On Monday evening, a memorial service was held at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre to honor the late Milt Larsen, who alongside his brother, co-founded the renowned Magic Castle in Hollywood during the early 1960s.
At the age of 92, Larsen peacefully passed away in his sleep on May 28.
Milt Larsen, a magician himself and a writer for popular television game shows like “Truth or Consequences”, played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Magic Castle in 1963. He joined forces with his brother William Larsen Jr. and William’s wife Irene to bring this iconic venue to life.
Milt Larsen proudly held the position of being the last surviving founder of the Magic Castle.
Generations of the Larsen family have been involved in the art of magic since the 1920s. Milt’s father, William Larsen Sr., was originally a Los Angeles attorney who grew disenchanted with his profession and followed his passion for magic. His mother, Geraldine, also a performer, made history as the first female magician to appear on television, captivating audiences as The Magic Lady on KTLA in the late 1940s.
For many decades, the Larsen family successfully operated the Castle. They leased a gothic home at 7001 Franklin Ave. from Thomas O. Glover and transformed it into an exclusive haven for magicians. Members and their guests could enjoy fine dining and mesmerizing magic shows.
In addition to their role as founders, Milt Larsen, his brother, and sister-in-law also showcased their magic skills on Castle stages and various other venues.
Milt Larsen’s creative talents extended beyond magic performances. He wrote stage revues and musicals, some of which were performed at his own Mayfair Music Hall in Santa Monica and the Variety Arts Theater in downtown Los Angeles. Furthermore, he produced television specials for major networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC. He also served as the creative consultant for the impressive $50 million Caesars Magic Empire at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Notably, Milt Larsen was a member of SAG-AFTRA, with experience in radio and appearances alongside The Amazing Johnathan in Las Vegas. He also made appearances in television commercials and on the popular 1980s series “Hart to Hart.”
Aside from his magical pursuits, Larsen authored five joke books and co-authored three books about The Magic Castle. Additionally, he collaborated with songwriter Richard M. Sherman on comedy albums, showcasing his versatile creativity.
Residing in Montecito for a significant portion of his life, Larsen split his time between Los Angeles and the coastal town. He leaves behind his wife Arlene, niece Erika Larsen (President of Magic Castle Enterprises Inc.), nephew Dante Larsen, and great-nieces Jessica Hopkins and Liberty Larsen.
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