Illusionist, popularizer, television personality, defender of critical thinking... The name Gérard Majax resonates as a legend in the world of French magic for the general public. Ask a passerby to name a French magician, and they will undoubtedly say Gérard Majax. For many, he embodies the figure of the magician who captivated several generations through his television appearances. A look back at his career.
A very early calling
Gérard Majax, whose real name is Gérard Faier, was born on April 28, 1943, in Nice. Fascinated by magic from a very young age, he began to take an interest in it in his teenage years. He taught himself, practiced tirelessly, and quickly gained recognition.
Gérard Majax understood very early on that magic could be a formidable tool for communication... and entertainment, especially with television becoming more and more widespread.
It was on television that Gérard Majax truly became an indispensable figure. In the 1970s and 1980s, he hosted numerous shows, particularly on TF1 and FR3, where he performed magic tricks live or in front of an audience. He hosted shows such as Y’a un truc, Passe-Passe, and La Magie de Gérard Majax, which marked an entire generation.
With his recognizable look, calm voice, and precise gestures, he fascinated viewers. He popularized magic, made it accessible, and cultivated that very particular relationship between doubt, wonder, and reflection.
A magician... but also a skeptic
While Gérard Majax dedicated his life to illusion, it was also to better expose false powers. Following in the footsteps of James Randi or Houdini, he became involved in the fight against charlatans, gurus, and pseudo-sciences.
He is one of the founders of the Observatoire Zététique, which promotes critical thinking and the rational analysis of so-called "paranormal" phenomena. He participated in several investigations aimed at demonstrating that alleged "mediums" or "psychics" actually used techniques of psychological manipulation and sleight of hand.
One of his most famous stunts remains the case of the levitating table on the show Droit de réponse (1987), where he revealed live that the supposedly supernatural phenomenon was in fact a simple magic trick, performed with the complicity of the hosts.
A long career
Gérard Majax never stopped. He continues to perform, write, and advise on productions and shows. He is also the author of several books on magic and the paranormal, often tinged with subtle humor and a critical eye.
In parallel with his career as a magician, he has also collaborated with the world of cinema and live performance, and continues to pass on his knowledge to young illusionists. He remains a respected figure, both for his technical skills and for his intellectual rigor.
