Tommy Cooper's illustrious career in show business began in 1947, following his departure from the army, where he would go on to hone his unique brand of comedy centered around visual humor, magic tricks that often failed to impress, and his iconic red fez, a prop that originated from his military days.
Initially, the BBC did not initially see Cooper's potential, describing him as an "unattractive young man with an extremely unfortunate appearance" during an audition for new talent.
Throughout his long-running career, Cooper made a significant impact on the entertainment industry, starring in a series of 28 shows for ITV over the course of eight years. Unfortunately, his love for cigars was abruptly cut short when he suffered his first heart attack.
The devastating incident occurred during a performance at Her Majesty's Theatre in April 1984, with Tommy collapsing on stage in front of a live audience. Tragically, he passed away just ten minutes later, his life cut short at a young age.
In the aftermath of his untimely demise, Tommy Cooper was cremated, with his ashes being scattered at the Mortlake Crematorium in London, bringing an end to his remarkable career and leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of comedy.
