Penn & Teller are a two-man illusionist and comedy team from the United States, comprising Penn Jillette and Teller. Penn is a raconteur; Teller (generally) does not speak while performing. The duo specializes in gory tricks, fake exposures and clever pranks, and have become associated with Las Vegas, atheism, skepticism, and libertarianism. They call themselves “a couple of eccentric guys who have learned how to do a few cool things.” ^*

Career

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From the beginning Penn & Teller were street entertainers, performing at San Francisco's famous Fishermans Wharf and where ever they went, a tradition they still do at spontaneous moments. The duo met in 1975 and from the early 1970s through 1981, Penn & Teller were part of a three-man act called Asparagus Valley Cultural Society which played in San Francisco at the Phoenix Theater. This act was sillier and less "edgy" than today's Penn & Teller act. The third member of the AVCS, Weir Chirsamer, helped to develop some bits that have continued on, most notably Teller's Shadow-Flower trick.

By 1985, Penn & Teller were receiving rave reviews for their Off Broadway show and Emmy award-winning PBS special, Penn & Teller Go Public. In 1987, they began the first of two successful Broadway runs. Through the late 1980s and early 1990s, the pair made numerous television appearances on Late Night with David Letterman and Saturday Night Live, as well as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Today Show, and many others.

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