Wayne Dobson, Iconic 80s TV Magician, Dies at 68 from MS

Iconic 80s magician Wayne Dobson has died aged 68.

The entertainer’s brother Phil confirmed the sad news on Monday with a statement on Facebook which read: ‘It’s with a broken heart that I share the news that my brother Wayne Dobson sadly passed away today.

‘He was my best friend and I miss him already. RIP legend.’

Wayne’s passing comes amid his battle with multiple sclerosis, which he was diagnosed with in 1988.

Wayne became the youngest member of Leicester Magic Circle at age just 16 after showing an interest in magic from an early age.

After winning the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring Convention, he went on to appear on Blue Peter, which in turn sparked a successful career for him.

Iconic 80s magician Wayne Dobson has died aged 68 [pictured in 1990]

Wayne’s passing comes amid his battle with multiple sclerosis, which he was diagnosed with in 1988 [pictured with ex-wife Marianne in 2001]

Wayne went on to perform with the likes of Dame Shirley Bassey and Freddie Starr, while he also as supported Engelbert Humperdinck on an American tour.

As his popularity continued to soar in the 80s, Wayne went on to perform on the 1989 Royal Variety Show, where he was assisted by boxing champ Frank Bruno and sports commentator Harry Carpenter.

In 1990, Wayne hosted his own TV series A Kind of Magic alongside Linda Lusardi.

Amid his flourishing career, Wayne was dealt a blow when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1988, with the star going on to become an ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre.

Despite his illness, he continued with live magic, returning to the stage with a show at Haslemere Hall in Surrey in 2022.

Amid his passing, his business partner Mike Sullivan shared :’It is with a broken heart that my buddy, business partner and mentor Wayne Dobson passed away peacefully today at 12:03′, reports The Sun.

While President of The Magic Circle, Marvin Berglas, said: ‘The magic fraternity worldwide, and our society in particular, mourn the loss of Wayne Dobson, one of the great magicians of the late 20th century.

‘Wayne, our honorary vice-president, wowed millions with his TV shows in the 80s and 90s and his unforgettable appearance on the Royal Variety Show with Frank Bruno and boxing commentator Harry Carpenter brought the house down.

Wayne became the youngest member of Leicester Magic Circle at age just 16 after showing an interest in magic from an early age

In 1990, Wayne hosted his own TV series A Kind of Magic alongside Linda Lusardi [pictured]

Fans also took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their grief and sadness over Wayne’s passing

‘He did not allow the onset of MS to stop his ever inquisitive mind devising, creating and inventing tricks to the end. We will miss him.’

Fans also took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their grief and sadness over Wayne’s passing.

They penned: ‘So sorry to hear about Wayne Dobson passing. A magnificent comedian & illusionist and a wonderful friend. Devastating blow to magic…’

‘Another sad day for magicians worldwide. Rest In Peace, Wayne Dobson. You will be missed by so many. God bless you. You truly was an inspiration to everyone you met. Sleep well x.’

‘Sad news tonight that brilliant magician Wayne Dobson has passed away. Poor fella struggled for years with MS. R.I.P to a great entertainer.’

‘What a sad day in the magic world. RIP the amazing Wayne Dobson.’