Australian stage magician and entertainment trailblazer Arthur Coghlan died earlier this month aged 93, just days after celebrating his birthday.
Coghlan brought a touch of magic, mystery and showbiz glamour to the Gold Coast for more than half a century.
His career as a professional ‘escapologist’ spanned decades and he leaves an incredible mark on the world of entertainment with his daring escape acts and innovative stage shows.
The internationally acclaimed magician became a household name thanks to his spectacular escape acts, including a legendary stunt where he freed himself from shackles on a roller coaster track just moments before the train sped past.
Affectionately known as ‘Australia’s Houdini’, Coghlan was also the founding force behind the Magic Mountain theme park at Nobby Beach, which became one of the Gold Coast’s most treasured tourist attractions until it closed in 1987.
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Australian stage magician and entertainment trailblazer Arthur Coghlan (pictured) died earlier this month aged 93, just days after celebrating his birthday
Throughout his career, Coghlan mesmerised audiences worldwide, including a memorable appearance on The Don Lane Show in 1979.
On the Channel Nine program, Coghlan was locked inside a 44-gallon drum, sealed in a box, and suspended by a crane – all live on television – and viewers across Australia saw him escape unharmed.
The segment drew the show’s highest ratings of the year and earned him a rare encore invitation the following week.
He featured on many other TV shows across his career, in which he showcased his incredible tricks, including Australian Story and Penn and Teller: Fool Us.
The former mechanic turned magician performed more than 6,000 live shows at the hilltop amusement park Magic Mountain alongside his daughter Helen, drawing crowds from around the world.
Born into the world of magic almost by chance, Coghlan’s journey began when he assisted in creating an illusion show while working as a mechanic.
Determined to honour a promise after the show’s owner passed away, Coghlan embarked on a career that would see him go on to become one of Australia’s most respected entertainers.
He was profiled on the ABC series Australian Story in 2022, which featured an interview with legendary American magician Penn Jillette, who said Coghlan’s magic skills were second-to-none.
Coghlan brought a touch of magic, mystery and showbiz glamour to the Gold Coast for more than half a century
His career as a professional ‘escapologist’ spanned decades and he leaves an incredible mark on the world of entertainment with his daring escape acts and innovative stage shows
‘Arthur has been bamboozling audiences, performing incredible escapes and making the impossible possible for years,’ Jillette said.
‘He and his daughter are two of the finest minds in magic!’
Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Coghlan.
‘Thoroughly enjoyed his shows. Gold Coast Legend,’ one person wrote.
‘He was a great man. Condolences to the family,’ a second added.
Coghlan was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2021 for his service to the performing arts, magic and escapology.
He is survived by his beloved wife Valma, their children Lynette, Jeffrey and Helen, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
