Heldin, born Egidio Russo, originally from Salento and now based in Rome, discovered a deep passion for magic at the age of 6. In 1982, at just 10 years old, he stepped onto the stage for the first time, launching his artistic career under the name Heldin.
As a magician, illusionist, and showman, Heldin has toured across Europe with his Magic Show "The Art of Illusion", performing on cruise ships, in theatres, casinos, and television studios.
He made his television debut in 1996 with Raffaella Carrà in the show Carramba Che Sorpresa, followed by appearances on numerous popular Italian TV programs, including:
Il Lotto alle 8, Uno Mattina, Festa Italiana, RAI Notte, Natale con Topo Gigio, Buona Domenica, Golden Circus, Maurizio Costanzo Show, I Soliti Ignoti, Stasera Tutto è Possibile, Italia Sì, Vieni da Me, Telethon, Detto Fatto, and more.
In addition, Heldin has worked as a magic consultant on major productions such as:
Rugantino (Teatro Sistina), Spot TV 10 e Lotto (with football legend Francesco Totti), Anche gli Avvocati Hanno un Cuore (directed by Enrico Brignano), Buon Compleanno TV (RAI's 50-year celebration directed by Gino Landi), and La Vedova Allegra (Teatro Brancaccio), among others.
Heldin was awarded the Leone d’Oro (Golden Lion) for Communication through Magic at the Venice Cinema Palace (broadcast by RAI Uno). He is the only illusionist in the world to have amazed, entertained, and involved the Pope in one of his magic acts — a moment captured on video and broadcast worldwide.
Today, Heldin offers both full-scale grand illusion shows for theatres and adaptable, prêt-à-porter magic performances perfect for galas and private events.