Thomas H. Cooper, a Welsh-born army recruiting sergeant, and his English-born wife Gertrude, who hailed from Crediton, Devon, were overjoyed to welcome their newborn son into the world on a specific day and time, which marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
The family's humble abode, which served as their temporary residence, was conveniently located at 19 Llwyn Onn Street, Trecenydd, Caerphilly, South Wales, a place that would forever hold a special significance in their hearts.
As fate would have it, the woman who delivered the newborn, a kind-hearted individual who had taken the family in and provided them with a roof over their heads, owned the very same humble abode where the family was lodging at the time. This unique circumstance added an extra layer of warmth and gratitude to the already joyous occasion, as the family felt a deep sense of appreciation for the woman's kindness and generosity.
The family's life took a dramatic turn at the tender age of three when Cooper, along with his loved ones, embarked on a remarkable journey to Exeter, Devon, a move precipitated by the distressing air quality and the enticing prospect of securing a stable employment opportunity for his father.
The family of Cooper, a young individual with a penchant for the mystical arts, made their home in the rear of Haven Banks, a location that would play a significant role in shaping his early years. It was at this residence that Cooper, a student at Mount Radford School for Boys, spent his days learning and growing under the guidance of his educators.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Cooper was also responsible for assisting his parents with their ice cream van, a family business that brought joy and sweet treats to fairs and events on weekends. This experience not only taught Cooper valuable skills, but also provided him with a unique opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life.
One particular gift, bestowed upon Cooper by his aunt, would have a profound impact on his life. The magic set, a token of her affection, sparked a passion within Cooper that would consume him for hours on end. As he delved deeper into the world of magic, Cooper's creativity and imagination flourished, laying the foundation for a future filled with wonder and enchantment.
By the age of eight, Cooper had honed his craft, perfecting his tricks and techniques under the watchful eye of his mentor. His dedication and perseverance had paid off, and he was now well on his way to becoming a skilled magician, a journey that would take him to new and exciting places.
The art of magic had a profound influence on the life of Cooper, whose family heritage was deeply rooted in the mystifying world of illusions. In fact, his brother David, born in the year 1930, would go on to establish a magic shop on Slough High Street in the 1960s, a venture that would later be renamed Berkshire, further solidifying the family's connection to the craft.
However, fate had other plans for Cooper, as he met an untimely demise on April 15, 1984, when he suffered a heart attack and passed away on live television, during his performance on the London Weekend Television variety show "Live From Her Majesty's". The sudden and unexpected nature of his collapse led to initial uncertainty among viewers about whether it was indeed a genuine medical emergency or simply an elaborate part of his act, given his stage persona was built around the concept of intentionally botching his tricks for comedic effect.
