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Gay Magician and Mind Control Star Derren Brown

By , About.com Guide

Gay Magician and Mind Control Star Derren Brown

Mind Control star and illusionist Derren Brown

© Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Derren Brown is a TV magician, illusionist and mentalist. Brown, born on February 27, 1971 in Croydon, South London, began performing stage hypnosis shows at the University of Bristol in 1996. In 2000, he was picked up as the star of Britain's Channel 4 show Mind Control with Derren Brown (also syndicated on the Sci-Fi network). Derren Brown is considered as one of the masters of mind control.

Derren Brown Controversy:

Derren Brown was surrounded by controversy in 2003 after playing Russian roulette in front of a live audience and performing a séance on camera, but is considered as one of the masters of mind control. Brown assured the public and authorities that the stunts were carefully planned.

Derren Brown Comes Out:

Fans have long speculated over Brown's sexuality. On April 21, 2008, British entertainment paper The Sun, published an interview with Derren Brown in which he confirmed that he is gay and in a happy relationship with an unnamed partner.

“I’ve been with my partner for a year – and it’s perfect," Brown told The Sun. “Coming out when you are in the public eye is one of those things that isn’t an issue to yourself, your friends or your family. But you have to make a statement about it.

“You have to be open and up front – or you end up turning it into a dark secret in your mind.”

Derren Brown on TV and Online:

Derren Brown can be seen on Channel 4 and Sci-Fi Channel's Mind Control with Derren Brown or online at derrenbrown.co.uk.

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