Tommy Cooper

Date of Birth: March 19, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: April 15, 1984

Biography

Tommy Cooper was a renowned British comedian and magician, celebrated for his distinctive fez, comedic timing, and the ability to blend humor with magic tricks that often appeared to go hilariously wrong. Born on March 19, 1921, in Caerphilly, Wales, Cooper’s career began during his youth when he joined the British Army. There, he honed his magic skills, entertaining fellow soldiers. After World War II, Cooper transitioned to entertainment full-time, captivating audiences with his unique style. His television breakthrough came in the 1960s and 1970s, with shows like “The Tommy Cooper Hour” and “Cooper’s Half Hour,” which cemented his status as a national treasure in the UK. Cooper’s charm lay in his ability to make the audience laugh even when his tricks failed—often intentionally. Despite his comedic persona, Cooper was a skilled magician, a fact that added depth to his performances. Tragically, Cooper passed away on April 15, 1984, during a live television performance from a heart attack. His death shocked and saddened fans, but his legacy as one of Britain’s greatest comedians endures.

5 Interesting Facts about Tommy Cooper

1. Tommy Cooper was a member of The Magic Circle, a prestigious society for magicians.

2. He served in the British Army during World War II and entertained troops with his magic.

3. Cooper’s trademark fez came about while performing in Cairo, Egypt, where he adopted it as part of his act.

4. He frequently appeared on charity telethons, using his fame to support various causes.

5. Cooper’s sudden death occurred during a live broadcast of the variety show “Live From Her Majesty’s.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Tommy Cooper

1. “I used to be indecisive, but now I’m not so sure.”

2. “I’m on a whisky diet. I’ve lost three days already.”

3. “I went to the doctor. I said to him, ‘Doctor, it hurts when I do that.’ He said, ‘Well, don’t do it.’”

4. “A man walked into the doctor’s, he said, ‘I’ve hurt my arm in several places.’ The doctor said, ‘Well don’t go to those places.’”

5. “Last night I dreamt I ate a ten-pound marshmallow. When I woke up the pillow was gone.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Tommy Cooper’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Tommy Cooper had two children: 1. Thomas Henty (1942–1988) – He followed in his father’s footsteps to some extent, working in the entertainment industry. 2. Victoria Cooper – She has mostly remained out of the public eye.