Paul Daniels was an English magician and entertainer best know for The Paul Daniels Magic Show. He was born Newton Edward Daniels on April 6, 1938 in South Bank, Middlesbrough. He attended Sir William Turners Grammar School and later served as a conscript during his national service. The 5ft 5in tall Daniels wore a wig for most of his career due to early hair loss. He worked as a junior clerk, an auditor, and in his family’s grocery business prior to his career.

Daniels developed an early interest in magic tricks after reading the book, How to Entertain at Parties. He started out performing locally at parties and various youth clubs. He was know for using the catchphrase, “You’ll like this, not a lot, but you’ll like it”.

In 1970, Daniels made his first television appearance competing on the talent show, Opportunity Knocks. He finished second place and was offered a spot on the variety show, The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club. The Paul Daniels Magic Show premiered on BBC1 in 1979. The series ended in 1994 following a 15 year run. Daniels also performed live in his own stage production ‘It’s Magic (1980-1982)’ at the Prince of Wales Theatre. He was honored with the ‘Magician of the Year’ Award in 1982 by the Academy of Magical Arts.

Paul Daniels died on March 17, 2016 at the age of 77. His reported cause of death was brain tumor. Daniels married his first wife ‘Jacqueline Skipworth’ in 1960 and they had three children, Gary, Paul and Martin. He then married ‘Debbie McGee’ from 1988 until his death in 2016. He’s survived by his wife and his three children.