Milt Larsen, co-founder of Hollywoods Magic Castle is dead

Publish date: 2024-05-18

The passing of Milt Larsen, who co-founded Hollywood’s renowned Magic Castle in the early 1960s, has been confirmed at the age of 92. The magician and TV writer, known for his work on the game show “Truth or Consequences,” passed away in Los Angeles on Sunday, May 28, due to natural causes.

Chuck Martinez, chair of the board of directors for the Castle’s Academy of Magical Arts, expressed the organization’s sorrow at the news, saying, “It is with heavy hearts that the Academy of Magical Arts shares the sad news that Magic Castle founder Milt Larsen has passed away. For decades, he brought magic to so many lives and his legacy will continue to do so. We will miss him tremendously.”

Larsen had deep connections in the world of magic and Los Angeles, with his family being involved in both. He worked as a writer for TV game shows, including “Truth or Consequences,” for 18 years during Bob Barker’s tenure as host in the 1950s, ’60s, and early ’70s. In the early 1960s, he collaborated with his older brother, William Larsen Jr., and William’s wife, Irene, to establish the Magic Castle, which became a world-renowned destination. The club, which opened its doors in 1963, has had its share of ups and downs over the past 60 years but remains a prominent venue for magicians.

Milt Larsen is survived by his wife, Arlene Larsen, nephew Dante Larsen, niece Erika Larsen, and great-nieces Jessica Hopkins and Liberty Larsen.


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