Michael Finney (Magicians)

Comic Magician, Michael Finney, received the Academy of Arts Award for Comedy Magician of the year 2005 on March 6, 2005 in Hollywood. These awards are similar to the Academy Awards for movie stars. The entertainers are nominated and voted upon by Members and peers of the craft.

Michael has lived in Phoenix since 1978. He began as a magic bartender at the Golden Eagle Restaurant at the time he was hailed as one of Phoenix’s best bartenders by the New Times. For three years he was the “house magician” at Legend City Amusement Park. He then went on to Los Angles and began working comedy clubs while still living in Phoenix. In 1986 he brought his comedy back to Phoenix with the opening of FINNEY BONES Comedy Club, which ran until until 1993 when he closed his club to pursue his career. In 1986 he was finalist on Star Search with Ed McMahon. in 1987 he received the Silver Lions Head from Siefreid & Roy for comedy and magic. Michael continued to do comedy clubs across the United States up to 40 weeks a year.

He made six appearances on Fox’s Comic Strip Live, HBO Comic on the Road, Sunday Comics with Lenny Clark, Bud Friedman’s Evening at the Improv and two NBC specials hosted by John Ritter “World’s Greatest Magic” and “World’s Wildest Magic”. He also appeared on the Magic Hour with Hall of Fame basketball star, Magic Johnson. Most recently, he has made two appearances on the George Lopez Show. At present he continues appearances at corporate events, casino resorts and performing abroad having just returned from England where he performed in Manchester a nd New Castle. Michael was also invited to perform at the Inauguration of President Bush in January 2001. More recently he received the Jimmy Durante Award for Comedy through the Fraternal Order of eagles in Reno, Nevada, July 2004, which has a local chapter in Phoenix.

On a local level, he was voted Comedian of the Year 1992 by the Arizona Entertainment Awards. This year will mark the 9th Annual Dry Heat Golf Classic Tournament, hosted by Michael. He formed the Michael Finney Foundation, which is a 501C3 charity, benefiting local children’s charities. In addition, he has volunteered his time for the City of Phoenix Police and Fire Departments.