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Tommy Cooper - Magician
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Tommy Cooper

description Tommy Cooper Overview

Tommy Cooper (1921–1984) was a British comedian-magician famous for his red fez and deliberately bungled tricks, becoming one of the most beloved comic entertainers in UK history.

insights Why this score

Tommy Cooper ranks #27 of 328 in the Magician ranking, behind Harlan Tarbell, ahead of Paul Harris.

Iconic comedy magician with enormous UK affection, enduring television reputation, and distinctive failed-magic persona admired beyond magic circles.

help Tommy Cooper FAQ

Were Tommy Cooper's failed magic tricks actually mistakes?

Most of Cooper's apparent failures were carefully rehearsed comedy routines performed by a trained magician. His timing depended on making a trick collapse, revealing the wrong object, or unexpectedly succeeding after the audience assumed another failure was coming.

Why did Tommy Cooper always wear a red fez?

The red fez became Cooper's instantly recognizable stage costume after he encountered the headwear while serving in the Middle East during the Second World War. He paired it with his large physical presence and catchphrases such as "Just like that" throughout his television career.

What television programs featured Tommy Cooper?

Cooper fronted British programs including Cooperama, Life with Cooper, and The Tommy Cooper Hour. He also appeared frequently as a guest on variety shows produced by the BBC, Thames Television, and London Weekend Television.

What happened during Tommy Cooper's final performance?

Cooper suffered a fatal heart attack onstage during the live ITV program Live from Her Majesty's on 15 April 1984. Because collapsing was consistent with his act, members of the audience initially continued laughing before the broadcast cut away.

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