Other Exit Interviews:  
Jan Bardi |  Guy Bavli |  Guy Bavli |  Jim Callahan |  Jim Karol | 
Gerry McCambridge |  Eran Raven |  Ehud Segev |  Mike Super

Guy Bavli   biography

1) The studio audience seemed genuinely upset to see you go. Why do you think you connect with audiences so well?

Maybe it's because I feel the audience as much as I want them to feel me. I didn't look at this experience as a competition. For me it was a way to connect with people, but on a larger scale. I try to define myself by being different in what I do, in my personality on stage and in the presentations that I show. I like to involve the audience and make them the STAR of the show, and to show them that they can do amazing things as well. I received hundreds of emails during Phenomenon, and one of the comments, I think, may answer your question best:

"I think Guy is really distinguishing himself from the pack in a good way. I noticed that he doesn't have or use those grandiose gestures and language that some of the others use. It's sort of a departure from what the masses usually expect from an illusionist. I found that to be very appealing about his performance style. To me, its just like going to a car dealer and being pleasantly surprised that the salesman wasn't pushy, that he/she was actually genuine and had your best interest at heart. Sorry for the analogy but that's the best way I could describe it at the moment :-) Then, the co-host of the show (Uri Geller) sort of validated my thoughts in mentioning that Guy had a connection with the crowd and that he was an enigmatic figure/performer." (Herb Harmond 11-8-07)

2) If you could do one thing differently on the show, what would it be?

I would want to be in the first episode and not debut in the second episode on Halloween. I believe that if I established myself in the first episode, which ultimately had the most ratings... some things may have ended differently.

3) Do you believe in true paranormal or "mentalist" abilities?

Paranormal and "Mentalist" are two different things. Paranormal is something that is not normal or supernatural. I believe that everyone has something that is different from the norm. For some it may be a special talent that is more tangible, and for others it may be an intuitive sense / sensitivity that is more intangible. I suppose that the more difficult it is to explain… the more "Paranormal" it may be to some. A "Mentalist", or "Master of the Mind" is someone who entertains people using the power of the mind. It is the Art of intuition, physiology, psychology, human behavior, and body language. It is NOT a: "Magician", "Illusionist", or "Psychic". I do believe in a "True Mentalist". But America must first understand what a Mentalist is… before they can search for one.

4) What was your favorite, and least favorite, thing about being on Phenomenon?

My favorite thing about Phenomenon was:

1. The experience
2. The friendships I made with the cast and production.
3. And the opportunity to show America what a "Mentalist" is.

My least favorite thing about Phenomenon was that Magicians were competing in the same category as Mentalists. It's a close category but not the same. Like searching for the greatest classical musician and having a few rock bands compete, but never the less its still music.

5) Like Uri, you are Israeli. How does coming from a region of the world so steeped in the mystical affect your art and craft?

I believe that growing up in Israel… in such a spiritual country - the home of so many different religions…. has a major influence on who I became.

I am sure that Uri Geller also had a strong affect on my path. Uri is an icon amongst Israeli's because he was the first Israeli Celebrity to obtain International Mega Fame, and for something, at that time, very new and exciting. People still today don't really know how to describe a "Mentalist." I am sure that by 2010 there will be a definition for "Mentalist" in the dictionary. Uri's message to me then, and perhaps still today, is "believe and you will achieve." I followed that and still do.

6) What's next for you?

After touring with my show "Master of the Mind" for many years, I am very excited to open my new theater/casino show called "Let's Go Mental," which incorporates fantastic mind games with the audience; multi-media, live music, production value that allows the audience to take close part in the Phenomenal Acts happening before their eyes. Now that I am based in Florida for the last five years, I will continue performing Corporate and Gala shows. But most importantly, I love to entertain. My goal is to make the audience the star of the show, and touching as many people as possible.

I got a taste of this in Caesar's Palace in Vegas for three years, I have toured all over Europe and recently Central and South America. I believe that television and the internet will enable me to touch even more people with my Art. So I suppose my ultimate goal is to tap this mass market, do more TV shows, and share my love for the Art of the Mind. I like to challenge myself with new ideas, and put new goals in front of me every time. If you want to be updated about my activities, you can always visit me on the web at www.MasteroftheMind.com or send me an email. I always answer all my emails.