Michigan Comedian/Magician The Amazing Johnathan Has Died

He toured comedy clubs around the country (including here in West Michigan). He appeared on TV shows and comedy specials. He even was a Las Vegas headliner from 2001-2014 at Bally's casino (reportedly making up to $3 million per year). Comedy magician The Amazing Johnathan has died.

The Amazing Johnathan Was From Michigan

He was born in Detroit, MI on September 9th, 1958, and grew up just north of there in the town of Fraser. His real name was Johnathan Szeles.

Back in the 80s and 90s, the Amazing Johnathan made regular stops at comedy clubs around the West Michigan area, including several appearances at the former Comedy Den in Cascade.

Johnathan passed away on Tuesday night, February 22, 2022, of congestive heart failure at the age of 63. His wife, sideshow stunt artist Anastasia Synn, was with him when he died. For the last three weeks, a hospice nurse had been staying with him. He had been unresponsive for 36 hours prior to his death. During that time, his wife spent time snuggling with him.

Johnathan had suffering from from cardiomyopathy, a degenerative disease that weakens the heart muscle, since 2009.. In November 2014, he told an audience in Las Vegas he had been given a year to live. He retired from comedy shortly after that announcement.

In 2017, he starting doing a limited number of comedy shows.

The Amazing Jonathan was also a vintage-car buff. At one point he owned more than 25 restored cars including a 1932 Pierce Arrow, 1967 Pontiac GTO, and a 1972 Dodge Challenger. Over the years he sold off those vehicles and donated a portion of the profits to charity.

He appeared on many television shows over the years, including several appearances on "Late Night with David Letterman". Most recently did three guest appearances on Criss Angel's reality show, "Mindfreak".

Memorials for the Amazing Johnathan are being planned for Las Vegas, Michigan, and Los Angeles.