Penn Jillette Bio, Wiki, Age, Height, Weight Loss, Wife, Zolten, Kids, Songs, Teller, and Net Worth

Penn Jillette Biography

Penn Jillette is an American magician, actor, musician, inventor, television presenter, and author, who was born and brought up in Greenfield, Massachusetts, United States of America. He is widely known for his work with fellow magician Teller as half of the team Penn & Teller. Together, the duo has performed in various shows like Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and Penn & Teller: Bullshit! They also perform in Las Vegas at The Rio. (Hotel and Casino)

Jillette and Teller have been performing together since 1975 and are known for their comedic and skeptical magic shows. They have appeared in numerous stage and television shows, including Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Penn & Teller: Bullshit!, and are currently headlining in Las Vegas at The Rio. Jillette serves as the act’s orator and raconteur.

In addition to his work with Teller, Jillette has also had a successful solo career. He has appeared in a number of films and television shows, including Hackers, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and The King of Queens. He has also written eight books, including the New York Times Bestseller, God, No!: Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and Other Magical Tales.

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10 Quick Facts About Penn Jillette

1. Name: Penn Fraser Jillette
2. Age: 70 years old
3. Birthday: March 5
4. Birth sign: Pisces
5. Height: 6 feet 6 inches (1.99 m)
6. Nationality: American
7. Occupation: Magician, Actor, Musician, Inventor, Television Presenter, and Author
8. Marital Status: Married
9. Salary: Under Review
10. Net Worth: $200 Million

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Penn Jillette Age

Jillette is 70 years old. He was born on March 5, 1955, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, United States. He celebrates his birthday on March 5 every year and his birth sign is Pisces.

Penn Jillette Height

Jillette stands at a height of 6 feet 6 inches (1.99 m).

Penn Jillette Weight

Jillette currently weighs 100 kg (220 lbs). He had a body weight of 322 lbs. Upon being checked, doctors found a 90% blockage in his heart. He went on a potatoes-only diet and lost about 75 lbs in just about two weeks. Overall, he lost about 100 lbs.

Early Life and Education

Jillette was born on March 5, 1955, in Greenfield, Massachusetts. He went to Greenfield High School and graduated in 1973. He briefly attended Amherst College before dropping out. He then enrolled in Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College in 1973, graduating the same year.

Rise to Fame

Early Collaborations (1975-1980s):

1975: Jillette meets Teller at a Minnesota Renaissance Festival. They start performing together, incorporating comedy and skepticism into their magic acts. Late 1970s – Early 1980s: Gain recognition through street performances, off-Broadway shows, and college tours. 1985: Debut on “Late Night with David Letterman,” marking their first major television appearance.

Television Breakthrough (1980s-2000s):

1987: Jillette appear on “Saturday Night Live,” further solidifying their national presence. 1987-1991: Star in their own Showtime cable series, “Penn & Teller.” 1994: Begin a long-running residency at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, showcasing their signature blend of magic and comedy.

2003-2010: Host “Penn & Teller: Bullshit!,” a series exposing pseudoscience and scams, which garnered critical acclaim and several Emmy nominations.

Penn Jillette Family, Parents

Jillette was born to his father Samuel H. Jillette and mother Valda R. Jillette in Massachusetts. His mother Valda, worked as a secretary, and his father Samuel, who worked at Greenfield’s Franklin County Jail. He spent his childhood with his sibling sister named Valda Jillette Stowe.

Penn Jillette and Teller

Jilette worked with his former classmate, Michael Monsen. Together they developed a juggling act. The year after his graduation from high school, That same year was when he met his fellow illusionist and partner Teller.

They formed a three-person act called Asparagus Valley Cultural Society which played in Amherst and San Francisco. Some years later, Penn and Teller went on to do a successful Off-Broadway and later Broadway theatre show called “Penn & Teller” that toured nationally. As of 2019, he is 64 years old.

Penn Jillette Wife

Jillette is currently married to his wife Emily Zolten Jillette. The couple tied the knot in 2004. They are blessed with two children named Moxie CrimeFighter Jillette and Zolten Penn Jillette.

Penn Jillette Children

Jillette and his wife Emily Zolten Jillette have two children. Their firstborn is Moxie CrimeFighter, born in 2005, and Zolten Penn, born a year later.

Penn Jillette Net Worth

Jillette has an estimated net worth of $200 million dollars as of 2024. This includes his assets, money and income. His primary source of income is his career as a magician, actor, musician, inventor, television presenter, and author. Through his various sources of income, Penn has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.

Penn Jillette Measurements and Facts

Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Penn.

Penn Jillette Wiki

• Full Names: Penn Fraser Jillette
• Popular As: Jillette
• Gender: Male
• Occupation / Profession: Magician, Actor, Musician, Inventor, Television Presenter, and Author
• Nationality: American
• Race / Ethnicity: White
• Religion: Not Known
• Sexual Orientation: Straight

Penn Jillette Birthday

• Age / How Old?: 70 years old
• Zodiac Sign: Pisces
• Date of Birth: March 5, 1955
• Place of Birth: Greenfield, Massachusetts, USA
• Birthday: March 5

Penn Jillette Body Measurements

• Body Measurements: Not Available
• Height / How Tall?: 6 feet 6 inches (1.99 m)
• Weight: 100 kg (220 lbs)
• Eye Color: Blue
• Hair Color: Black
• Shoe Size: Not Available

Penn Jillette Family and Relationship

• Father (Dad): Samuel Herbert Jillett
• Mother: Valda Rudolph
• Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Valda Jillette Stowe
• Marital Status: Married
• Wife/Spouse: Married to Emily Zolten Jillette
• Dating / Girlfriend: Not Applicable
• Children: Moxie CrimeFighter Jillette, Zolten Penn Jillette

Penn Jillette Net Worth and Salary

• Net Worth: $200 Million
• Salary: Under Review
• Source of Income: Magician, Actor, Musician, Inventor, Television Presenter, and Author

Penn Jillette House and Cars

• Place of living: USA
• Cars: Car Brand to be Updated

Penn Jillette Red Fingernail

He keeps one fingernail red. There have been many speculations about the fingernail. Some say he shot a person for asking personal questions, and others say it is a reminder of his mother and it is just ‘cool’. However, when asked, he said he wears his mother’s nail polish and his dad’s ring for respect.

Penn Jillette Atheist

Penn is well known for being a non-believer of the existence of deities. In his teens, he read the Bible and apparently had questions that when he asked in a youth group showed his skepticism in religion.

This caused the church members to ask him to leave the church. He even acknowledges himself proudly as an atheist as his car’s plates read ‘atheist”, ‘no god’ and ‘godless’. He wanted to place ‘infidel’ but that wouldn’t be acceptable.

Penn Jillette Diet

After advice from the doctor, he then started phasing in vegetable stews and salads for added variety, but Jillette did not include other important food groups that provide lean protein and other essential nutrients.

Penn Jillette Book

• Presto!: How I Made Over 100 Pounds Disappear and Other Magical Tales. New York: Simon & Schuster.
• Every Day is an Atheist Holiday!: More Magical Tales from the Author of God, No!. New York: Blue Rider Press.
• God, No!: Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and Other Magical Tales. New York: Simon & Schuster.
• How to Cheat Your Friends at Poker: The Wisdom of Dickie Richard. New York: St. Martin’s Press.
• Sock. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin.
• Penn and Teller’s How to Play in Traffic. Berkley Trade.(with Teller)
• Penn and Teller’s How to Play with Your Food. New York: Villard. (with Teller)
• Cruel Tricks for Dear Friends. New York: Villard.

Penn Jillette Podcast

• Jan 2006 – Mar 2007 Penn Radio
• Penn Says from Jan 2008 – Apr 2010
• May 2010 – Oct 2011 Penn Point
• Penn’s Sunday School from February 2012

Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences

• Meeting Teller: In 1974, Jillette met Teller at a Renaissance fair in Minnesota. This chance encounter would lead to the formation of one of the most successful magic duos in history.
• Early career: Jillette and Teller began their careers performing on the streets and in small clubs. They quickly gained a reputation for their innovative and comedic magic acts.
• Television breakthrough: In the 1980s, Jillette and Teller made their television debut on shows like “Saturday Night Live” and “Late Night with David Letterman.” These appearances helped to launch them into stardom.
• Las Vegas residency: In 1994, Jillette and Teller began a residency at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Their show has been running ever since, making it one of the longest-running and most successful shows in Las Vegas history.
• Penn & Teller: Bullshit!: From 2003 to 2010, Jillette and Teller hosted the critically acclaimed television series “Penn & Teller: Bullshit!” The show debunked pseudoscience and scams, and it won multiple Emmy Award nominations.
• Penn & Teller: Fool Us: Since 2011, Jillette and Teller have hosted the magic competition show “Penn & Teller: Fool Us.” The show features aspiring magicians who try to fool Jillette and Teller with their tricks.
• Writing: Jillette is also a successful author. He has written several books, including the New York Times bestseller “God, No!: Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and Other Magical Tales.”
• Activism: Jillette is a outspoken atheist and skeptic. He has used his platform to advocate for critical thinking and to challenge religious dogma.

Future Aspirations and Goals

Continued Success with Teller:

• Maintaining their residency in Las Vegas, potentially with extensions, revamps, or special shows.
• Touring internationally and expanding their reach to new audiences.
• Creating new magic acts and pushing the boundaries of their craft.

Utilizing Platforms for Advocacy:

• Continuing to host “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” and potentially developing other TV shows that challenge conventional thinking and promote critical analysis.
• Writing more books and articles that express his views on atheism, skepticism, and other social issues.
• Engaging in public speaking events, podcasts, and online content to reach a wider audience with his message.

Exploring New Creative Avenues:

• Collaborating with other artists and creators on different projects, potentially in film, theater, or even music.
• Writing and directing his own shows or films.
• Investing in or starting new ventures that align with his interests and values.

Personal Growth and Fulfillment:

• Continuing to learn and explore new ideas and perspectives.
• Spending quality time with family and friends.
• Making a positive impact on the world through his work and activism.

Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement

Financial contributions:

• Opportunity Village: Penn Jillette has been a supporter of Opportunity Village, a Las Vegas non-profit that provides vocational training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. In 2012, he donated $40,000 to the organization after winning on the reality show “Celebrity Apprentice.”
• Other organizations: While specifics are more limited, Jillette has also reportedly supported other organizations focusing on various causes, including education, arts, and veterans’ affairs.

Volunteer work and advocacy:

• My Possibilities: Jillette has volunteered his time and resources to My Possibilities, a Las Vegas-based organization that provides programs and support for children with disabilities.
• Tyler Robinson Foundation: He has also supported the Tyler Robinson Foundation, which raises funds for pediatric brain tumor research.
• Advocacy for atheism and skepticism: Jillette’s outspoken views on atheism and skepticism have indirectly raised awareness and challenged societal norms, potentially impacting public discourse and promoting critical thinking.

Penn Jillette Awards Accomplishments and Achievements

Penn Jillette: Awards, Accomplishments, and Achievements

With Teller:

• Stage Awards:
  • Tony Award for Best Performance Art – Touring (1997)
  • Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Unique Theatrical Experience (1997)
  • Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Unique Theatrical Experience (1997)
  • American Comedy Awards – Stand-Up Comic (2000)
  • Las Vegas Walk of Stars (2005)
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame (2013)
• Television Awards:
  • Writers Guild of America Award for Best Comedy/Variety Talk Series (2004)
  • Emmy Award nominations for “Penn & Teller: Bullshit!” (2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010)
  • Critics’ Choice Television Award nominations for Best Reality Series (2014, 2015)
  • American Television Industry Awards for Best Reality Show (2015, 2016)
• Other Achievements:
  • Sold-out Las Vegas residency since 1994
  • Performed in over 85 countries
  • Stars in their own TV shows, specials, and documentaries
  • Authored several books

Individually:

• Writing:
  • New York Times Bestseller – “God, No!: Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and Other Magical Tales”
  • Several other published books on various topics
• Acting:
  • Film and television appearances, including “Hackers,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and “The King of Queens”
• Other:
  • Public speaker and advocate for atheism and skepticism
  • Hosts podcasts and online content

Legacy

Redefining Magic:

• Blending Magic, Comedy, and Skepticism: Jillette and Teller revolutionized magic by incorporating humor and skepticism into their act, challenging traditional perceptions and captivating audiences with their unique approach.
• Pushing Boundaries: Their acts often explored controversial themes and used magic to debunk pseudoscience, sparking critical thinking and challenging established beliefs.
• Inspiration for Future Generations: Their influence can be seen in contemporary magic acts that embrace unconventional methods and engage with societal issues.

Entertainment Industry Icon:

• Long-lasting Impact: Their Las Vegas residency is one of the longest-running shows in history, showcasing their enduring appeal and ability to adapt and evolve.
• Television Success: From “Penn & Teller” to “Fool Us,” their TV shows entertained millions and introduced magic to new generations.
• Contribution to Las Vegas and Live Entertainment: They are considered integral figures in shaping the entertainment landscape of Las Vegas and promoting live performance experiences.

Voice of Atheism and Skepticism:

• Openly Advocating for His Beliefs: Jillette’s outspoken atheism and skepticism have challenged religious dogma and fostered dialogues about critical thinking and intellectual freedom.
• Using Platforms for Advocacy: His books, TV shows, and public appearances have served as platforms for disseminating his views and engaging in discussions about faith and reason.
• Inspiring Others to Question and Explore: His influence transcends entertainment, encouraging individuals to examine their own beliefs and engage in informed discourse.

Hobbies and Interests

Creative Pursuits:

• Music: Jillette has a passion for music and plays several instruments, including the guitar, mandolin, and drums. He has even performed with different bands and occasionally incorporates music into his magic shows.
• Writing: His published books delve into atheism, skepticism, and social commentary, showcasing his interest in writing and expressing his viewpoints through different mediums.
• Gaming: In interviews, he has mentioned enjoying video games and finding the concept of game design fascinating.

Intellectual Interests:

• Critical Thinking and Science: His advocacy for skepticism and atheism suggests a strong interest in critical thinking, logical reasoning, and scientific exploration.
• History and Philosophy: He has expressed fascination with various historical figures and philosophical ideas, suggesting a broader intellectual curiosity.
• Current Events and Social Issues: His public statements and projects often engage with contemporary social and political issues, indicating an active interest in staying informed and discussing these matters.

Other Potential Interests:

• Traveling: Given his extensive international tours and diverse experiences, he might enjoy exploring new cultures and places.
• Personal Fitness: Based on his physical appearance and active lifestyle, he might value maintaining a healthy fitness routine.
• Spending Time with Family and Friends: He has mentioned the importance of his family and close circle in interviews, implying an interest in nurturing personal relationships.

Penn Jillette Quotes

Final Thoughts

Penn Jillette’s legacy is multifaceted and complex. He is recognized as a master magician who redefined the art form, a successful entertainer who captivated audiences for decades, and a vocal advocate for atheism and skepticism. His impact extends beyond the stage, sparking critical thinking and challenging societal norms.

Penn Jillette Contacts

• Instagram
• X (Twitter)
• Facebook
• Youtube
• Tiktok
• Website

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