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Daily Record
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Legendary magician Wayne Dobson dead aged 68
Wayne Dobson, the legendary magician who shot to fame in the 1980s, has died at the age of 68, his brother has confirmed. Magician Wayne Dobson, renowned for his razor-sharp wit and spectacular illusions, has passed away at the age of 68. His sibling broke the devastating news today, bringing to a close an extraordinary career that kicked off when Dobson became a member of the Leicester Magic Circle aged just 16 - making him the youngest person ever to achieve this feat. This early achievement signalled the start of a lifelong profession that would mesmerise audiences throughout the UK and further afield. Wayne's brother Phil Dobson shared the tragic announcement in an emotional statement. Phil penned: "It's with a broken heart that I share the news that my brother Wayne Dobson sadly passed away today. He was my best friend and I miss him already. RIP legend." His major breakthrough arrived after triumphing in the close-up competition at the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring Convention. This victory unlocked numerous opportunities, including a spot on the beloved children's show Blue Peter, which showcased his abilities to a wider viewership. Subsequently, Dobson's career flourished, establishing him as famous not just for his remarkable tricks but equally for his razor-sharp comedic timing, reports the Mirror. During the 1980s and 1990s, Dobson's profession soared to unprecedented levels as he embarked on tours across America supporting crooner Engelbert Humperdinck, and in 1989, he graced the stage at the esteemed Royal Variety Show. His performance was unforgettable, supported by heavyweight boxer Frank Bruno and sports commentator Harry Carpenter. He also presented his own television programme, Wayne Dobson, A Kind of Magic, establishing himself as a recognisable figure in British entertainment. In 1988, Dobson received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that could have brought many careers to a halt, yet he refused to allow the illness to control his life. Rather than being defeated, Dobson took on the role of ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre, committing himself to increasing awareness and providing support. He carried on creating and performing magic, modifying his performances when necessary, and even made a return to live shows as recently as 2022 with a performance at Haslemere Hall in Surrey. Marvin Berglas, President of The Magic Circle, offered his condolences regarding Dobson's influence on the magic world. He said: "The magic fraternity worldwide, and our society in particular, mourn the loss of Wayne Dobson, one of the great magicians of the late 20th century. "Wayne, our honorary vice-president, wowed millions with his TV shows in the 80s and 90s and his unforgettable appearance on the Royal Variety Show with Frank Bruno and Harry Carpenter brought the house down. "He did not allow the onset of MS to stop his ever inquisitive mind devising, creating, and inventing tricks to the end. We will miss him." Heartfelt tributes from those who knew Dobson personally highlighted the profound sense of loss experienced throughout the magic community. Business partner Mike Sullivan penned: "It is with a broken heart that my buddy, business partner, and mentor Wayne Dobson passed away peacefully today."
The Irish Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Legendary 1980s TV magician Wayne Dobson who dazzled millions with mind-bending tricks dies aged 68
FAMOUS magician Wayne Dobson has sadly died aged 68. His brother announced the tragic passing earlier today. Advertisement 2 Wayne was an ambassador for the MS Society after his own diagnosis Credit: Getty 2 Magician Wayne Dobson, 68, has sadly passed away Credit: PA:Press Association The star became the youngest ever member of the Leicester Magic Circle at age 16 after developing a love for magic at an early age. After winning the close-up competition at the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring Convention, he went on to perform on Blue Peter. This led to a long career as a successful magician, as he was loved for his witty sense of humour. Wayne went on to perform with the likes of Dame Shirley Bassey and Freddie Starr as a guest TV star. Advertisement Read more Showbiz His success continued to grow into the 1980s as he supported Engelbert Humperdinck on an American tour. Once he returned to the UK he performed at the 1989 Royal Variety Show where he was assisted by boxer Frank Bruno and sports commentator Harry Carpenter. He then hosted his own show called Wayne Dobson - A Kind of Magic. After he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1988 he became an ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Exclusive Determined to continue his magic, he returned to live performances with a show at Haslemere Hall in Surrey in 2022.
Scottish Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Legendary 1980s TV magician Wayne Dobson who dazzled millions with mind-bending tricks dies aged 68
Tributes have poured in from fellow magicians ICON GONE Legendary 1980s TV magician Wayne Dobson who dazzled millions with mind-bending tricks dies aged 68 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FAMOUS magician Wayne Dobson has sadly died aged 68. His brother announced the tragic passing earlier today. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Wayne was an ambassador for the MS Society after his own diagnosis Credit: Getty 2 Magician Wayne Dobson, 68, has sadly passed away Credit: PA:Press Association The star became the youngest ever member of the Leicester Magic Circle at age 16 after developing a love for magic at an early age. After winning the close-up competition at the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring Convention, he went on to perform on Blue Peter. This led to a long career as a successful magician, as he was loved for his witty sense of humour. Wayne went on to perform with the likes of Dame Shirley Bassey and Freddie Starr as a guest TV star. His success continued to grow into the 1980s as he supported Engelbert Humperdinck on an American tour. Once he returned to the UK he performed at the 1989 Royal Variety Show where he was assisted by boxer Frank Bruno and sports commentator Harry Carpenter. He then hosted his own show called Wayne Dobson - A Kind of Magic. After he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1988 he became an ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre. Determined to continue his magic, he returned to live performances with a show at Haslemere Hall in Surrey in 2022.
