, I understand. Anyone that watches Mr. Kozak work is guaranteed to have a great time. His energy is contagious. I've never been to Vegas (not much of a gambler). Really the only reason I would go there would be to see the magic shows, and number one on my list is "World's Greatest Magic" to be able to experience Mr. Kozak's show in person.
Patrick

I've known Koz for more than 20 years. Everything Randy says about him is true -- and then some. Every time I go to Vegas, I go to the World's Greatest Magic Show, just to see Paul do his salt routine and the cup routine.

Well, I have to admit that I enjoy the rest of the show as well.

Any magician who goes to Vegas really needs to see that show. It's always great. And Kevin James has some really cool new items he has been working on that will amaze you.

Koz has not only paid his dues, he has paid enough to cover several other people. I'm glad he's here this week. Saves money on long distance calls!

Hey Bill,

When did you change your wizard hat in for a chop cup?

Paul ... Any chance of coming back to Pittsburgh to do a few shows at the Funny Bone ... a few folks from St Phil's grade school want to see your show again !

Is this Kretz? Mike or David?? holy ****!!! when did you get into Magic???

It's not a chop cup. I have two more like it.