ALI BONGOHe inspired thousands and entertained millions as one of television's most recognisable magicians.Ali Bongo, who died on 8 March, 2009, was a memorable act in his own right.Yet his expertise led him to a burgeoning career off-screen, advising David Nixon and Paul Daniels and becoming the inspiration for drama series Jonathan Creek and later becoming in demand as a speaker and convention judge.He became president of The Magic Circle in September 2008 and was lecturing in Paris when he fell ill with a stroke and died soon after. He was 79.Ali Bongo was born in India as William Wallace in 1929 and started off in magic at six.He went to Sutton Valents public school in Kent and by 17 was semi-professional, launching at children's birthday parties in Kent villages.He was further immersed in the business through a job at magic dealer Harry Stanley's Unique Studios as a demonstrator and salesman.And this all developed into his colourful act - complete with his distinctive curled shoes - as the 'Pongolian' Ali Bongo, the performance carried off at breakneck speed, packed with activity, music and gibberish to entertain the audience.The name came from the character of a wizard he played in a local pantomime, which he borrowed for his stage act, little expecting to retain it for life.His television career was launched in the 1960s and busiest in the 1970s - and in 1972 he was voted Magic Circle Magician of the Year.Acting President of The Magic Circle, Jack Delvin, paid tribute, saying: "Ali made his name on television in his own right as The Shreik of Araby and also as Alistair, assistant to David Nixon and as principal advisor to the Paul Daniels Show. He was famous throughout the world of magic and indeed the world generally."In later years, having given up the energy-sapping Ali Bongo character, he took up a full-time career of lecturing and judging at magic conventions both at home and around the world.He was most at home mixing and "talking shop" with other magicians.And despite the waning nature of the genre on modern day television, he said: "Magic is a great entertainment if done professionally and with style."
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