Fairmont State University welcomed internationally acclaimed illusionist and escape artist Matt Johnson as the final guest for the spring 2025 installment of the Presidential Speaker Series, Appalachian Resilience.
Known for his breathtaking performances and compelling personal story, Johnson headlined two public events that captivated the campus and surrounding community.
With more than 30 years of experience and global appearances on “America’s Got Talent,” “Britain’s Got Talent,” “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” and “The World’s Best,” Johnson brought both spectacle and substance to his visit. He blended a mesmerizing performance with reflections on adversity, perseverance, and personal growth.
“Matt Johnson is more than just a performer — he’s also a storyteller who uses illusion to reveal deeper truths about the human experience,” said Fairmont State President Mike Davis. “Although he is originally from the United Kingdom, his story of resilience resonates here in Appalachia. We were honored to have him share his talent and perspective with our community.”
On April 30, Johnson performed in the Falcon Center before an audience of nearly 400 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. The show featured jaw-dropping illusions, mind reading, and comedy, all delivered with Johnson’s signature storytelling flair.
On May 1, Johnson gave a presentation and joined President Davis for a fireside chat in the Falcon Center Conference Rooms. The intimate conversation offered behind-the-scenes insight into his most famous performances and the challenges that shaped his life and career. He spoke about confronting personal loss, the mental and physical demands of escape artistry, and the importance of staying true to one’s passion.
In his presentation, Never Give Up: The Power of Persistence, Johnson shared how his success didn’t come easily. He didn’t land his breakthrough performance on “Britain’s Got Talent” until age 45 and credited the encouragement of loved ones for keeping him motivated throughout the journey.
“My biggest belief is that the greatest gift we have as human beings is the ability to inspire others,” Johnson said. “You don’t know what people are going through. You don’t know what they’ve endured. But you can inspire others with your journey.”
He also shared how personal experiences have influenced his most iconic stunt — escaping from a locked water tank while handcuffed, with a chain around his neck. This escape was inspired by his brother, who lives with Tuberous Sclerosis, a genetic disorder that causes noncancerous tumors to grow in the brain and other organs.
“I watched my brother suffer through three seizures and fall into a coma,” Johnson said. “When I came home, I told my wife that I needed to understand what it feels like for him to be conscious, aware, and trapped in his body — unable to breathe. That’s what my act represents. That’s what it’s like for my brother: to be trapped underwater. And he experiences that every day of his life.”
Johnson spoke candidly about the struggles he faced early in his career. He described years of trial and error, rejection and discouragement. But he held tightly to his mantra — “never give up” — which he eventually had tattooed on his hand as a reminder to keep going.
He closed his presentation with a heartfelt message encouraging attendees to pursue their passions without regret.
“If you take nothing else away from this, please take this: the second you walk out that door, your life starts tomorrow. Make it count,” Johnson said. “We don’t get do-overs. Don’t get to the end of your life and think, ‘I wish I’d done this.’ Yes, we all have bills to pay. But if you find your passion and pursue it, it might take time, but you can do it.”
To learn more about the Presidential Speaker Series, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/about/president/speaker-series.aspx.
To learn more about Johnson and his performances, visit www.likemattjohnson.com.
