Latest news with #RoyalVarietyShow
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary 80s magician and TV star Wayne Dobson dies aged 68
Celebrated 80s magician and TV star Wayne Dobson has died aged 68. At the peak of his fame, he had his own TV series, Wayne Dobson – A Kind of Magic, which ran from 1990 until 1992. Phil Dobson announced that his brother had died on Monday via a statement on Facebook. "It's with a broken heart that I share the news that my brother Wayne Dobson sadly passed away today," he wrote. "He was my best friend and I miss him already. RIP legend." From the age of 16, his story with magic began when he became the youngest ever member of the Leicester Magic Circle. Dobson made his TV debut on Blue Peter after he won a competition with the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring Convention. It was this success that spurred him on to become a magician full-time at the age of 21. Dobson starred as the opening act on tour for Dame Shirley Bassey and Freddie Starr. In 1988, he cracked America when he went on tour with Engelbert Humperdinck across Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Atlantic City and Chicago. It was a success. The magician put on an impressive performance at the 1989 Royal Variety Show in front of Queen Elizabeth, where he was assisted by boxing's Frank Bruno and sports commentator Harry Carpenter. In 1988, Dobson was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis behind the scenes but he continued to perform magic. Never letting it stop his love of performing and magic, his most recent performance was at Haslemere Hall in Surrey in 2022. According to the NHS, it is a condition that affects the brain and the spinal cord. The magician became an ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (MSRC) charity. Dobson previously spoke about his experience of having multiple sclerosis (MS). "I respect my illness but MS definitely makes my life more complicated," he told The Express in 2016. "Overall though, I feel lucky to still be living my dream. Magic definitely keeps me going." Also in 2016, the magician divorced his wife Marianne. He was quoted by The Mirror saying: "The divorce has been one of the most stressful things to deal with because it just dragged on. But I am over it now and just focused on work... I don't want a girlfriend. I feel most at home with magicians — they're like my family." In the wake of Dobson's death, people in the magic world have paid tribute to the magic legend. President of The Magic Circle, Marvin Berglas, 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 boxing commentator 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." Business partner Mike Sullivan wrote: "It is with a broken heart that my buddy, business partner, and mentor Wayne Dobson passed away peacefully today."
West Australian
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Wayne Dobson: Legendary English magician who amazed millions with his tricks dies at the age of 68
To those into the art of magic, he was a legend. To everyone else, he was simply magical. Wayne Dobson was interested in performing tricks and illusions from an early age and quickly mastered the art. The Englishman became the youngest ever member of the Leicester Magic Circle at 16 and went on to perform on a number of popular TV series that were shown on TV across the world, including Blue Peter in the UK. His brilliance and love of magic combined with his witty and engaging manner put him on the road to stardom. Dobson went on to perform with stars including Dame Shirley Bassey and Freddie Starr. His success continued to grow into the 1980s as he supported balladeer Engelbert Humperdinck on a tour of the US. He then hosted his own show, Wayne Dobson — A Kind of Magic. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1988. He died on Monday at the age of 68. Tributes flowed in for the popular magician, who became an ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre and was still performing live until 2022. '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,' The Magic Circle president Marvin Berglas said. '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 boxing commentator 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.' Family, friends and other magicians also honoured Dobson. 'It's with a broken heart that I share the news that my brother Wayne Dobson sadly passed away today,' his brother Phil Dobson said. 'He was my best friend and I miss him already. RIP legend.' Business partner Mike Sullivan posted on social media: 'It is with a broken heart that my buddy, business partner and mentor Wayne Dobson passed away peacefully today at 12.03.' Fans also expressed their grief. 'So sorry to hear about Wayne Dobson passing,' one said. Another commented: 'A magnificent comedian & illusionist and a wonderful friend. Devastating blow to magic …' A third added: 'Another sad day for magicians worldwide. Rest In Peace, Wayne Dobson. 'You will be missed by so many. God bless you. You truly was an inspiration to everyone you met. Sleep well x.'
Perth Now
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Legendary magician who amazed millions with his tricks dies
To those into the art of magic, he was a legend. To everyone else, he was simply magical. Wayne Dobson was interested in performing tricks and illusions from an early age and quickly mastered the art. The Englishman became the youngest ever member of the Leicester Magic Circle at 16 and went on to perform on a number of popular TV series that were shown on TV across the world, including Blue Peter in the UK. His brilliance and love of magic combined with his witty and engaging manner put him on the road to stardom. Dobson went on to perform with stars including Dame Shirley Bassey and Freddie Starr. Wayne Dobson died at the age of 68. Credit: Supplied His success continued to grow into the 1980s as he supported balladeer Engelbert Humperdinck on a tour of the US. He then hosted his own show, Wayne Dobson — A Kind of Magic. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1988. He died on Monday at the age of 68. Tributes flowed in for the popular magician, who became an ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre and was still performing live until 2022. '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,' The Magic Circle president Marvin Berglas said. '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 boxing commentator 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.' Family, friends and other magicians also honoured Dobson. 'It's with a broken heart that I share the news that my brother Wayne Dobson sadly passed away today,' his brother Phil Dobson said. 'He was my best friend and I miss him already. RIP legend.' Wayne Dobson fell in love with the art of magic from an early age. Credit: Supplied Business partner Mike Sullivan posted on social media: 'It is with a broken heart that my buddy, business partner and mentor Wayne Dobson passed away peacefully today at 12.03.' Fans also expressed their grief. 'So sorry to hear about Wayne Dobson passing,' one said. Another commented: 'A magnificent comedian & illusionist and a wonderful friend. Devastating blow to magic …' A third added: 'Another sad day for magicians worldwide. Rest In Peace, Wayne Dobson. 'You will be missed by so many. God bless you. You truly was an inspiration to everyone you met. Sleep well x.'
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."
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Iconic 80s TV magician Wayne Dobson dies aged 68 amid battle with multiple sclerosis
Iconic 80s magician Wayne Dobson has died aged 68. The entertainer's brother Phil confirmed the sad news on Monday with a statement on Facebook which read: '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.' Wayne's passing comes amid his battle with multiple sclerosis, which he was diagnosed with in 1988. Wayne became the youngest member of Leicester Magic Circle at age just 16 after showing an interest in magic from an early age. After winning the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring Convention, he went on to appear on Blue Peter, which in turn sparked a successful career for him. Wayne went on to perform with the likes of Dame Shirley Bassey and Freddie Starr, while he also as supported Engelbert Humperdinck on an American tour. As his popularity continued to soar in the 80s, Wayne went on to perform on the 1989 Royal Variety Show, where he was assisted by boxing champ Frank Bruno and sports commentator Harry Carpenter. In 1990, Wayne hosted his own TV series A Kind of Magic alongside Linda Lusardi. Amid his flourishing career, Wayne was dealt a blow when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1988, with the star going on to become an ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre. Despite his illness, he continued with live magic, returning to the stage with a show at Haslemere Hall in Surrey in 2022. Amid his passing, his business partner Mike Sullivan shared :'It is with a broken heart that my buddy, business partner and mentor Wayne Dobson passed away peacefully today at 12:03', reports The Sun. While President of The Magic Circle, Marvin Berglas, 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 boxing commentator Harry Carpenter brought the house down. Fans also took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their grief and sadness over Wayne's passing '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.' Fans also took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their grief and sadness over Wayne's passing. They penned: 'So sorry to hear about Wayne Dobson passing. A magnificent comedian & illusionist and a wonderful friend. Devastating blow to magic…' 'Another sad day for magicians worldwide. Rest In Peace, Wayne Dobson. You will be missed by so many. God bless you. You truly was an inspiration to everyone you met. Sleep well x.' 'Sad news tonight that brilliant magician Wayne Dobson has passed away. Poor fella struggled for years with MS. R.I.P to a great entertainer.' 'What a sad day in the magic world. RIP the amazing Wayne Dobson.'
