Tommy Cooper was one of the most beloved and recognizable figures in British comedy and entertainment. He was known for his hilarious and often disastrous magic tricks, his trademark red fez, and his infectious laughter. He was also a skilled magician and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. In this blog post, we will explore his life, career, and legacy.
Early Life and Military Service
Tommy Cooper was born on March 19, 1921, in Caerphilly, Wales. He was a premature baby and the doctors doubted he would survive, but he proved them wrong and grew up to be a towering 6 feet 4 inches tall. He developed a passion for magic at the age of eight, when his aunt bought him a magic set. He practiced the tricks tirelessly and performed them for his family and friends
At the age of 19, he joined the Royal Horse Guards and served in the British Army for seven years, mostly in the Middle East. He entertained his fellow soldiers with his magic and comedy routines, and also performed for the locals. It was in Cairo that he acquired his signature fez, when he borrowed it from a waiter for a show. The fez became his trademark and he wore it for the rest of his career
Show Business Career
After leaving the army in 1947, Cooper decided to pursue a career in show business. He made his TV debut in 1948, on the BBC talent show New to You. He impressed the viewers and the critics with his unique style of comedy and magic, which involved deliberately messing up his tricks for comic effect. He also had a knack for making people laugh with his facial expressions, gestures, and catchphrases, such as “Just like that!” and “Spoon, jar, jar, spoon.”
He soon became a household name and a TV star, appearing in various shows and specials, such as The Tommy Cooper Hour, Cooper’s Half Hour, and The Tommy Cooper Show. He also performed on stage, radio, and film, and collaborated with other famous comedians, such as Eric Sykes, Jimmy Tarbuck, and Les Dawson. He was adored by the public and his peers, and received many awards and honors, such as the Variety Club of Great Britain 's BBC-TV Personality of the Year in 1969, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Comedy Awards in 1992
He was also a serious and accomplished magician, and a respected member of the Magic Circle. He could perform flawless and impressive tricks, but he preferred to use his magic skills for comedy. He once said, “I’m not a magician. I’m a comic who does magic tricks.” He had a vast collection of magic props and books, and was always looking for new and original ideas. He was admired by many magicians, such as Paul Daniels, David Copperfield, and Penn and Teller, who considered him an inspiration and a genius
Personal Life and Death
Cooper married Gwen Henty in 1947, and they had two children, Thomas and Vicky. He was a devoted family man, but he also had a turbulent personal life. He struggled with alcoholism, gambling, and depression, and had several affairs. He also suffered from poor health, and had a heart condition that required surgery in 1977
On April 15, 1984, Cooper collapsed and died on live TV, while performing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. He was 63 years old. The audience and the viewers initially thought it was part of his act, and laughed as he fell to the floor. It was only when the curtains closed and the show was cut off that they realized something was wrong. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital
His death was a shock and a tragedy for the nation, and he was mourned by millions of fans and fellow entertainers. His funeral was attended by over 400 people, and his grave in Eastbourne, East Sussex, bears the inscription “God Bless You”
Legacy
Tommy Cooper is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential comedians and magicians of all time. He has been voted as the funniest person ever by several polls and surveys, and his jokes and sketches are still popular and quoted today. He has also been the subject of many books, documentaries, and biographies, and his life and work have been celebrated in various tributes and exhibitions
He has inspired and influenced many comedians and magicians, who have praised his originality, timing, and charisma. He has also been immortalized in various forms of art and culture, such as statues, waxworks, stamps, and murals. He has a star on the Comedy Carpet in Blackpool, and a plaque on the wall of his birthplace in Caerphilly
Did He Write Any Books Or Plays?
Yes, he did. Tommy Cooper wrote several books and plays based on his comedy and magic. Some of his books are:
Tommy Cooper’s Just Like That! Jokes and Tricks (1976): A collection of his jokes, gags, and magic tricks for children and adults
Tommy Cooper’s Secret Diary (1979): A humorous diary of his life and career, with anecdotes, sketches, and photos
Tommy Cooper’s How to Make 'Em Laugh (1981): A guide to comedy and entertainment, with tips, advice, and examples from his own experience
Some of his plays are:
The Tommy Cooper Show (1974): A stage adaptation of his TV show, featuring his classic routines and new material
Being Tommy Cooper (2013): A play by Tom Green, set in 1954, when Cooper was offered a chance to perform in Las Vegas, but faced a dilemma between fame and family.
What Was Tommy Cooper's Most Famous Tv Show?
Tommy Cooper’s most famous TV show was The Tommy Cooper Hour, which aired on ITV from 1973 to 1975 It was a comedy and magic show, featuring his classic routines, new material, and musical guests .It was one of the most popular and successful shows of its time, and showcased Cooper’s unique style of humour and entertainment.
How Many Awards Did Tommy Cooper Win During His Career?
Tommy Cooper won at least three awards during his career They are:
The Variety Club of Great Britain 's BBC-TV Personality of the Year in 1969
The Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Comedy Awards in 1992
The Tommy Cooper Award, named after him and presented annually by Bayshore Broadcasting and The Sun Times to the person making the greatest contribution to agriculture and rural living in Grey and Bruce Counties
Tommy Cooper Net Worth
According to different sources, Tommy Cooper’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be between $1.5 million and $14 million. He made most of his wealth from his career as a comedian and magician, appearing on various TV shows, stage shows, radio shows, and films.
He also wrote several books and plays based on his comedy and magic. He was one of the most popular and influential entertainers of his time, and was voted as the funniest person ever by several polls and surveys
Controversy And Activism Of Tommy Cooper
Tommy Cooper was not known for being a controversial or activist figure, but he did have some incidents and opinions that could be considered as such. Here are some examples:
He was accused of plagiarism by fellow comedian and magician Ken Brooke, who claimed that Cooper had stolen some of his jokes and tricks. Cooper denied the allegations and said that he had bought the rights to use them from other sources
He was a supporter of the Conservative Party and a friend of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. He once performed at a party conference and made jokes about the Labour Party and the trade unions. He also attended Thatcher’s 60th birthday party at 10 Downing Street
He was involved in a legal dispute with his former manager Miff Ferrie, who sued him for breach of contract and unpaid fees. Cooper counter-sued for wrongful dismissal and defamation. The case was settled out of court in 1982.
He was criticized by some animal rights activists for using live animals, such as ducks and rabbits, in his magic acts. He defended his practice by saying that he treated the animals well and that they enjoyed being on stage.
Conclusion
Tommy Cooper was a legend and a genius, who made millions of people laugh and smile with his comedy and magic. He once said, “The secret of comedy is to make them laugh and make them think.” He certainly achieved that, and more. He was, and still is, a national treasure and a joy to watch. Just like that!
