Story perspectives

Oz Pearlman to Headline White House Dinner, Netflix Special

4/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Oz Pearlman, mentalist, will tape a Netflix special in July at the Brooklyn Paramount.
He will headline the White House Correspondents' Dinner on April 25 for U.S. President Donald Trump.
Pearlman left Wall Street to pursue magic and rose to fame via viral performances, including guessing codes.
The View backlash occurred, but Pearlman says mentalism relies on psychology and deception to entertain.

History

Historical Context

The rise of television in the 1950s revolutionized entertainment, with shows like The Ed Sullivan Show (1948-1971) showcasing diverse acts, including mentalists like The Amazing Kreskin. This era marked a shift towards accepting unconventional performers, paving the way for modern entertainers like Oz Pearlman, who now headline significant events, reflecting evolving societal preferences in entertainment and the blending of psychology with performance art.

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Story summary

Oz Pearlman, mentalist, will tape a Netflix special in July at the Brooklyn Paramount.
He will headline the White House Correspondents' Dinner on April 25 for U.S. President Donald Trump.
Pearlman left Wall Street to pursue magic and rose to fame via viral performances, including guessing codes.
The View backlash occurred, but Pearlman says mentalism relies on psychology and deception to entertain.

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