The details are unknown at this time but several Vegas magicians are reporting on Facebook Johnny Thompson, aka the Great Tomsoni, has passed away. A performer, inventor, consultant and the off screen judge on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Johnny has been a tremendous influence on the magic community for decades. He will be missed.
You can see more video on Tomsoni and Company on their official website.
Marshall Brodien, the magician who played Wizzo the Wizard on Chicago’s famous Bozo programs, has died due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 84. Above is WGN coverage of Brodien’s life and you can read more on the Chicago Tribune website.
A performer, club owner and magic dealer (perhaps best remembered in that regard for his TV Magic Cards and catch phrase “It’s easy once you know the secret”), Brodien was the spark for countless people to take up magic as a hobby or career.
Video shared by Scott Wells showing his visit to Gary Darwin’s home and magic museum in Las Vegas to record a podcast.
Although we have not found a newspaper story or obituary to post yet, there are multiple reports Gary Darwin passed away last night. Gary was well known for his video releases which covered everything from beginning magic and easy to build illusions to patter to his magic museum.
peacefully in his sleep after a brief battle with cancer.
Denny was a proud American and a Vietnam Veteran having served four tours of duty stationed near the mountains in Pleiku. Upon his return to the US, after serving his country, he began his career as a professional magician. All through the 1980′s and early 90’s he was a very successful corporate entertainer.
Scott Alexander talks to Denny Haney at the Denny & Lee Magic Shop is a YouTube video from a few years ago.
Sad news from Maryland. To quote the Denny & Lee Magic Shop Facebook Page:
Friends of the Magic Community,
It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of one of the greatest contributors to our art. Last night, Denny Haney passed. He wanted to give back to the magic community so he took the money he earned on the road, and opened up a studio where magicians could come and learn, practice their craft, rehearse and exchange ideas.
As many of you know, his daughter Dawn has been running the shop during his illness. We kindly ask that you respect his family’s privacy at this time and refrain from calling. We will continue to process orders in a few days. We will be updating with more information about Memorial Services as they become available.
Thank you,
The Denny & Lee Magic Studio
WWE video celebrating Gene Okerland’s induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame.
We know many, many iTricksters (including our own Justin Robert Young) are huge wrestling fans to this today and even more were greatly affected during their younger years by the drama and pageantry of the WWF. As such, we were saddened to hear of the passing of Mean Gene Okerlund, announcer extraordinaire at the age of 76. You can read more about the life and career of Mean Gene on the official WWE website.
Pete Biro passed away earlier this week; we still have not found an obituary. He was 85 and had suffered a stroke about a year ago, but we have not found an official cause of death. He was a performer, creator and author.
Let’s remember Pete as a performer with this clip from a Japanese TV special featuring his multiplying bottles routine…. on roller skates!
Newsweek coverage of the death of actor and magician Ricky Jay. Although known to most audiences as an actor in several David Mamet productions and HBO’s Deadwood, the magic community knew him to be a true master of sleight of hand and author of several books on the stranger side of magic history.