‘AGT Extreme’: After Danny Zzzz Lost His Son, Mason, He Lost Everything He Owned in a Fire
Magician, illusionist, and escape artist Dan “Danny Zzzz” Paulin appeared on America’s Got Talent: Extreme, where he hoped to win and tell the world about his now-deceased son, Mason. When revealing his story before performing, the magician left out a fire that took all his equipment shortly following the sudden death of his son.
Illusionist Danny Zzzz lost everything in a storage facility fire following the death of his son, Mason
Canadian-based hypnotist, magician, and escape artist Dan Paulin, professionally known as Danny Zzzz, recently auditioned on America’s Got Talent: Extreme.
However, according to a GoFundMe, started by an assumed friend, the performer intended on appearing on the flagship series but couldn’t due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, the coronavirus affected his career as the canceled shows halted his income. In November 2020, Danny Zzzz’s son, Mason, died at the age of 22. The cause of death hasn’t been publicly released.
A couple of months later, in Feb. 2021, a storage facility fire in Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada reportedly wiped out all the entertainer’s customized equipment he used for his shows, including sound gear, props, and signature magic tricks. Wanting to help the entertainer, someone created a GoFundMe, which has since raised over $16,000 of its $50,000 goal.
Danny Zzzz had a successful audition on ‘America’s Got Talent: Extreme’
The Canadian escape artist debuted on AGT: Extreme Season 1 Episode 2’s “Auditions 2” as the second to last act to perform. Originally from St. Catharine’s in Ontario, Canada, the 51-year-old told the judges he wanted to “showcase his talent” and planned to win before auditioning.
When judge Simon Cowell asked how much winning the competition would mean to Danny Zzzz, he got choked up and explained he’s the “proud father” of five children. He then revealed the recent death of his 22-year-old son and noted he “wanted the world” to know his child’s name, Mason.
For his audition, the illusionist shackled himself inside of a strapped mailbag located inside a locked crate that a crane raised 140 feet in the air. He had one minute to escape before the crane dropped the box to the ground.
Danny Zzzz successfully performed the trick, resulting in thunderous applause from the audience, who also began chanting his son Mason’s name. As the judges gave their critique, the performer thanked the audience for cheering, calling it “the biggest gift.” Impressed by the performance, all three judges (Nikki Bella, Travis Pastrana, and Cowell) gave him an empathetic yes to send him to the next round.
Danny Zzzz is an Ontario-based hypnotist and illusionist
The mentalist previously worked as a laborer before getting into magic, according to his website. He then became an established tattoo artist who later opened successful tattoo shops before following his dreams for entertainment.
Therefore, he got involved in radio, becoming an on-air host and producer “Danimal” for an Ontario-based rock station.
Danny Zzzz has since dedicated his time to magic, landing an appearance on illusionist Criss Angel’s series, Phenomenon, Italy-based talent show Tu Si Que Vales, Germany’s Got Talent, and stages for Disney World and Las Vegas audiences.
He also has a YouTube channel where he uploads videos of his performances. America’s Got Talent: Extreme airs Mondays on NBC.
