Roy Benson was born Edward Emerson Ford McQuaid on January 17th, 1914, in Courbevoie, France, to a family with a rich entertainment heritage. His mother, Dora Ford, was a member of the renowned Four Fords and The Ford Sisters of Vaudeville fame, while his father, Edward Emerson McQuaid, was a skilled juggler and part of the Vaudeville team Emerson and Baldwin.
Roy's life was a fascinating tapestry of diverse pursuits and experiences, a true reflection of the era in which he lived. As a magician, he was a trailblazer, pushing the boundaries of his craft and setting a precedent for the comic/magicians of today. His skills extended far beyond the realm of magic, as he was also a proficient musician and professor.
In addition to his artistic talents, Roy was also a skilled craftsman, having built the iconic monster for the 1964 film The Flesh Eaters. He began his career as a cinematographer, but ultimately chose to leave the profession due to personal reasons.
Unfortunately, Roy's life was marked by struggles with alcoholism, and he eventually succumbed to emphysema on December 6th, 1977. Despite his personal challenges, his contributions to the world of magic were substantial, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence magicians to this day.
