The Wonder of Tommy

Tommy Wonder (November 29, 1953 – June 26, 2006) was the stage name of Jacobus Maria Bemelman, a Dutch magician who performed both close-up and stage magic. Wonder performed in Las Vegas, Monte Carlo and on Fox television.

Wonder developed an interest in conjuring at an early age. He studied acting, dancing and singing for three years at the Academie voor Podiumvorming (Performance Academy) in The Hague and subsequently toured for two years with De Haagsche Comedie.

He took second prize at the World Championships of Magic in 1979 and again in 1988. In 1998 he also received the Performer Fellowship Award from the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood. In 1999, he was awarded Best Sleight of Hand Performer from the World Magic Awards. Because Wonder designed and developed all of his own repertoire, he was held in high esteem amongst his colleagues in magic. Wonder's 1996 two-volume The Books of Wonder are highly acclaimed.

Tommy Wonder died after a brief battle with lung cancer. Even during his illness Tommy Wonder continued to tour and lecture, visiting Cyprus in March 2005. He was well received by The CMS (Cyprus Magic Society) which was still in its formative years and inspired many of the new members and old alike with his innovative approach to the art.

On 5 August 2006 Tommy Wonder posthumously received the Theory & Philosophy Award at the FISM World Championships of Magic in Stockholm.