Christian Magician André Kole Has died
He was not on the list.
On October 17th, 2022 Robert J. Gurtler passed away peacefully in his sleep after a long and valiant battle with Alzheimer’s. A native of Mesa, Arizona, he had just recently turned 86. Professionally known as André Kole, he became world-renowned as not only a performer, but one of the foremost creators of magical effects. His genius was utilized by stage and television stars David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, Doug Henning, and countless other magicians throughout the world. At seven years old one of his father’s business associates showed the young Bob Gurtler a coin trick, which sparked his interest in the magical arts. By age 14, he created The Gurtler Magic Company. The pivotal moment of his life came when, at age 25, he was challenged to investigate the miracles of Christ from the point of view of an illusionist. This led to the next fifty-plus years touring his show, ‘André Kole’s World of Illusion’ in all 50 states as well as more than 80 countries under the banner of Campus Crusade for Christ International. He not only presented a full-evening magic and illusion show, but audiences were given the opportunity (if they wished) to hear and witness through a unique presentation, why he believed Jesus Christ was exactly who He claimed to be. Robert (André) shared the Gospel with an estimated 10 million people in live performances with approximately a million of those indicating their choice to follow Christ via comment cards. Robert was a long time member of Grace Community Church in Tempe. There is currently a full-length documentary and a limited docu-series being produced with Robert (André) as the central character, focusing on another aspect of his career: investigating and debunking supernatural phenomena and paranormal activity. Robert is survived by his wife Kathryne, daughters Robyn and Stacey, his son Tim, and his grandchildren Dustin, Dillon, Colin, Camden, and Skyler, as well as his brother Dr. Richard Gurtler and his family. Loved by thousands around the world, Robert will always be remembered as the Magic Warrior for for Christ.
Among the illusions Kole is credited with devising are the Squeeze Box illusion (licensed to builder John Gaughan), and the Head Mover illusion (as performed by David Copperfield, Tim Kole and Kirby Van Birch).
Additional Crew
Behind the Magic LIVE: Bill Blagg (2020)
Behind the Magic LIVE: Bill Blagg
Illusion Design & Fabrication
TV Movie
2020
Melinda: First Lady of Magic (1997)
Melinda: First Lady of Magic
magic consultant
TV Movie
1997
The Magic of David Copperfield XVI: Unexplained Forces
(1995)
The Magic of David Copperfield XVI: Unexplained Forces
magical contributor
TV Special
1995
The Magic of David Copperfield XV: Fires of Passion (1993)
The Magic of David Copperfield XV: Fires of Passion
magical contributions
TV Special
1993
The Magic of David Copperfield XIV: Flying - Live the Dream
magic contributions
TV Special
1992
The Magic of David Copperfield XII: The Niagara Falls
Challenge
creative contributions
TV Special
1990
The Magic of David Copperfield XI: The Explosive Encounter
illusion designer
TV Special
1989
The Magic of David Copperfield 10: The Bermuda Triangle
(1988)
The Magic of David Copperfield 10: The Bermuda Triangle
illusion design
TV Special
1988
Actor
Bill Bixby in The Magician (1973)
The Magician
Harry Ingram
TV Series
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