Born in Denmark, Harry A. Jansen (1883-1955) came to the United States with his parents at the age of 6. He was known professionally for 20 years as the Great Jansen before adopting the name Dante the Magician, getting his name from Howard Thurston, who named him after Dante the Great (Oscar Eliason). Through the years Dante performed in every form of the theatrical business under canvas, touring the Chautauqua circuit, vaudeville, burlesque, movies, radio and in later years television.