Sad news this morning as Greg Wilson has sent out an email announcing his father, pioneering television magician Mark Wilson, passed away early this week on Tuesday the 19th. I have actually had the pleasure of seeing Mark Wilson and Nani Darnell perform and, in fact, somewhere I have footage of them performing on the streets of Appleton, Wisconsin at a Houdini Days celebration. Between their magic shows and specials on television and Mark Wilson’s Complete Course In Magic the couple have launched countless people on a journey of magic, either as a hobby, career or simply as a devoted fan.
Unfortunately I am traveling today and already have a Video Friday program planned. Next week, though, we will pay proper video tribute to Mark Wilson.
iTricks has not found an official news report or confirmation from his website but reports are surfacing indicating master coin magician David Roth, seen above with David Letterman, has passed away at the age of 68. We will bring you more information when we find it.
Magic dealer Al Cohen passed away last week on December 13 at the age of 94. For decades he ran Al’s Magic Shop and was sure to be found among the pages of any magic magazine you cared to pick up. You can read more about the life and career of Al Cohen in this Washington Post article.
Bev Bergeron, one time Ronald McDonald and Rebo the Clown on the Magic Land of Allakazam with Mark Wilson and Nani Darnell, passed away Thursday December 3 after a stroke. The clip above features Bev with Harry Blackstone Jr.
David Maas, of the AGT alumni act Quick Change (aka David and Dania), passed away earlier this week of Covid-19 at the age of 57. The duo was also widely known to sports fans as they became a favorite halftime act, particularly around the NBA. You can read more about David’s life at Yahoo! Sports.
Walter “Zaney” Blaney, magic inventor and performer, has passed away according to several magic related social media and forum sources. Although we have not found an official notice or obituary, this unfortunately seems to be true.
Above is an appearance “Zaney” Blaney made on the Dinah Shore Show circa 1974 featuring some of his signature effects.
Magic dealer Al Cohen passed away last week on December 13 at the age of 94. For decades he ran Al’s Magic Shop and was sure to be found among the pages of any magic magazine you cared to pick up. You can read more about the life and career of Al Cohen in