Lee Asher: Magician, Playing Card Expert, And Animal Advocate

Lee Asher is best known for his lifelong dedication to animal rescue through his sanctuary, The Asher House, but his career spans far beyond rescue work. From winning international close-up magic championships as a teenager to serving as president of the world's premier playing card collectors club, his trajectory is unconventional. He carved out a distinct path by turning childhood passions into multifaceted professional endeavors.

Understanding his journey requires looking at his roots in professional magic, his expertise in rare playing cards, and his transition into a prominent animal welfare advocate. Each phase of his life reflects a commitment to mastering niche crafts and building communities around them.

Early Beginnings in Magic

Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Lee Asher grew up surrounded by sleight of hand. His father, an optometrist and semi-professional magician who learned from legendary New York magicians, introduced him to magic at an early age. This early exposure sparked an obsession with card magic and performance mechanics.

As a teenager, Asher didn't just perform existing tricks; he invented new techniques. At just fifteen years old, he created a sleight-of-hand move known as The Asher Twist, which earned attention within the tight-knit magic community. He competed in the International Brotherhood of Magicians conventions, taking first place in the Junior Close-Up category in both 1991 and 1992.

These wins opened doors to professional performing spaces. While studying at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he earned a degree in hospitality management, Asher worked in the local magic scene. He performed at Caesars Magical Empire inside Caesars Palace and studied the nuances of performance from master magicians like Michael Skinner. Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, he built a reputation as a world-class close-up magician, publishing original routines in niche industry publications like Apocalypse and Genii Magazine and appearing on television specials including NBC's World's Greatest Magic.

The Playing Card Expert and Collector

Beyond performance, Asher developed a deep expertise in the tools of his trade: playing cards. His fascination with the history, feel, and collectibility of decks made him a central figure in card collecting communities.

In 2016, he became the president of 52 Plus Joker, the American Playing Card Collectors club, marking the youngest tenure in the organization's history. He also took on the role of editor-in-chief for Card Culture magazine.

Asher is particularly well-known for his association with Jerry's Nugget playing cards, a legendary deck among collectors. He played a key role in raising awareness of the original decks and later spearheaded a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2019 to reissue authentic replicas, which drew backing from thousands of enthusiasts worldwide.

Transition to Animal Welfare and The Asher House

While magic and playing cards defined his early professional life, animals had always been a constant anchor. Growing up dealing with learning difficulties and bullying, Asher found solace in rescuing and fostering animals, including dogs, birds, and farm animals during his college years.

Eventually, this lifelong passion took center stage. Asher left behind his traditional touring life, packed an RV, and dedicated himself entirely to animal rescue. He founded The Asher House, an Oregon-based nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to rescuing abused, neglected, and abandoned animals and providing them with lifelong care.

Through social media documentation of his travels with his rescued pack of dogs, Asher built a massive digital audience. He uses this platform not only to highlight individual animal rescue stories but also to speak publicly about mental health, personal resilience, and turning adversity into purpose. Today, he tours theaters across North America, combining storytelling, advocacy, and live audience interaction to promote animal welfare and personal growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lee Asher best known for today?

Today, Lee Asher is primarily recognized as an animal advocate and the founder of The Asher House, a sanctuary for rescued animals. He is also famous for his extensive social media presence documenting his life traveling with rescued dogs.

Did Lee Asher have a career in magic?

Yes. Before focusing on animal rescue, Asher spent decades as a professional close-up magician and magic creator. He won international junior magic championships in the early 1990s, performed at Caesars Palace, and published numerous original sleight-of-hand techniques.

What is The Asher House?

The Asher House is a registered nonprofit sanctuary located in Oregon. It provides permanent shelter, rehabilitation, and medical care for animals that have been neglected, abused, or surrendered.

How did Lee Asher get involved with playing cards?

As a professional card magician, Asher developed a deep appreciation for the quality and history of playing cards. This expertise led him to become a prominent collector, historian, and eventually the president of the 52 Plus Joker playing card collectors club, as well as the driving force behind modern reissues of rare decks like Jerry's Nugget.