Channing Pollock (August 16, 1926 – March 18, 2006) was an American magician and film actor. Renowned for his elegance and technical precision, he was recognized as one of the most sophisticated and charismatic practitioners of his craft. Pollock was best known for an act in which he elegantly produced doves out of the air, a routine that revolutionized 20th-century magic by replacing bulky props with pure manual dexterity. He was often billed as "the most beautiful man in the world." Pollock's early work as a magician was on the nightclub circuit.

By the mid-1950s, Pollock was unsurpassed in his field and inspired many imitators.

Pollock was highly skilled with sleight of hand and card manipulation. By molding doves from his ever graceful hands, Pollock signature act took him around the world and later transitioned into a successful career in international cinema.

Born in Cement, California, Channing West Pollock was a shy youth who lacked self-confidence despite his tall stature. In high school, he began dating Naomi Phelps, the daughter of a minister. To establish a stable future for their marriage, Pollock joined the United States Navy during World War II. Following his service, he attended college, but his direction changed after visiting the California State Fair. There, he witnessed a demonstration of a Svengali deck, which sparked a fascination with magic that became his lifelong vocation.

Lacking the funds for professional equipment, Pollock taught himself the craft by studying library books, including Jean Hugard's Modern Magic Manual. Despite the financial strain, he moved his family to Hollywood to attend the Chavez School of Magic, graduating in 1952.

The early years of his career were defined by extreme hardship. Pollock and Naomi traveled across North America in a trailer, with Pollock performing a manipulation act learned at Chavez. Recognizing that general audiences found long card routines disengaging, he sought a "hook" to elevate his performance. Inspired by the Mexican magician Cantú, Pollock began developing a dove production act. During this period, he worked a grueling circuit of nightclubs and strip clubs to support his wife and son, Russell.

In a final attempt to achieve success, Pollock traveled to New York to seek representation from agent Mark Leddy. After initial rejections, Leddy witnessed Pollock's act in Philadelphia and recognized his potential. Pollock was booked for The Ed Sullivan Show. While he was "bumped" twice due to time constraints, the appearance fees allowed him to finally pay mechanic Connie Hayden to complete a custom vanishing cage prop. His eventual debut on the show was a critical success, establishing him as a premier international entertainer.

This led to better gigs touring with radio and television star Jack Benny. During the tour, they were not only featured with the comedian, but also performed alongside future legend Sammy Davis Jr. At the end of the tour, Leddy had a surprise for the Pollocks when they performed for President Dwight D. Eisenhower.