Wayne Dobson cause of death; 90s TV magician dies aged 68

Legendary magician Wayne Dobson, best known for his hit 80s television series Wayne Dobson – A Kind of Magic, has sadly passed away at the age of 68. His death was confirmed on July 7, 2025, just two days after celebrating his birthday.

Dobson had been living with multiple sclerosis since his diagnosis 37 years ago. Despite his illness, he remained a prominent figure in the world of magic and entertainment, continuing to inspire others through his work and courage.

His brother, Phil Dobson, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook: “It’s with a broken heart 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.”

His longtime business partner Mike Sullivan also posted: “My buddy, business partner, and mentor Wayne Dobson passed away peacefully today at 12:03. I will, of course, be adding more later, but for now…”

A Life of Magic and Laughter

Dobson discovered his love for magic at a young age. He became the youngest-ever member of the Leicester Magic Circle at just 16. He performed on Blue Peter and began working full-time as a magician at 21.

By the 1980s, Dobson was a rising star. He opened shows for stars like Shirley Bassey and Engelbert Humperdinck. One of his most memorable moments came in 1989 when he performed at the Royal Variety Performance.

In the early 1990s, he fronted his own successful ITV series, Wayne Dobson – A Kind of Magic, which drew millions of viewers every Saturday night.

Life with MS and Advocacy

Wayne’s life changed in 1988 when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic illness affecting the brain and spinal cord. As his condition progressed, he was forced to step back from performing.

Still, he never left the world of magic. Dobson became a respected lecturer, mentor, and ambassador for charities supporting people with MS.

His final TV appearance was in 2018 on Greatest TV Moments of the 1980s, where he looked back at his iconic career.

Personal Life and Challenges

Wayne was married twice. In 1999, he married Karen Dobson, and later he married Marianne Gomma, who also acted as his carer during the later years of his illness.

Their marriage ended in 2016 following reports of an affair between Marianne and Dobson’s friend Bobby Davro.

Dobson told The Mirror: “The divorce was stressful, but I’m over it now and focused on work. Magic has been my medicine. I don’t want a girlfriend. I feel most at home with magicians – they’re like my family.”

Tributes from the Magic World

The magic community has been flooded with tributes.

Fellow magician Shaun Ames said: “Wayne wasn’t just a legendary magician — he was one of the funniest, sharpest, most generous people I’ve ever known. He made millions laugh and inspired generations of magicians.”

Magician Keelan Leyser wrote: “Wayne Dobson was a huge inspiration to me. He never let the awful disease stop him. Thank you for the laughs, the advice, and the magic.”

Dobson’s legacy lives on in the memories of fans, friends, and the world of entertainment he helped shape.