Milt Larsen, who co-founded Hollywood’s legendary Magic Castle in the early 1960s, died at the age of 92.
The magician and TV writer who spent nearly two decades writing for the game show Truth or Consequences died on Sunday, May 28, of natural causes in Los Angeles.
Chuck Martinez, chair of the Castle Academy of Magical Arts’ board of directors, stated:
“It is with heavy hearts that the Academy of Magical Arts announces the death of Magic Castle founder Milt Larsen.”
“For decades, he brought magic into so many people’s lives, and his legacy will live on.” We will miss him terribly.”
Larsen was well-versed in the worlds of magic and Los Angeles. William Larsen Sr., his father, was a notable local defense attorney as well as a performing magician. Geraldine, his mother, made early television appearances as “The Magic Lady.” During Bob Barker’s 18-year run as host in the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s, Milt Larsen worked as a writer for TV game shows such as “Truth or Consequences.”
In the early 1960s, Larsen collaborated with his older brother, William Larsen Jr., and William’s wife, Irene, to renovate a Gothic renaissance estate on Franklin Avenue in Hollywood into a clubhouse catering to working magicians. The Academy of Magical Arts was founded by the trio, but the venue became known as the Magic Castle. Despite its ups and downs over the past 60 years, the club opened its doors in 1963 and has become a world-renowned destination. The Larsen family rented the property from Thomas Glover until this year, when it was purchased by Randy Pitchford, founder of Gearbox Entertainment.
Milt Larsen’s wife, Arlene Larsen, his nephew Dante Larsen, niece Erika Larsen, and great-nieces Jessica Hopkins and Liberty Larsen are among his survivors.
