Ricky Jay, whom the New Yorker magazine called the "most gifted sleight-of-hand artist" died on Saturday at the age of 72. Jay was also an actor  and magic historian and worked in films as well as on the Broadway. His filmography includes films such as “Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia,” “The Prestige,” and also a television series called “Deadwood.” House of Games Actor Ricky Jay Dies at 72.

Winston Simone, Jay's long time manager, said he died of natural causes reported variety.com. "He was one of a kind. We will never see the likes of him again," Simone said.

Watch Master close-up magician and historian Ricky Jay perform splendid card tricks on his television appearance on Conan O'Brien's show in 2002 in the video below.

Jay, who was born Richard Jay Potash in Brooklyn, was introduced to magic by his grandfather but was reluctant to talk about his childhood and process. The magician often said that revealing the secrets of process, takes away from the delight of surprise for the audience.

Ricky Jay donned many hats but his heart was after magic. He was a willing student of the craft of magic and is credited with introducing or writing many magicians who were long forgotten or largely ignored. Matthias Buchinger and Max Malini being two such magicians. Actor Steve Martin, talking about Ricky to the New Yorker, had once remarked that "Ricky's a master of his craft." There was never a doubt about it, anyway. And though the magician has left the stage (world), the magic shall live forever. RIP Ricky Jay.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 25, 2018 06:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).