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BORN
1946
DIED
2018
Ricky Jay Obituary
Jay was a favorite of David Mamet, appearing in his movies “House of Games,” “State and Main,” “The Spanish Prisoner,” and “Redbelt.”
He played card shark Eddie Sawyer on the HBO western series “Deadwood.”
Jay was born Richard Jay Potash in Brooklyn, New York. He began his magic career in New York City, opening for music acts including Ike and Tina Turner.
We invite you to share condolences for Ricky Jay in our Guest Book.
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40 Entries
October 21, 2019
I am sorry regarding the loss of your loved one. May the God of Comfort, continue to comfort the family, during these difficult times.
Gregg W. Morris
March 23, 2019
I first met Rick Jay in Teagle Hall, Cornell University, lthaca, NY. He played pickup basketball with me and other b-ball players and football players and others trying to stay in shape during the off seasons. Those included former Brooklyn federal prosecutor now NYC corporate counsel head Zachary W. Carter, former football star Ed Marinaro who became a star on Hill Street Blues, law student Arthur Eisenberg now NYCLU Executive Council and others. Sometimes we hung out together in College Town with others who were really close to him. I last saw him at a Lincoln Center film festival in New York. I can't say we were close friends but I can say he was a great guy whom I will never forget.
December 29, 2018
Ricky Jay was a master. The world has lost a great.
Kelly Miller
December 14, 2018
My sincer condolences to the Jay family for your loss. During this hard time may your family find comfort in God comforting words in psalms 94:19 were God says he will comfort and sooths those who are hurting.
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John Kelly
December 12, 2018
Ricky stopped by my apartment with his booking agent many, many years ago. I had never met him before. After much pleading and cajoling on our part, he was finally persuaded to accept an ancient deck of cards which had been in my family for years and years. He looked it over briefly and then proceeded to regale my friend and I with one impossible trick and one amazing story after another for more than an hour. We sat there transfixed. Dumbfounded. Joyous. Astonished...we shouted, pounded on the table, and laughed to the point of tears. He put as much professional energy and style into that performance as he ever put into any of his professional appearances. In that hour, what a wonderful gift he gave to us. The same gift he gave to everyone, and every audience. Pure joy...my deepest condolences to Ricky's wife, his friends and family. Rest in peace, Ricky. You are dearly missed. John Kelly.
Martha
December 10, 2018
Sorry for your loss. May you find comfort from God.
SueAnn
December 10, 2018
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
EBK
December 9, 2018
Ricky Jay was not only a Master Magician, he was a humorous, kind and humble person who always thought first of how best to please others. His knowledge of legerdemain was vast, but his capacity to entertain was limitless. His talent is unequalled, and his humility about how incredibly skilled he was, served to double the joy of every effect. We will miss you forever, RJ. I just know that you have some of the angels asking each other, "How DID he do that?"
With admiration and appreciation,
December 6, 2018
Im very sorry to here of Rickys passing; he will be truly missed by many around the world. My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family.
December 4, 2018
Sorry for your loss May God of all tender mercy comfort you in your times of sadness.
Jacki Stephenson
December 3, 2018
The best magician ever. You are with the angels now. You will be missed.
Isaiah 26:19
December 2, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
December 1, 2018
Sincere condolences to the family for your great loss. May God comfort each of you during your time of mourning.
November 30, 2018
Peace be unto your soul brother, to those who are mourning may God comfort and strengthen in yours time of weakness.
Artis.Ac Hudson Sr
Macon ga.
November 30, 2018
Dear ChrisAnne,
We want to express our deepest condolences on your loss of your wonderful husband. My parents admired him greatly and always enjoyed his humor, generosity of spirit, and intelligence. My mom wishes that she would be able to express her condolences in person, but we are not sure how to get in touch with you. Please know that our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Beth Shadur, and Eleanor Shadur
Jaygee
November 30, 2018
Ricky did a little bit of everything and was damn good at everything he did. What more can be said?
L J
November 30, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
S P
November 29, 2018
May the family find comfort in the God of all comfort, and in the joyful memories of the time they spent with Ricky.
November 29, 2018
Condolences to the family and friends.
November 28, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family of Ricky who are mourning his death. God will comfort and sustain you because he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
Harry Simpson
November 28, 2018
Godspeed Ricky, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Now performing eternally in the Ultimate Venue.
Sheila
November 28, 2018
Rest in eternal Peace Mr. Jay.
November 27, 2018
So sorry for your loss. May our heavenly father comfort you at this most difficult time.
Lynn
November 27, 2018
You are not alone during your time of sorrow ane pain. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you to endure the loss of Mr. Ricky Jay. As you remember your beloved one may the God of peace may he give you peace in every way. May you find comfort in the memories that you shared together.2 Thessalonians 3:16.
Jack of All Trades ,RIP
deanna stevens
November 27, 2018
Rest IN Peace ,Dark Arts Master , Godspeed
November 27, 2018
Thanks for the memories.
November 27, 2018
Sincere condolence to the family. God grant you all the comfort and strength you need during this difficult time.
November 27, 2018
I am truly sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with the family and friends.
November 27, 2018
My condolences to the family. May the God of comfort grant you strength during this difficult time.
D B
November 27, 2018
'Time and unexpected events befalls us all' but it still does not take away the pain and sorrow we must endure when we loose love ones. May the Family of Ricky Jay be assured of God's comfort and care while you 'throw all your anxieties upon Him because He cares for you'.
Christian
November 27, 2018
Im so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort prove to be your strength during this difficult time.
Psalm 18:2
November 27, 2018
My condolences to the Jay family, may the God of all comfort be with you in your time of sorrow.
November 26, 2018
Deepest sympathy. Mr. Jay will be missed greatly. May God comfort his loved ones in distress. Thoughts and prayers.
Michael S
November 26, 2018
Rest in Peace.
Great character actor
Ann McCarthy
November 26, 2018
My keenest memory of Mr. Jay is his role as Hawkes, a card shark in The Ranger, the cook, and a hole in the sky, a movie based upon Norman MacLean's novella. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Ann Marie McCarthy, New Mexico
CF
November 26, 2018
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Jay family and friends at this difficult time.
November 26, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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