Milt Larsen, Co-Founder of Magic Castle and Accomplished Writer and Actor, Passes Away at 92

Milt Larsen, the legendary co-founder of the Magic Castle in Hollywood, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 92. Along with his brother Bill Larsen and sister-in-law Irene, Milt transformed the Lane mansion into the world-renowned private club for magicians in 1963. Magic ran in the Larsen family, with their father being a performing magician and their mother, an early TV pioneer children’s entertainer known as The Magic Lady. Milt was not only a talented magician but also a successful writer, having worked on Ralph Edwards’ TV game show Truth or Consequences for 18 years. He authored several books, three of which were about the Magic Castle. Milt also wrote for the Malibu U television series and audience-participation shows starring Vin Scully and Jim Nabors. He even collaborated with famed songwriter Richard M. Sherman, creating a cult comedy following for their outrageous songs. Milt was also an actor, appearing in Hart to Hart and even performing as the back and hands of Raul Julia in the Addams Family Values film. As a producer, Milt owned and operated Mayfair Music Hall in Santa Monica and the Variety Arts Theater in downtown Los Angeles. He was truly a magical force in the entertainment industry and will be deeply missed.