Alex Magala


Alexandr Magala is a Moldovan entertainer and sword swallower who won Russia's Got Talent in 2014. He was also a finalist on Britain's Got Talent and Italia's Got Talent, a semi-finalist on Ukraine's Got Talent, and a quarter-finalist on America's Got Talent.

Early life and education

Magala was born to a poor family in Orhei, the administrative center of Orhei District in Moldova, with a population of 32,000. He moved to Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, to attend college. Soon after, he met friends with whom he formed a dance group; they went on to perform throughout the city.

Career

Magala moved to Hollywood in 2011 with no contacts in America. His first-ever payment was $4.50, which he earned by performing a sword swallowing act on Hollywood Boulevard. He often swallowed his own blood due to internal injuries; sometimes he was unable to eat for days.
In 2013, Magala was selected to participate in the TV show America's Got Talent, where he became a quarterfinalist and quickly gained popularity. He also reached the final of Italia's Got Talent and won Russia's Got Talent.
He went on to perform at the 2014 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Sochi. In 2016, he was a finalist in the tenth series of Britain's Got Talent, where his performances were pre-recorded in case he hurt himself. He finished in 9th place.
In 2019, he competed in Australia's Got Talent.

Awards and recognition