Tom Mullica was a famous comedy magician, impressionist and actor who amazed audiences with his hilarious and astonishing magic tricks. He was best known for his signature effect of manipulating and vanishing several cigarettes in his mouth, which he performed on television shows such as Late Night with David Letterman and The World’s Greatest Magic. He also wrote and starred in a tribute show to his idol and friend, the legendary comedian Red Skelton. But how did this talented and beloved entertainer die of a routine surgery in 2016? Here is the tragic story of Tom Mullica’s cause of death.
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A Life of Magic and Comedy
Tom Mullica was born in Waupun, Wisconsin, on August 19, 1948. He developed a passion for magic and clowning at an early age, and received his first magic kit when he was seven years old. He enlisted in the US Army at age 18 and served three years in Korea and Germany. After his military service, he moved to Colon, Michigan, where he worked for Abbott’s Magic Company, building illusions and demonstrating magic.
In 1976, he opened his own nightclub in Atlanta, Georgia, called The Tom-Foolery Magic Bar Theater. It was there that he honed his skills as a comedy magician, creating his own unique style of humor and magic. He performed for celebrities such as Steve Martin, Andy Warhol, Muhammad Ali and Red Skelton, who became his mentor and friend. The Tom-Foolery closed in 1987, after 11 years of success.
Mullica then moved to Paris, France, where he worked at the Crazy Horse Saloon, performing his famous smoking magic act. He also toured the world with his pantomime show, which he created based on Skelton’s advice. He returned to the US in 1991 and continued to perform on television and stage. In 1996, he began writing RED: A Performance Tribute, a show dedicated to Skelton and his characters. He performed the show in theatres across the US and Canada until 2015.
A Diagnosis of Leukemia
In 2010, Mullica was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), a type of cancer that affects the blood cells. According to Mayo Clinic, AML is a fast-growing cancer that can be fatal if not treated promptly. Mullica underwent chemotherapy and received a bone marrow transplant from his brother. He also received support from his partner of 32 years, Stephen Mullica.
Mullica did not let his illness stop him from performing. He continued to do his RED show and appeared at various magic conventions and events. He also helped dedicate the Red Skelton Museum & Education Center in 2013, where he donated some of his memorabilia and costumes.
A Complication from a Routine Surgery
On February 15, 2016, Mullica underwent a routine hernia operation at a hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, something went wrong during the surgery and he suffered several strokes. He was placed in an induced coma and put on life support. His organs started to fail and his condition worsened.
On February 18, 2016, it was decided to take Mullica off life support. He passed away at the age of 67. His partner Stephen was by his side until the end.
A Legacy of Laughter and Magic
Tom Mullica left behind a legacy of laughter and magic that touched millions of people around the world. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest comedy magicians of all time. He was also a generous and kind person who loved to make people happy.
He received many awards and honors for his contributions to the art of magic. He was inducted into the Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame in 2009 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Magical Arts in 2015.
He is survived by his partner Stephen Mullica, his brother Jim Mullica, his sister-in-law Mary Mullica, his niece Jennifer Mullica and his nephew James Mullica Jr.
Tom Mullica will always be remembered as the smoking magician who made us laugh with his amazing skills and hilarious antics. He was a true original who brought joy to everyone who saw him perform. Rest in peace, Tom Mullica. You will be missed.
