Tommy Wonder

Tommy Wonder (November 29, 1953 - June 26, 2006), real name Jacobus Maria Bemelman, was a Dutch close-up and stage magician.

He began practicing this art at the age of 10, and went on to become a professional magician at the age of 18.

After studying theater, dance and singing, he developed his “Act-Stade” in 1980. It's a blend of simple, precise gestures and elegance, all combined to create a superb stage magic routine.

Thanks to his “Act-Stade”, he toured the world, performing in over 26 countries including Australia, Japan, the USA... as well as several television specials in various countries, including France.

In 1977, having just turned 24, he won a national competition.

In 1979, he came second in the FISM World Championships of Magic.

In 1988, he was again awarded second prize at FISM (in the General Magic category) in The Hague, Netherlands.

In 1998, he also received the Performing Fellowship Award from the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood.

In 1999, he was named Best Magician of the Year by the World Magic Awards.

A year later, he received the “Best Sleight of Hand Performer” award from the World Magic Awards.

On August 5, 2006, he posthumously received the Theory & Philosophy Award at the FISM World Championships in Stockholm.

Because Tommy Wonder invented and developed all the tricks in his repertoire himself, he is still highly respected in the world of magic.

He is the author of several videos and books, including the two mythical volumes “The Books of Wonder” in 1996.

He is considered one of the greatest magicians of his generation, and is recognized as such by his peers and other magic artists.