published on March 31, 2024 in blog

Teller Net Worth - Pulptastic

What is Teller’s Net Worth?

Teller, the American magician, illusionist, actor, comedian, writer, and director, has a net worth of $200 million. He is famous for being part of Pen & Teller, the world-renowned magic duo. Teller legally changed his name from Raymond Joseph Teller to simply “Teller” to reflect his on-stage persona.

During live performances, Teller never speaks a word, but he freely shares his thoughts at certain events like conventions. He identifies as a libertarian and is an outspoken critic of religion.

Teller is also a playwright, author, and director. He has directed stage productions of Shakespeare plays and has made a number of appearances in various television series.

Early Life and Career of Raymond Teller

Raymond Teller was born on February 14, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from high school in 1965 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Amherst College. Although he initially pursued a career as a high school Latin and Greek teacher, Teller eventually found his passion in performing arts and magic.

Teller’s Collaborations and Career Achievements

After meeting Penn Jillette in 1974, Teller initially collaborated with Weir Chrisemer in a three-man magic act. By 1981, Penn and Teller were performing as a duo. They have subsequently been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Magicians of the Year Award by Magic Castle.

Teller has collaborated with Penn to create three magic books and wrote an off-Broadway play called “Play Dead” in 2010. In 2008, he co-directed a production of “Macbeth” that incorporated the heavy use of magic. In 2014, the pair teamed up once again with a production of “The Tempest,” putting heavy emphasis on magic once again.

Outside of these achievements, Teller has appeared in a range of television shows. During the 80s, he booked roles in shows like “Miami Vice.” Throughout the 90s, Teller appeared in series like “The Drew Carey Show,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and “Dharma & Greg.” In the 2000s, he made a notable appearance in “The West Wing.” He is also known for his recurring role in “The Big Bang Theory.” In addition, Teller has starred in shows like “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” “Penn & Teller: Bullshit!,” and “Penn & Teller Get Killed.”

Why Teller Never Speaks During Magic Shows

Teller, the silent half of the magic duo Penn & Teller, has given various reasons for his lack of speaking during magic performances. He believes that speaking during magic shows is redundant and that silence enhances immersion, making the audience believe what they’re seeing is real. By staying silent, Teller also avoids drawing attention to certain props and elements. Additionally, during his early years in magic, silence made him less likely to suffer ridicule from unruly audiences, particularly at frat parties where he performed.

Teller sues Dutch YouTuber over stolen magic trick

In 2012, Teller sued a Dutch YouTuber for stealing his magic trick called “The Rose & Her Shadow.” The YouTuber offered to reveal the secret in exchange for money, prompting Teller to take legal action to protect his intellectual property.

Under US law, magic tricks can be copyrighted if the choreography has been recorded ahead of time. Fortunately, Teller had written down the details of the trick and filed a copyright in 1983.

Before filing the lawsuit, Teller sent a DMCA takedown notice to YouTube and asked the YouTuber to take down the videos, but he refused. In court, Teller had to prove that the two tricks were similar enough to warrant copyright infringement. In 2014, Teller won the lawsuit and was awarded $545,000 in damages.

Teller’s Political Views

Teller identifies as a Libertarian and opposes mainstream American conservatism. He and Penn often mock religion and criticize the war on drugs. Teller’s views on issues such as illegal wiretaps and the death penalty are supported by many, but his stance against illegal immigration and gun control may be less popular.

Both Penn and Teller align themselves with the Cato Institute, a Libertarian think tank advocating for a smaller government and greater protection of civil rights. Teller opposes the Affordable Care Act, the Federal Reserve System, and many other aspects of modern America as a member of the Cato Institute.