Madrid, Spain, August 18, 2026 – Juan Tamariz, the Spanish magician widely regarded as one of the most influential theorists and performers in modern card magic, died today in Madrid, Spain. He was 83.
His daughter, magician Ana Tamariz, confirmed his death in an Instagram post, writing that she was saying goodbye to ‘an incredible person, deeply loved and admired by everyone.’ She thanked the Ballesol residence, Hospital Clínico, and Cruz Roja for their care.
Born Juan Manuel Tamariz-Martel Negrón on October 18, 1942, in Madrid, Tamariz began performing card tricks as a child and went on to win the World Championship of Card Magic at the 1973 FISM World Congress in Paris, launching his international reputation. He became a fixture of Spanish television for decades, most notably as part of the ensemble on the long-running game show Un, dos, tres… responda otra vez, which brought his top hat, unmistakable laugh, and close-up card work to a mainstream audience far beyond the magic community.
Beyond performance, Tamariz was one of the art’s most widely read theorists. His books, including The Five Points in Magic, The Magic Way, Sonata, Verbal Magic, The Magic Rainbow, and Mnemonica, are considered foundational texts for card magicians worldwide. Tamariz co-founded a school of thought in close-up magic alongside fellow Spanish theorist Arturo de Ascanio. He also directed the Escuela Mágica de Madrid.
Tamariz is survived by his wife, magician Consuelo Lorgia, and his children, Mónica, Alicia, Juan Diego, and Ana, who continues his legacy through La Gran Escuela de Magia Ana Tamariz.
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