logo

Johnny 'The Great Tomsoni' Thompson dies at 84

Ra'eesah Manack
Mar 14, 2019
11:51 A.M.

Johnny Thompson, also known as “The Great Tomsoni,” died in Las Vegas on March 9. He was 84.Versatile showman and famous Magician Johnny Thompson was better known as the “great Tomsoni.” He was well known for his performances which combined music, magic, comedy, and drama.

Advertisement

The great magician has passed on at the age of 84. He died on March 9, 2019, in Las Vegas. The same city he made his debut with the Harmonicats back in 1951.

His career spanned decades. The magician was born in Chicago in 1934 and began his career as a musician and musical arranger. He played the harmonica and toured with Jerry Murad’s Harmonicats.

He later joined the comedy team of Lewis and Christie and developed his comedy magic act, "The Great Tomsoni."

Advertisement

His comedy magic career began as a supporting act in Nevada casinos for performers including Carol Channing, Eddie Fisher, Ed Ames. Thompson’s wife, Pamela Hayes, joined his act as the assistant.

His act went on to star in many Las Vegas shows. He even made multiple appearances on talk shows hosted by Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas, Dinah Shore, and Dick Cavett.

Thompson later became a magic consultant for six seasons of The CW Network’s “Penn and Teller: Fool Us!” He also served as magical technical advisor for television and film productions such as “Hart to Hart” and “Fantasy Island” and wrote material for performers including Siegfried & Roy, Doug Henning, David Blaine, and Criss Angel.

Thompson is survived by his wife and performing partner Pam.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

These 5 Girls Are '90s Idols and One of Whom Is Married to a Famous Soccer Player – Quiz

December 20, 2023

Laura Bargatze Is Nate Bargatze’s Wife of Almost 2 Decades – Facts about Her

January 16, 2024

Dana Carvey’s Son, Dex, Passes Away: 'Last Night We Suffered a Terrible Tragedy'

November 16, 2023

John Candy’s Lookalike Daughter Celebrates 44th Birthday & ‘Father Shines Through’ in Her Smile in a Pic

February 08, 2024

John Candy’s Lookalike Daughter Celebrates 44th Birthday & ‘Father Shines Through’ in Her Smile in a Pic

February 05, 2024

This Actress, Who Gave Elvis His First On-Screen Kiss, Left Hollywood for Life in Monastery When ‘God Called’

November 30, 2023

This Woman Married a 'Days of Our Lives' Actor – He Still Calls Her a Diva after 24 Years of Marriage

December 08, 2023

Magician Saves Me From Abuser – Story of the Day

December 20, 2023

5 Forgotten Teen Idols – Inside the Lives of Celebrities Now Far from the Spotlight

February 19, 2024

Marilyn Nault: Bill Russell's Third Wife and God's 'Great Gift' to Him

October 31, 2023

Steve Buscemi's Wife & Mom of His Only Child Was His 'Biggest Inspiration' till Death Separated Them

December 15, 2023

Caroline Smedvig Is James Taylor’s Wife and Mother of His Twin Sons

December 23, 2023

Frank Sinatra & His Daughter Didn't Talk for a Year – She Revealed His Last Apology before Death

December 21, 2023

Ali MacGraw Pays Tribute to Ryan O'Neal — Inside Their Relationship 53 Years since 'Love Story'

December 12, 2023