Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American escape artist, illusionist, and stunt performer, noted for his sensational escape acts. He first attracted notice in vaudeville in the United States and then as "Harry 'Handcuff' Houdini" on a tour of Europe, where he challenged police forces to keep him locked up. Soon he extended his repertoire to include chains, ropes slung from skyscrapers, straitjackets under water, and having to escape from and hold his breath inside a sealed milk can. His career and legacy, which included debunking spiritualists, have made him one of the most famous magicians in history.