André Kole

André Kole (1936–2022) was one of American magic's most prolific inventors, master illusionists, and prominent investigative minds. Born Robert J. Gurtler Jr. in Phoenix and based in Tempe, Arizona, Kole performed throughout all 50 states and across nearly 80 countries, presenting grand-scale illusions to millions on stage and network television.

Celebrated as a genius of illusion engineering, Kole invented many of stage magic's most iconic original effects—including the legendary Table of Death, the Head Mover, the Squeeze Box (licensed to master builder John Gaughan), No-Feet (Sliced in 9), and his celebrated Walking on Water illusion. For decades, he served as a premier creative consultant for David Copperfield, helping engineer television milestones including the disappearance of the Statue of Liberty, the Death Saw, the Laser Illusion, and Flying, while also advising Doug Henning and Siegfried & Roy.

In 1981, Kole was honored with the Performing Fellowship by the Academy of Magical Arts at The Magic Castle in Hollywood, and was unanimously named "Inventor of the Decade" by the International Magicians Society. Beyond performance, Kole dedicated more than two decades to investigating purported supernatural phenomena, exposing fraudulent mediums and occult hoaxes, and authoring investigative works including Miracles or Magic? (1984) and Mind Games (1998).