Milestones

1982 Michael escapes from certain death at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean at Balboa Bay, CA. Breaking free of 25 pounds of chains and locks. "...polished media event of the week!" – Los Angeles Times

1983 Michael escapes from an actual public hanging for the first time in US history, in Wichita, KS. with hands restrained behind his back and a noose strung over a gallows. Michael escaped just seconds before passing out.

1984 Michael escapes 25 pounds of handcuffs and leg irons while at the bottom of the Ohio River, frozen over with 3 inches of ice, dispelling the Houdini legend.

1985 Michael escapes jail's maximum-security cell in Wichita KS. with 14 pair of handcuffs, 6 leg irons and chains. Sheriffs and deputies are stunned. “Jail officials are lucky he's no inmate!" - USA Today

1987 Michael escapes a deadly rope tie in Tuscaloosa, AL. Challenge found to be from a suspect in coed murder investigation. Victims had been found tied in the same manner as suspect tied Michael on stage. "...simply incredible!" - CNN News

1991 Michael saves the lives of 1,400+ people in Saskatoon, Sask.,Canada. During a sold-out performance, an electrical fire breaks out on stage above a restrained Michael. His calm actions and cool head are directly responsible for the safe evacuation of his audience. Fair manager and fire chiefs say that, "Michael averted what could have been a significant tragedy".

1992 $10,000.00! is the new Worldwide Challenge Michael has issued to any one keeping him prisoner. Michael escapes a packing crate constructed by a lumberyard. The box was roped and held together with 3-inch screws, nails and chains.

1993 The International Magic Awards Committee has selected Michael Griffin as the Escape Artist of the Year! - to date this award has not been given to another performer

1995 Michael is honored as “THE BEST LIVING ESCAPE ARTIST” and included in book "Conversations with Harry, Don't Forget to Dance" by Rudy Steffish, the first book to chronicle the modern Escape artist in performance and art.

1997 World tour stop in Singapore finds Michael facing his most difficult challenge escape to date. Michael takes 17 agonizing minutes to escape a heavy specially reinforced packing crate. The crowd mobbed the stage the box is found to be untampered with leaving no clue as to his exit. Michael receives a very real death threat, suspect is hurriedly detained

1999 World Magic Awards has nominated Michael Griffin as “THE WORLD'S GREATEST LIVING ESCAPE PERFORMER”. To date Michael is the only performer to receive this award twice.

2000 $100,000.00 is now the reward to anyone who can prevent Michael's escape.

2001 Coffin Escape, from solid steel casket sealed airtight with submarine style hatch locking on outside. He escapes in 17 minutes!

2002 As the only escape artist granted permission to reenact Houdini’s 1912 death-defying escape, Michael is bound, handcuffed and sealed inside Houdini’s 90 year-old original packing crate and lowered into the depths of Florida’s Intercoastal waters. He escapes in 45 seconds.

2003 Michael Griffin is asked by the nationally syndicated television show, “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not” to escape a complicated rope challenge in the middle of Times Square. Gregg Valentino, the man with the world’s largest arms, tied the knots with 200 feet of rope. Tightly bound neck to feet in a series of knots, Michael twisted his way out in seconds.