Cast of 'Saved by the Bell'

Ed Alonzo | Biography 2021

• By Reena Chikanbanjar
• Update : July 11, 2021

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Ed Alonzo is a Mexican American professional magician and actor known for his role in the American sitcom Saved by the Bell (1989).

Who is Ed Alonzo?

Ed Alonzo started performing magic at a young age. He became a member of a clubhouse, Magic Castle as a junior magician when he was a teenager. Alonzo eventually honed his skills and became a professional magician. He then started appearing in several magic and comedy shows in the late 1980s. Simultaneously, he made guest appearances in multiple television shows including, The Late Show, The Magical World of Disney, and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Alonzo also appeared in some American sitcoms such as Full House (1987), Saved by the Bell (1989), How I Met Your Mother (2005), and Modern Family (2009). He reprised the role which he played in the Saved by the Bells in its 2020 reboot.

In addition, Alonzo had performed illusions on stage with singer Britney Spears's 'The Circus' tour in 2009. The same year, he accompanied legendary Michael Jackson on his 'This is it' concert tour and performed magic and illusions. He had also worked with Katy Perry and magician David Blaine. Alonzo had also performed Knott's Halloween Haunt called Ed Alonzo's Psycho Circus of Magic and Mayhem.

Early Bio

Ed Alonzo was born on 26 July 1968 in a Mexican-American family and was raised in Bakersfield, California. He started doing puppet shows with his family at a young age. He used to exhibit his magic talents in school, doing solo shows during his high school years. As a teenager, Alonzo performed his magic acts as a junior member at the Magic Castle, a clubhouse dedicated to promoting the art of magic and magicians. During that time, he learned magic with qualified contemporary magicians like David Copperfield, which ultimately helped him become a professional magician. 

Acting Career

In 1988, Alonzo appeared in an episode of ABC comedy-drama sitcom Full House, created by Jeff Franklin. He then rose to fame with his recurring appearance in the NBC romantic comedy sitcom Saved by the Bell, created by Sam Bobrick. The sitcom followed the story of a group of high school students. Alonzo played the role of Max, the owner of a restaurant where those high school students frequently visit, advising them while also showing his magic tricks. He appeared in 20 episodes of the show from 1989 to 1992. After that, he reprised his role in the reboot of the NBC sitcom Saved by the Bell, which premiered on 25 November 2020 on the Peacock streaming network.

In 1993, he made guest appearances as a secretary in an episode of CBS hit comedy sitcom Murphy Brown, which follows a story of a woman working as a television journalist. It was the 'Primetime Emmy Award’-winning sitcom created by Diane English and starred by Candice Bergen. Alonzo continued guest-starring in multiple award-winning sitcoms. The same year, he popped up as a guard in the episode 'The Magician's Code: Part 2' of the sitcom How I Met Your Mother. He also served as the show's magic consultant. In 2014, Alonzo made a guest appearance as Kaiser Mayhem in the romantic comedy-drama sitcom Modern Family. Four years later, he appeared in an episode of What's Popping Up?! With Alana Jordan.

In addition to television appearances, Alonzo served as a puppeteer for the 1997 film Men In Black. Alonzo was one of the cast members in the 2010 documentary titled Make Believe, which chronicled top young magicians battling for the title of Teen World Champion. The documentary won two awards for 'Best Documentary' at Austin Film Festival and Los Angeles Festival in 2010. That year, he was also featured in the horror documentary Chiller 13: The Decade's Scariest Movie Moments, which highlighted the top 13 scary movie moments of the 2000s. Alonzo also appeared as Head Magician in the 2012 short A Taste of Magic, alongside Justin Williams.

Television Shows

In the late 1980s, Alonzo made guest appearances and delivered his magical and comedic talents in multiple television shows, including, The Late Show, Showtime at the Apollo, The Magical World of Disney, and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. He showcased his magic talent in the 1991 comedy reality television show titled Totally Hidden Video. Alonzo also appeared in an episode of the family game show Xuxa in 1993. The following year, he performed on An Evening at the Improv. Alonzo has also appeared in a stand-up show Just for Laughs: All-Access in 2012. From 2015 to 2018, Alonzo appeared in six episodes of the CW's reality television show Masters of Illusion.

Working with Britney Spears and Michael Jackson

Alonzo performed illusions with singer Britney Spears on her 'The Circus: Starring Britney Spears' stage tour in 2009.

He showcased his magical talent for Michael Jackson and his family when Jackson invited him after seeing his performance on The Arsenio Hall Show in 1989. Sharing his experience of performing for Jackson, Alonzo said, "I didn't know what to expect when he invited me out. The curtain opened up and I started my show. I was looking at all of the empty seats and I thought, 'Boy, this is going to suck.' But Michael was the best audience ever … he was the greatest cheerleader ever."

Later, Alonzo created magic and illusions for Michael Jackson's 'This is it' concert tour that happened the night before Jackson's death the night before Jackson's death on 25 June 2009. 

Friendship with Neil Patrick Harris

Alonzo was introduced to actor Neil Patrick Harris by his fellow actor Elizabeth Berkeley when he was cast in the original Saved by the Bells. They eventually became best friends. Alonzo also taught and created magic tricks for Harris. Harris also mentioned Alonzo as his best friend when he took part in an episode dated 25 November 2008 of The Late Night Show with Craig Ferguson.