Monday, May 29, 2023

Milt Larsen, 1931-2023


Sad news today. Milt Larsen, who co-founded the Magic Castle in Hollywood with his brother Bill, has passed away at age 92. Arlene Larsen released a statement that went out to members today:

My beloved husband, Milt, passed away peacefully last night in his sleep after 92 magical years. I was fortunate enough to have spoken with him right before he went to bed, and he was in great spirits. He led an incredible life, and I want to especially thank Randy and Kristy Pitchford for making Milt’s last year so special for him. In the coming days and weeks there will doubtless be opportunities for us all to celebrate Milt’s life.

In the meantime, I ask for some time to grieve in private and for no gifts or flowers to be sent to our home. Thank you all for your love and support. Milt will be deeply missed by all who knew him.


It just so happens that I was at the Magic Castle last night having a wonderful evening with Bruce Averbook, Mike Caveney, Patrick Culliton, John Gaughan, and other magic friends. At the end of the night Patrick and I dropped into the Houdini Room. There, as always, we looked at the photo of a 6-year-old Milt performing magic for Bess Houdini.


Milt was always happy to share his memories of Bess as "a very nice lady." Well, Milt was a very nice gentlemen. His contributions to the world of magic cannot be overstated. He was loved and will be missed.

So hello to Harry, Bess, and the rest of the gang, Milt!

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7 comments:

  1. Joe FoxMay 29, 2023 at 6:06 PM

    I am very sad today. Milt was a living legend; a true gentleman, with a wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him. Thank you, Milt for creating a "home away from home" for the many thousands of Magic Castle members.

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    1. John CoxMay 30, 2023 at 11:45 AM

      Well said, Joe. Feels weird we were all at the Castle that night. But also happy I was.

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  2. Leo HeviaMay 30, 2023 at 4:35 AM

    That Bess with Little Milt photo is very surreal.

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    1. John CoxMay 30, 2023 at 11:26 AM

      I've long considered that photo a Castle treasure, to be seen there only, so I've never shared it. But I was surprised to find it online as part of nice article about the history of the Castle and upcoming documentary in The Daily Mail. So I'm sharing that image, which is cropped.

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    2. Leo HeviaMay 30, 2023 at 12:33 PM

      Thank you for sharing that! It's interesting to see photos of Bess and Hardeen in the more modern 30s and 40s. It brings them into our reality. The late 18th and early 20th century seem like alternate realities.

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    3. Leo HeviaMay 30, 2023 at 12:57 PM

      *Late 19th century*

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  3. AnonymousMay 31, 2023 at 6:16 AM

    I too have never seen that photo...wow!

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