Exclusive Interview: Rachel Ling Gordon Talks Overcoming Selective Mutism, Making History on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and More

Rachel Ling Gordon is swiftly emerging as one of the industry’s rising stars, showcasing a talent that shines with magic. With her diverse skills as an actor, singer, magician, voiceover artist, musician, and model, Rachel effortlessly transcends boundaries across various mediums. What makes her journey even more remarkable is her unwavering determination to pursue her dreams, triumphing over past challenges with selective mutism.

Most recently, Rachel achieved a historic milestone as the youngest magician ever to grace the stage of Penn & Teller: Fool Us, earning high praise from none other than Penn and Teller themselves, who hailed her as the future of magic.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Rachel about his trail-blazing career, making history on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and what’s ahead.

PC: How did your connection to performing help you overcome Selective Mutism? When did you first discover that passion for the arts and entertaining?
Rachel: From a young age, I have always loved singing and dancing at home for my family, but expressing myself in public was very challenging due to my anxiety. So, I started runway modeling without the pressure to speak. It was really hard at first, but seeing the audience light up with smiles boosted my confidence. Performing distracts me from my anxiety and became my therapy to help conquer Selective Mutism.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your life/career?
Rachel: My family has been the greatest influence in my life and career. They went above and beyond to get me all the help I needed. From doctors, teachers, counselors, coaches to friends, they brought a village of incredible people together as a strong team to help me. They believed in me and never gave up on me. I am forever grateful for their dedication and support that made all the difference. Additionally, David Copperfield’s greatest magic also inspires me to dream and live the impossible!

PC: You’ve had so much success. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out?
Rachel: A special moment that stands out for me is when I was seven years old and landed the role of Cindy Lou Who in the Broadway National Tour. Right before that, I faced rejection from several talent agencies due to my selective mutism and felt really sad. But instead of giving up, I decided to try out for a nationwide open casting. After numerous auditions and callbacks, I was thrilled to get the part! Stepping onto the stage gave me the courage to push past my comfort zone. With each show, I transformed into a new version of myself and felt empowered that I could do anything from then on!

PC: You recently made history on Penn & Teller: Fool Us Season 10. How did this opportunity come across your path? Did anything surprise you about that experience?
Rachel: I have watched Penn & Teller: Fool Us since I was young, but I never thought I’d actually get on the show, let alone make history! It feels surreal to be the youngest magician in all ten seasons of this incredible TV series that showcases the best magicians around the world!

My first taste of magic was when I was in preschool. At that time, I was suffering from selective mutism and severe anxiety, but watching magic gave me so much joy and hope. During the pandemic when I was eight, I started learning tricks and wanted to be a magician when I grew up.

Two years later, when I heard about the open casting call, I submitted a video showcasing my story and magic. Through multiple auditions, the creative team on Fool Us, along with master mentors Jeff McBride, Mike Close, and Natalie Breitenmoser, provided brilliant ideas and guided me in improving my performance.

I will never forget the moment when I received the call while in Vegas, on my way to watch Mat Franco, sharing the great news that I’d be on the show and I was the first they booked for the season!

My Penn & Teller experience made me realize dreams do come true as long as I persevere and work hard towards my goals. Kindness filled every step of my Fool Us journey, with the supportive team cheering me on and the live audience showering me with a standing ovation. Penn & Teller, the legendary duo, called me “The Future of Magic” and took a special trip backstage to personally congratulate me on my performance. Their recognition means the world to me!

PC: What advice would you give to any aspiring young kids who want to follow in your footsteps?
Rachel: My advice to any aspiring young kids who want to follow in my footsteps is simple: Embrace your unique self and recognize the special gift you have. Follow your passion, do what makes you happy, and above all, never give up on your dreams!

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2024, what does the year hold for you?
Rachel: In 2024, my focus remains on my education as a full-time 6th-grade student in a public school. However, outside of school, I’ll continue to pursue my passions as a professional actor, singer, magician, voiceover artist, pianist, model, and more. Ultimately, my dream is to merge all my talents into creating my own show someday. Yet, nothing brings me greater joy than serving as an ambassador for the Selective Mutism Association and SMart Center, sharing my story to spread awareness and bring inspiration. Excitingly, following my appearance on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, I received an invitation from the producers of America’s Got Talent, so be sure to stay tuned for what’s next!

To keep up with Rachel, follow her on Instagram.

Photo Credit: Yolanda Perez Photography LLC