In any case, Ehrich/Harry was not interested in those careers. He was a born showman who loved an audience. Furthermore, on stage as a magician, he became more powerful. He was the one in control, who could make people believe whatever he wanted. On stage he also stood above the audience physically. This was important to him since he was quite short - only 5' 4" (162 cm). All his life, he stood very straight and tried to make himself seem taller.