✦ Golden Grolla Award 2012

The Great Tomsoni

The wizard behind the legends of Las Vegas

Johnny Thompson (1934-2019), known on stage as The Great Tomsoni, was one of the most complete magicians who ever lived. Growing up in Chicago he mastered every branch of the art, from doves to cards to classic stage manipulation, and with his wife Pamela he created "Tomsoni & Company", a comedy magic act in which a pompous, unlucky Polish maestro is constantly sabotaged by his bored assistant. Magicians still consider that act perfect: every laugh, every failure and every miracle placed exactly where it must be.

But Thompson's greatest legacy is perhaps invisible to the public. For decades he was the trusted consultant and script doctor of the biggest names in Las Vegas: Penn & Teller, Criss Angel, Lance Burton, Mac King and many others turned to him to build, repair and refine their material. A living encyclopedia of methods, history and theatrical wisdom, he gave away his knowledge with a generosity that became legendary in itself.

Masters of Magic honoured him with the Golden Grolla in 2012, celebrating both the flawless performer and the man who quietly shaped an entire era of American magic.

Honoured by Masters of Magic among the legends who have shaped the history of magic.