Magic Museum
Ben Darwin "Pfeffer"
The Man With Iron Teeth
Entertainment and art have run in Jay Alexander's family for generations. His great grandfather was vaudeville strongman Ben Darwin "Pfeffer." He was often billed as the "Modern Day Samson" and "The Man With Iron Teeth."
Feats of Incredible Strength
Using his unique abilities — extremely strong hair and teeth, as well as being the world punching bag champion — he put together a show that graced vaudeville stages across America.
He also used these skills for publicity stunts to promote his family's business. He would pull cars with his hair, bite through chains, and bend steel rods over his head.
He once reportedly helped a ship's engineer out of a problematic situation by chewing through a chain that had become tangled.
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Gallery
Vintage photographs, newspaper clippings, and magazine features from Ben Darwin's vaudeville career.
A Family Legacy of Wonder
The tradition of showmanship that Ben Darwin started lives on through his great grandson Jay Alexander at the San Francisco Magic Theater.
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