The death of Las Vegas stage hypnotist, author and friend Dr. Scott Lewis has left me rattled.
When I heard of his sudden death in a freak accident in Australia early yesterday morning, I hoped it was a sick hoax.
But as I searched for reliable news bulletins, I realized it was true.
I am still processing this, as Scott was one of my best friends.
Scott began as a client of mine decades ago. Over the years, he became one of my closest friends. He took me to my first magic convention in Las Vegas. He bought me magic tricks for my birthday and Christmas. He introduced me to Vegas celebrities when he was their chiropractor.
Dr. Scott Lewis
He took me back stage at Vegas shows and had me hang out with the stars. He always introduced me as a star, and told legends like magician Lance Burton that I was a marketing genius and author of a book on P.T. Barnum. Scott always elevated my status in a room full of high level people.
He used to tell me his dream of having his own show. He had a lot of doubts, fears and reservations, but one day he decided to do it.
He was so scared, he dripped sweat and kept his notes on a stool on stage. Yet he got past his jitters and ended up with the longest running stage hypnosis show in Las Vegas history.
Many of my friends got to know Scott because he’d perform his comedy hypnosis show at marketing seminars. Many were hypnotized on stage, had a blast entertaining all of us, and still tell the stories of how it happened.
I loved his sense of humor. He was fun to be around. He visited me when I lived in Houston, and more recently outside of Austin. We talked for hours, shared stories, insights, hopes and dreams.
He was supportive of me when I went through family loss and health scares, and was supportive when I expressed my own big dreams. Numerous times he invited me to be his opening act at his Vegas show at the Riviera, where he said I could perform magic or sing my songs.
Though he turned to me for marketing advice, news releases, and encouragement, he was an idea machine and a product generator on the level of uber intelligent. Recently he sent me his new promotional flyer. I looked at it, shook my head in wonder, and wrote Scott a note, saying “It’s genius! I wouldn’t change a thing.” It was true.
We created hypnosis products together, coauthored a book on Las Vegas marketing secrets, worked together on a series of videos with Las Vegas show girls, and more.
Scott was very generous, too. He helped friends of mine quit smoking, lose weight, end pain, and stop bad habits, with hypnosis sessions he never charged to do.
We spoke on the phone a lot, emailed weekly, and continued to support each other in having fun as we make a difference in the world. He was very excited about getting to be in the Australia show he loved and admired, the one he was scheduled to perform in again when he fell to his death.
Scott was 50 years old. He didn’t smoke or drink, and was almost unhealthily concerned about health.
I remember giving him a ride in my Panoz roadster (the one Stephen Tyler owned and I later gave away). Scott had to lather sun block on his face before he’d get in. He was again doing his best to protect his health.
Yet what took his life was a fall off a balcony in Australia.
I’m still processing this news, and mourning the loss of my friend.
Is there a lesson here?
Here’s one —
I had a spiritual teacher once who said that in any moment, everything can be swept away with a pen stroke, an accident, or something else.
Knowing this reality, our job is to stay in the moment and do what needs to be done with gratitude, focus and passion.
I loved Scott Lewis, and will always miss him.
He lived his dream.
May you live yours.
Ao Akua,
joe
PS – Scott’s site is here. I just found this video of Scott and me playing and promoting from 2008. I laughed and cried at the same time. I loved the guy.
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83 Comments
Sad to read about your friend
now he has angel wings to exist in a different way for now
you will miss him but it seems you have many great memories that is a wonderful gift he gave you.
Karen
Sending love and light.. to both of you. Aloha Anthony
R.I.P Scott Lewis.
I met Scott at Pat O’Bryan’s 2008 Unseminar and was totally mesmerized by his presentation: part magic tricks, part sales pitch, part glamorous theatrical show – Scott was memorable and I’ve never forgotten the few minutes I shared with him. Peace and love to you Joe, and to Scott’s family & friends.
Thank you, Kelley
Dear Joe,
My condolences on your loss.
It’s always hard to lose a dear friend, even when we expect it. It’s that much harder when it’s unexpected, because it makes us all the more aware of how fragile life really is. Even worse, we never have the chance to say goodbye and tell them how much we love them.
Go with your God, and may He or She bring you peace.
Stephen
Thank you, Stephen
Dear Ao Akua, my heart goes to you for the loss of your friend, Scott.
He lived his dream, what a blessing, what an example for so many. I want to die living my dreams, there are so many who will never live their dreams, so many that will pass and never be missed.
Thank you, Bert.
I am sorry for your loss . . . Thank you for sharing such heart-warming memories with us.
Thank you, Jimbo
Let us love people now they leave us so fast
The shoes remain empty and the phone rings on
What’s unimportant drags on like a cow
The meaningful sudden takes us by surprise
The silence that follows so normal it’s
Hideous like chastity born most simply from despair
When we think of someone who’s been taken from us.
Don’t be sure you have time for there’s no assurance
As all good fortune security deadens the senses
It comes simultaneously like pathos and humour
Like two passions not as strong as one
They leave fast grow silent like a thrush in July
Like a sound somewhat clumsy or a polite bow
To truly see they close their eyes
Though to be born is more of risk than to die
We love still too little and always too late.
Don’t write of it too often but write once and for all
And you’ll become like dolphin both gentle and strong.
Let us love people now they leave us so fast
And the ones who don’t leave won’t always return
And you never know while speaking of love
If the first one is last or the last one first.
polish poet, x Jan Twardowski (I’m sorry, don’t know who is the author of the translation)
I’m still in a state of shock after learning of Scott Lewis’ tragic death.
I got to see a hot seat marketing session he did with John Carlton and got a ton of valuable information from it. Had it not been for Scott being so open and honest about what he was doing, I wouldn’t have learned nearly as much. Still grateful to him for that. My deepest sympathies to his family and his friends like you, Joe.
Michael
Thank you, Michael. Scott was always open and vulnerable, revealing what he was feeling and thinking to help others.
Dear Joe-Words can not express how sorry I was to learn of the passing of your close friend-Scott. May his memory always be a light in your life!
Recently I listened to Instant Miracles Mindset you gave me @ Austin event. If I was in Texas today-I would give you a hug! Sending you love & hugs via email.
Keeping you in thought during this time of loss.
I love you, Leah
Thank you, Leah. I feel your hug.
I am sorry for your loss, Dr. Joe….Sending our sincerest sympathy and condolences to his family, friends and loved ones…..Sending much Aloha…..
Thank you, Kristine. Scott’s father is the last family member.
Mi dispiace molto dr Joe..
Le mie più sentite condoglianze..
My Condolences dr joe
Very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. I’m still dealing with the kids of my wife last Christmas…definitely not easy. God bless
Thanku Joe vitale.
My thoughts go out to you …
You have lost a precious friend yet you hold the essence of all the shared moments, laughters, hopes and Spirit of this kindered soul.
Namaste,
Diane Guillemette
Very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. I’m still dealing with the loss of my wife last Christmas…definitely not easy. God bless
I am sorry, Dave. Sending love.
They say it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.
What an amzing time you two had together, many I feel sure you both are truely grateful for.
To lose a love one is hard, nothing is ours to keep, your beautiful friend is moving on his journey knowing with certainty you will do the same with your.
My heart goes out to you, I send much and great healing to your heart.
Bless you Joe
Joe so sorry for your loss! I can see why you both connected so wonderfully. He lived a life doing what he loved including experiencing his life to the fullest. That’s a gift more people only wish for in their lifetime. No matter how long we have on this earth, we all want to be remembered for making a difference.
Hugs, Debbie
Dear Joe,
Remain strong and courageous.
Joe,
So sorry to hear about your good friend Scott. After watching the video, I can see why you guys were such good friends…cutting up and just having a good time…that’s what it’s all about.
Take care and I’m sure Scott will be looking over you.
Gary
So sorry for the loss of your friend, Joe. You can see how close you two were by watching the playfulness between you. The people who light up our life may be lost, but they will never be forgotten.
Connie
Sorry……………….
Dear Joe, I’m sorry to hear about the death of your friend. Thank you for sharing your feelings and such an eloquent description of a wonderful relationship. It sounds like you both enriched each other immeasurably with your love and generosity. You can never lose that even in his passing. Love, Wendy
So so sorry to hear of the death of your good friend Dr Scott Lewis. I would like to offer you my deepest sympathy!
Edie (Toronto, Ontario…. Canada)
Joe,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. I know you will grieve for Scott a long time.
After many years as a crisis and grief counselor, I’ve heard many stories of sudden and unexpected deaths of people who go “before their time.” There is a commonality (for the most part) between the these people–They have a zest for life. Or, they are people who love and give. Or, they are both. I’ve come to have a personal belief that on some deep spiritual level, these people know they are not going to live long lives, so they pack in what’s important–living, loving, and giving. They were bright lights during their journey on Earth, and are deeply mourned–as is your friend.
I’d like to send you a copy of my book, The Essential Guide to Grief and Grieving. I’ve certainly benefited from your writings and your wisdom over the years, and would welcome the opportunity to give back to you.
Prayers for comfort.
Debra Holland, Ph.D
I feel your loss. I have experienced that good friends are like the stars, you don’t need to see them to know they are there. They are always there and will be there for you united in the communion of saints. Expect miracles Joe. I will be praying for you.
Bobby Cartagena
Joe,
So sad for your loss, so sad to see such a bright flame extinguished way too early, so sad for those who will never see him perform live.
Great video…smart, funny, and real…treasure it always!
Raymond
Joe,
I am truly sorry for the lost of your best friend. I know how devastating losing a loved one can be.
Light and love to you,
Melanie
Wow! RIP Scott. I met him a few years back at an internet marketing seminar. So sad and tragic.
Hi Joe
Sorry to hear about the loss of your good friend. While he has transitioned at the right time for him it always seems to be the wrong time for us. For everyone mourning his loss as well as you Joe and his Dad I wish you comfort through love
Mary
It is SO hard when people leave us – so final. I am sure he cherished your friendship as much as you did his. May the fond memories be of comfort to you right now.
Prayers, thoughts, love & hugs for you Joe <3
Hello Joe,
As a follower of yours, I feel your hurt and will be thinking of you. My prayers for scott’s family as well.
Dear Joe,
I am saddened to learn of the loss of your dear friend, Dr. Scott Lewis. Sending loving thoughts and prayers to you and his family and friends. May you be comforted and find peace in this time of deep loss and sadness.
With Love,
Cyndi
Joe, I pray that you find peace in his departure, hope in his eternal consciousness, and strength in the foundation he laid here that remains part of his eternal existence amalgamate with the Universe.
Be well Brother, Will
Dear Joe,
I am grieving the loss of Scott Lewis along with you! OMG! We can only believe that as his body fell, angels caught his spirit and lifted him high. I enjoyed the vitality you both demonstrated in the video you shared. Scott was new to my inbox, and as I might have guessed, you were the connection. I read your Ho’Oponopono book nearly two years ago, while on the Big island, and have benefitted from the music of you and Guitar Monk as well as Steve G Jones’ hypnosis tracs since getting “on your list”. The lesson for me here is: Love and appreciate the people in our lives, for the gift of their presence. This physical life is fleeting, however the spirit soars! We will see Scott in the mystical now… Be blessed. Ho! ~ Your friend, Kathy
I am sorry for your loss. So many people have lost dear ones lately. My love and prayers go out to you.
What a gift to have such a beautiful friendship over many years. Not many can say the same. I appreciate your recollection of the memories you had and how supportive you were of each other. May you find peace during this difficult time Joe! Sending love…
Wow! I am so sorry Joe. What a beautiful thing you have done for Scott with this blog and the video…..You were and are a very special friend…..Thank-you for introducing me to Scott……Peace, Love & Light!
Bridgette
Dear Joe,
Sometimes I don’t know whether it is more of a burden for you to receive a constant flow of condolences or whether the love of our words is comforting. I just know I feel for you and want you to know that. I am sorry for your loss, but your words tell me you have much joy in your memories. Take comfort in them and relish them. Be at peace.
Much love,
Tanya
Dear Dr. Joe
Seeing them go in their bed is already unbearable.
Learning that they have gone so unexpectedly – from so far away – is certainly atrocious. But we do not choose the TIME – the Time chooses us. If we don’t live, we cannot die. I’ve seen your video together. May his Memories remained in your heart and bring you the Support and Comfort in this time of need. I am Sorry for your lost. Sending you LOVE
Condolences
Catherine Eveno
Lovely words to Scott. Love is in the air! IAS/PFM/ILY/TY
Hhh..am sorry, thank you and I love you Scott Lewis. I can feel the vibration of love has dr. Joe wrote about his good friend. He lives on.
So sorry for the loss of your beloved friend, Joe. I hope he and you communicate across the ethers and show that bonds of the soul can never die. Blessings to both of you.
Dear Joe
I’m sorry for your loss.
I’m sorry
Please forgive me
Thank You
I love You
I know it’s tough losing someone you care about. He may be gone, but never forgotten. Look in your heart, that’s where he’ll always be.
Terrible news, Joe.
My deep condolences and sad mourning. I did not know him, but your friend is my friend, so I feel your deep pain.
Our thoughts and prayers go all that he touched
Dear Joe,
sorry to hear you lost a good friend.
My condolences to you and Scott’s father.
A reminder to all of us that life is temporal and we have to make the best of it. He must have been an amazing person that God called him to his side so early. My loss that I never knew him.
Carpe diem,
Wim
Heartfelt condolences…. sorry to hear about the unexpected loss of a dear friend…
Dearest Joe,
I’m Sorry
Please forgive me
Thank you
I love you
Forever, Alexia
Dear Joe
I am so sorry to hear of your sad loss, I can feel your pain. It is true that the good and beautiful (inside and out) always seem to die young. He had fulfilled his journey this time around on Planet Earth and his wonderful soul has now been called to a new important mission in another dimension. He will be forever in your heart Joe, but take extra care of yourself just now.
With much love and light Angie x
I feel for you Joe and pray your sadness won’t be too painful. Thanks for sharing this as it is a real wake up call that we only have the moment to realize our dreams and hopes. I will take this with me and live more intensely, passionately and in gratitude every day. Though very sad, it is comforting to know that Scott Lewis had so many great years and great experiences in his too short time here, but most people will never even come close. Again it is not the length of time were here but how we live and what experiences we take with us. Also, Jow thanks for being you and giving so much of yourself to all of us out there!
I feel for you Joe and pray your sadness won’t be too painful. Thanks for sharing this as it is a real wake up call that we only have the moment to realize our dreams and hopes. I will take this with me and live more intensely, passionately and in gratitude every day. Though very sad, it is comforting to know that Scott Lewis had so many great years and great experiences in his too short time here, but most people will never even come close. Again it is not the length of time were here but how we live and what experiences we take with us. Also, Joe thanks for being you and giving so much of yourself to all of us out there!
Joe – Aloha from Maui. Scott and I are LACC classmates. When his sister went off to college, I became his magician’s ass’t. and we had great times together; even tried out at the Magic Castle. We kept in touch over the years. I knew you two were close, and he always spoke very highly of you. I’d give him my two cents worth and even wrote testimonials for some of his books. He did the same for me when I wrote my book. The Power to Heal Yourself. I too am in shock and disbelief that he is gone. He always had so many ideas and projects going. He was always generous, kind, compassionate, entertaining, and down to earth. He is the 1st of my long time friends to pass this dimension, and I will miss him dearly. If you come to Maui, please look me up… we can reminisce and cry on each other’s shoulders. Take care.
Hi Joe!
So sorry for the lost of your best friend.
The death is the best way to understand that it’s important to enjoy life! Hard lesson… but: A cuban friend of me says :” Everybody has to face with the difficulties of the life. But You’re the only one who can choice how long you’ll suffer”
Marie-Noël from Belgium
Sorry the only one who can choose ….
I am sorry to hear about your loss, the world’s loss. My prayers to you and those Dr. Scott Lewis leaves behind.
Thank you, Joe, for being who you are and doing your part to change the world.
A sad loss for us both.. A good friend filled with a lot of laughter and a good sole. I still cannot wrap my head around this and felt it very unlike him to be climbing out on a balcony. I hope this incident will be further investigated. Regardless… He will be greatly missed.. A true jewel in the roaltys crown..
I’m sorry for your pain Joe. My wish is that you’re able to focus on your gratefulness for all the good times you shared, and that it will help you through this deep loss.
So sorry Joe for your best friend.
Love from Belgium
Beautiful eulogy, Joe.
Joe ~ Sorry for the loss of your friend. I enjoyed your video with Scott, and the way you interacted. Must be a wonderful memory…what a gift!
first of all, let me offer my condolences to you for the loss of your friend. I can tell you this….your friend is fine. I know this for sure because I died for 6 minutes and the memory of what I went thru replays in my mind daily. Dying is great….returning in extremely hard. I suffer from ptsd since my return. I hope this offers you just a smidgen of comfort, but truly the pain is for the living because of the vacancy. Just know that your friend is still with you.
Joe
I have lost a son and a wife before I started to look at the re-melding of traditional science and spirituality. I wish that I knew then what I know now.
We are spiritual beings having a (series of) human experience(s) and we can never die, although our bodies will die.
Mourn not for your friend, who has a new adventure to live, but only for yourself and his other friends. When we lose a loved one we need the mourning process very badly, but they are moving on and theirs is a whole new set of experiences.
On your behalf I will share your grief for a relationship changed, but also celebrate his life and passing – somehow this was the time!
He has enter fully into his Whole I Am Present state.
PeaceLovJoy,
QueenHajar I Akanqi
Hello Dr Joe,I AM a Miracle Coaching participant & I create for you a love, a light so bright that eases suffering, pain , sadness, despair of grief we all experience traditionally with a loss. I send you my heartfelt love not cos you need it but simply cos I CAN…. Thank you for ALL of your programs as i have purchased them ALL, & read every book, tape DVD. I know your story, all of it rags to riches & i love the way you share your love with the world. I AM a light Being here to ease suffering on the planet. I love you & helping is what i do so let me know if i can help YOU personally or anyone in any way.I reside in Tasmania, Australia but travel everywhere.
With GREAT-FULLNESS for your loving friendship with Scott, & your PRESENCE in my life…. Enormous love Lesley xxxxxxxx
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful post and especially the wonderful video of you and Scott.
I still find it hard to believe that Scott is really gone. I met him at the Unseminar in San Antonio (I think it must have been the one after the video was made), and had a chance to talk with him there. I also have several of his audios, including the one you talked about on the video. He was an amazing person and he will be very much missed.
I am so sorry. I am a great fan of Steve G Jones and am currently studying his programs and of course you too Joe. My thoughts are with you at this time of deep sadness.
We are all connected
Greg
I meant to add that I am sorry for the loss Of Dr Scott Lewis, whom I didn’t have the pleasure to connect with.
He seemed like a wonderful man.
Sorry to hear of your loss of a great fiend and mam.
Siento mucho la partida del dc scott lewis
Joe, Iam so so grieved at the hearing of the death of your best friend Scott Lewis. I also plead with his family members, other friends, Fans and relatives to please have the courage to bear this great Lose. I pray his soul will again take a better form as it goes back to our creator.
Regards
Natty Bruce Idigbogu.
Joe, I just found out about a week ago about Scott’s tragic passing. He is my friend as well of 20 years. He called me just prior to his fall and I missed the call. I had been trying to reach him, pleading for a response. Finally, when his phone was disconnected, I knew something bad had happened. That’s when I discovered he had passed. He would be so proud to know he was considered a work famous hypnotist. As you know, that was his goal. He was my cheerleader and dear friend and I miss him so. I know you share my love for him and just wanted to tell you I feel the loss greatly as well.
That was a very nice letter you wrote about Scott , knowing him my hole life I didn’t know him as well as you , ,my name is David Lyle,and I am Scott’s cousin first cousin ,I admired Scott because he is the only person ii can say followed his dreams ,made them true ,and that iS the main reason I just don’t understand how he fell like that to me it makes no sence , and I wish I knew what really happened that day I.n Sidney , I still. Tell people about my cousin Scott , have a great day I can be reached at+17027527995 Thank you again for those kind words