Paul Daniels facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Daniels
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Daniels in August 2013
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| Born |
Newton Edward Daniels
6 April 1938 South Bank, England
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| Died | 17 March 2016 (aged 77) Wargrave, England
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| Years active | 1969–2016 |
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| Children | 3, including Martin |
Newton Edward Daniels (born 6 April 1938, died 17 March 2016), known to everyone as Paul Daniels, was a very famous English magician and TV host. He became known all over the world for his amazing TV show, The Paul Daniels Magic Show. This show was on the BBC for many years, from 1979 to 1994.
Paul Daniels was famous for his funny catchphrase: "You'll like this... not a lot, but you'll like it!" He was also known for being married to his assistant, Debbie McGee. She often helped him with his incredible tricks. In 1982, he won a big award called "Magician of the Year." He was the first magician from outside America to get this honor. People called him "The Godfather of Magic" because he inspired many other magicians.
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Paul Daniels: How His Magic Began
Paul Daniels was born on 6 April 1938. His real name was Newton Edward Daniels. He grew up in a place called South Bank in Middlesbrough, England. His dad, Handel, worked as a movie projector operator. He also worked for a big company called ICI.
After school, Paul had a few different jobs. He worked in an office for a while. He was also a soldier in the army as part of his national service. This was a time when young men had to serve in the military. He even went to Hong Kong during his service.
Paul's hair started to get thin when he was young. He joked that this was "magic"! For most of his TV career, he wore a wig. After the army, he helped his parents with their grocery store. Later, he started his own shop, which was sometimes a van. But he eventually stopped this to focus on becoming a magician.
He chose the name "Paul" after his first son, born in 1960. His birth name was Newton Edward Daniels, and people called him Ted. But he thought "Paul Daniels" sounded better for a performer.
Becoming a Star Magician
Paul's love for magic started when he was just 11 years old. He read a book called How to Entertain at Parties while on holiday. That book sparked his interest in magic. He started doing magic tricks as a hobby for friends. He performed at parties and youth clubs. When he was in the army, he even put on shows for the other soldiers.
After leaving the army, he kept practicing his magic. He would perform in clubs at night. During the day, he still worked in his grocery business. Paul joined the Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians. He created an act with his first wife, Jackie. They called themselves "The Eldani's," which is a mixed-up version of the name Daniels. It was during these club shows that he first said his famous catchphrase. He said he thought of it to deal with someone who was interrupting his show.
First Steps onto Television
A big change happened for Paul in 1969. He was asked to perform for a whole summer in Newquay. This made him decide to sell his grocery shop. He became a full-time magician. His first time on TV was in 1970. He appeared on a popular talent show called Opportunity Knocks. He came in second place!
A TV producer named Johnnie Hamp saw him on that show. Soon after, Paul got a regular part on another TV show. It was called The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club.
The Paul Daniels Magic Show
In 1978, Paul got his own Sunday night TV show. It was called Paul Daniels' Blackpool Bonanza. Then, the BBC gave him his first series, For My Next Trick. This show featured Paul with other magicians and a singer. This success led to his most famous show, The Paul Daniels Magic Show. It started on BBC1 in 1979 and ran until 1994.
On his magic show, Paul did amazing tricks and illusions. He also had a part called the "Bunco Booth." Here, he showed how some street tricksters try to fool people. He also had a segment called Under Laboratory Conditions. In this part, he would copy things that some people claimed were due to paranormal powers. He did this to show that these things could often be explained by clever tricks.
Paul also had his own popular stage show called It's Magic. It played in London at the Prince of Wales Theatre from 1980 to 1982. It was one of the longest-running magic shows in London! By then, he was working with Debbie McGee. Debbie would later become his wife. She became a very important part of his act as his assistant. She first worked with him in 1979 during his summer show.
Other TV Shows and Wizbit
Besides his magic shows, Paul hosted other TV programs. These included three quiz shows on BBC1: Odd One Out, Every Second Counts, and Wipeout. He also hosted a children's TV show called Wizbit. This show was about a magician named Wizbit and his rabbit friend, Woolly. They lived in a place called Puzzleopolis. In 1987, he also helped out as a timekeeper on a fun charity TV event. It was called The Grand Knockout Tournament.
A Spooky Halloween Special
In 1987, Paul hosted a very memorable Halloween live special of his magic show. He performed a dangerous-looking escape trick. It was like the famous magician Harry Houdini. He escaped from a device called an iron maiden. The trick was set up to make viewers think something had gone wrong. But it was all part of the act. It was later shown that he had escaped safely!
In 1988, Paul was featured on the TV show This Is Your Life. This was a show where famous people were surprised. Their life stories were then told.
Later Career and Fun Appearances
Paul and Debbie were featured in a 2001 BBC documentary. It was called When Louis Met.... Paul also made funny appearances on other shows. In 2004, Paul and Debbie were on the reality TV show The Farm. In 2006, they sang on The X Factor: Battle of the Stars. They also appeared on Wife Swap in 2007.
In 2010, Paul danced on the popular show Strictly Come Dancing. His partner was Ola Jordan. Although they didn't win, it was fun to watch.
In 2011, Paul was filming with the puppet Sooty. He got hit by a flying pizza! He had to go to a hospital to get his eye cleaned. That same year, he and his son Martin appeared on the magic show Penn & Teller: Fool Us. In 2012, Paul and Debbie were on All Star Mr & Mrs on ITV.
Paul continued to tour and perform. He went on 'The Best of British Variety Tour' in 2008 and 2010. He performed with other famous entertainers. In 2013, he and Debbie did their 'First Farewell Tour'. Then they jokingly called their next tour the 'Back Despite Popular Demand Tour'. Their last big show was a pantomime. It was a type of play often performed at Christmas. It was called Aladdin in late 2015 and early 2016.
Amazing Awards for an Amazing Magician
Paul Daniels won many awards for his incredible magic skills. Here are some of them:
- In 1964, when he was still called "Ted Daniels," he won the "Zina Bennett Trophy." This was from a group of British magicians.
- A huge honor came in 1982. He received the 'Magician of the Year' Award. This was from the Academy of Magical Arts. He was the first magician from outside the USA to win this!
- In 1985, an Easter special of The Paul Daniels Magic Show won the Golden Rose of Montreux Award. This is a big prize for TV shows.
- The Magic Circle, a famous society for magicians, gave him 'The Maskelyne' award in 1988. This was for his contributions to British magic.
- The Magic Circle also gave him 'The Devant' award in 2007. This was for his work in international magic. They gave him 'The Carlton Comedy Award' in 2012 for his funny performances.
- In 2011, he received the "Great Lafayette Award." This was from the Edinburgh International Magic Festival.
Paul's Thoughts and Family Life
Paul Daniels sometimes shared his opinions on different topics. He supported the Conservative Party. This is one of the main political parties in the UK.
He had strong views about magic and entertainment. Paul preferred to go to magic events in other countries. He felt more respected there. He also shared his thoughts on other magicians and TV shows.
Paul Daniels was married twice. His first wife was Jacqueline Skipworth. They married in 1960. They had three sons: Gary, Paul, and Martin. Martin Daniels also became a magician. He sometimes appeared on his dad's TV show. Paul's parents were very supportive. His father often built props for his magic tricks. His mother would sew the curtains for his stage shows.
In 1988, Paul married his second wife, Debbie McGee. Debbie was his assistant for many years. She was a big part of his magic act. They first met in 1979 when they were preparing for one of Paul's summer shows. They worked together for a long time before getting married. They lived in a house near the River Thames in a village called Wargrave, Berkshire.
Paul had a website where he shared information about his life. He also wrote a blog. In 2012, Paul had an accident and injured his hand, but he recovered.
Saying Goodbye to a Legend
In February 2016, Paul Daniels had a fall. He went to the hospital. Doctors found out he had a brain tumour that could not be cured.
Paul Daniels passed away on 17 March 2016. He was at his home in Wargrave. He was 77 years old. He left behind a legacy of wonderful magic and entertainment. Many people still remember and enjoy his work.
