Paul Daniels

This article is about the stage magician. For the American rower, see Paul Daniels (rower). For the conductor, see Paul Daniel.

Paul Daniels
Daniels in August 2013
Born
Newton Edward Daniels

(1938-04-06)6 April 1938
South Bank, North Riding of Yorkshire, England
Died17 March 2016(2016-03-17) (aged 77)
Wargrave, Berkshire, England
Occupations
  • Magician
  • television presenter
Years active1969–2016
Spouses
Jacqueline Skipworth
​
​
(m. 1960; div. 1975)​
​
(m. 1988)​
Children3, including Martin
Websitewww.pauldaniels.co.uk

Newton Edward "Paul" Daniels (6 April 1938 – 17 March 2016) was an English magician and television presenter. He achieved international fame through his television series The Paul Daniels Magic Show, which ran on the BBC from 1979 to 1994.

Daniels was known for his catchphrase "You'll like this... not a lot, but you'll like it!", and for his marriage to his assistant, Debbie McGee. He was awarded the "Magician of the Year" Award by the Academy of Magical Arts in 1982, the first magician from outside the United States to receive it. He also won the Golden Rose of Montreux in 1985. He was a Member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star.[1] He has been described as "The Godfather of Magic" and has been repeatedly credited with inspiring many top magicians to start in the profession.[2][3][4][5][6]

Daniels was outspoken on matters including politics, current affairs, magic, entertainment, and fellow celebrities. Towards the end of his life he also appeared in reality television shows.

  1. ^ "The Magic Circle President promotes a Knight, a Dragon and Student Doctor of Magic". The Magic Circle. 11 January 2013. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  2. ^ "Everybody who was anybody wanted to be on the Paul Daniels show". Chortle. 17 March 2016. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  3. ^ "Dynamo: "Paul Daniels was the godfather of magic". Big Issue. 17 March 2016. Archived from the original on 6 August 2016. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  4. ^ "Godfather of magic won't be retiring soon". Chronicle Live. 3 March 2013. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  5. ^ "David Copperfield pays tribute to inspiration Paul Daniels: "he was a brilliant magician"". Digital Spy. 18 March 2016. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  6. ^ "Paul Daniels's nephew auditions for Britain's Got Talent: 'I was always inspired by him'". Digital Spy. 6 April 2016. Retrieved 15 July 2016.