Today in Welsh history... 19 March 1921, Tommy Cooper, comedian and magician was born in Caerphilly.
At 6' 4", Cooper was famed for his large and lumbering appearance, his catchphrase "Just like that" and for his ever-present red fez, which he started wearing when he was stationed in Cairo as part of the NAAFI entertainment party during World War II. He served in the British Army for seven years, before developing his conjuring skills and becoming a member of The Magic Circle. Although he spent time on tour performing his magical act, which specialised in magic tricks that appeared to fail, he rose to international prominence when his career moved into television, with programmes for London Weekend Television and Thames Television.
Cooper collapsed and died during a 'Live From Her Majesty's' performance on Live TV on 15th April 1984.
At 6' 4", Cooper was famed for his large and lumbering appearance, his catchphrase "Just like that" and for his ever-present red fez, which he started wearing when he was stationed in Cairo as part of the NAAFI entertainment party during World War II. He served in the British Army for seven years, before developing his conjuring skills and becoming a member of The Magic Circle. Although he spent time on tour performing his magical act, which specialised in magic tricks that appeared to fail, he rose to international prominence when his career moved into television, with programmes for London Weekend Television and Thames Television.
Cooper collapsed and died during a 'Live From Her Majesty's' performance on Live TV on 15th April 1984.