Héctor René Lavandera (24 September 1928 – 7 February 2015), known as René Lavand, was an Argentine
magician, specialising in
close-up magic. He was notable for performing
card tricks with only one hand.
Biography
Lavand was born in
Buenos Aires in 1928.[1] After losing a hand at the age of nine in a car crash, Lavand slowly taught himself
card manipulation, later stating, "I went through hard times, but I got an advantage, I couldn't copy anyone's techniques."[1] After working as a cashier in a bank, at the age of 32 he appeared in Buenos Aires' Tabarís Theater, following which his career took off, leading to world tours.[2]
In the United States, Lavand appeared on
Ed Sullivan's and
Johnny Carson's television shows and performed in shows at the
Magic Castle in
Hollywood.[2] The catchphrase he used for one of his most celebrated tricks was "No se puede hacer más lento" (Spanish for "it cannot be done any slower"), referencing the measured and slow pace of his performances.
In between international tours he resided in
Tandil, Argentina, and adapted a
railway carriage into a magic saloon where he taught the art of
illusion.[2] He also co-wrote (with
Richard J. Kaufman) the book Mysteries of My Life. The book is an autobiography as well as an instructional book on his magic. He received several honors from the
Academy of Magical Arts: Close-up Magician of the Year (1993), Performing Fellowship (1997), and Masters Fellowship (2011).[3]
Lavand died of
pneumonia at Nueva Clínica Chacabuco in Buenos Aires in 2015, aged 86.[1]
Selected filmography
Un oso rojo ("A Red Bear"), directed by Adrian Caetano (2002): plays 'El Turco'
El Gran Simulador ("The Great Pretender"), directed by Néstor Frenkel (2013): biographical film with performance excerpts and interviews with Lavand at his home