Although the details about Jay's death have not been revealed, the Brooklyn born actor's death was confirmed by his attorney Stan Coleman. Jay's partner at Deceptive Practices Michael Weber shared this heartfelt message via his Twitter: “I am sorry to share that my remarkable friend, teacher, collaborator and coconspirator is gone.”
In addition to starring in Paul Thomas Anderson's BOOGIE NIGHTS, Jay also appeared in MAGNOLIA, HBO's DEADWOOD, TOMORROW NEVER DIES, THE PRESTIGE, and THE BROTHERS BLOOM. He also acted as a consultant on OCEAN'S THIRTEEN, THE ILLUSIONIST, THE BELIEVERS, and SNEAKERS. The go-to man for his expertise on magic and con games, Jay worked with Francis Ford Coppola on THE ESCAPE ARTIST and Robert Redford on THE NATURAL to show him how to manipulate coins.
Jay was a rare breed who improved every picture he had a hand in making, and he will be missed by friends and family alike. He may have been born under the name Richard Jay Potash, but he will always be fondly remembered by us film fanatics as Ricky Jay, the magician, the artist, and the actor who brought joy to so many eager eyes on the big and small screen.
Rest easy.