Meet Debbie McGee
Debbie McGee is the wife of English Magician, Newton Edward Daniels, best known by his stage name Paul Daniels, who sadly died on Thursday.
Daniels died at his home in Berkshire, just weeks after it was announced he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. He was 77-years-old.
Debbie’s husband became an icon of British television, making his grand debut on talent series Opportunity Knocks in 1970. The television star and entertainer later hosted his own TV show, he presented BBC’s Paul Daniels Magic Show for 15 years.
Climbing the ranks of British show business, the lively entertainer is dubbed the most famous magician of the past half-century.
Daniels was born in Middlesborough in 1938. He came from a humble upbringing and perfected his magic skills working at men’s clubs.
Paul Daniels was married twice. First to wife, Jacqueline Skipworth with whom he fathered three sons, Gary, Paul and Martin.
Debbie McGee met Paul Daniels in London in May 1979 –nearly 10 years before they married –during rehearsals for Daniels’ summer season show in Great Yarmouth that year. At the time she was 20 and he was 40-years-old. She went on to work with him as his assistant. Their relationship evolved with time and he popped the question in 1987. Debbie McGee and Paul tied the knot in 1988.
Debbie McGee was born Debra Ann McGee on October 31, 1958. She was born to Lillian Howe and Patrick McGee. Debbie has one sister and one brother. As a kid, Debbie McGee showed an interest for the arts and she began taking dance lessons at age seven. Following graduating from the Royal Ballet School she joined the Iranian National Ballet in Tehran. She was later forced to return to the U.K due to an abrupt halt by the Islamic Revolution.
Back in her home country she landed a job for the Bernard Delfont Organization, responsible for a number of big shows and productions, including a job performing on stage with magician Paul Daniels.
Working with Daniels, opened the door for Debbie to achieved national and international fame. He regularly referred to McGee on his TV shows as “The lovely Debbie McGee.” A phrase that became reference for other magicians’ assistants.
Debbie McGee has also dabbled in films and radio shows. In 2000 she ran her won ballet studio. She and Paul Daniels were married for 28-years.
We send our condolences to Debbie McGee and the rest of Paul Daniels’ family and friends.
