The world of magic has lost one of its brightest and most resilient stars. British magician Wayne Dobson passed away this week at the age of 68 after several months of debilitating illness.
Wayne wasn’t just a magician—he was a force of charm, wit, and perseverance. Bursting onto British television screens in the late 1980s with his sharp humor and classic sleight-of-hand, Wayne quickly became a household name. His unique style earned him his own ITV series, Wayne Dobson – A Kind of Magic, which ran from 1991 to 1993 and featured model Linda Lusardi as his assistant.
Even after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at just 31, Wayne continued to perform and inspire. Many remember his unforgettable spot at the 1989 Royal Variety Performance, a career-defining moment that helped solidify his presence in the UK entertainment scene.
His illness may have tried to limit him—but Wayne had other plans. He continued touring well into the early 2000s, later pivoting to teaching and selling original illusions to magicians across the globe. His creativity lived on in every performer who learned from him.
In the 2010s, he became a powerful advocate for the MS Society, using his platform and passion to raise awareness and hope. The organization said it best: “He once said he wished he could make MS disappear. We won’t stop until that’s a reality.”
Today, we tip our hats—and our decks of cards—to Wayne Dobson. Thank you for the magic, the laughter, and the courage.
Rest easy, maestro.
