Illusionist David Copperfield's performances often involve some scary endeavors, like hanging over flaming spikes while wearing a straitjacket and escaping just before the ropes holding him in place burn through.

Does he do it for the thrill? Not really.

"Every single physical challenge is based on either a nightmare or a fear I'm trying to get over," he told The Associated Press.

Copperfield, 44, said past performances have cured him of fears of drowning and heights, and now he's ready to take on his fear of fire.

His next feat, "Copperfield! Tornado of Fire," airs Tuesday on CBS.

He plans to stand in the center of a flaming tornado, which he calls a "beautiful, dangerous, scary vortex." He insists it's not an illusion.

"It's all examinable and real," he said. "I might be killing myself on TV."

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