“The Magic Castle is like bedrock - the center point of magic. The people who think of the Castle as their home and the place itself seem to have magical properties that have created and inspired some of the world’s greatest entertainers,” said Randy Pitchford. “I’m proud to be trusted to both give back to the place that made me to become the custodian of the Magic Castle and to work with its members and the Larsen family to ensure our most incredible club house grows and thrives for decades to come.”
“Randy’s purchase of the Magic Castle brings the heart and soul back to this institution that I have loved and devoted my life to. I know my parents would be thrilled with this news,” said Erika Larsen, daughter of Magic Castle founders Bill and Irene Larsen. “Randy’s business-acumen, long-standing commitment to magic, and his love for the Magic Castle make him the perfect owner.”
Pitchford, who is the grandnephew of the celebrated 20th century master magician the Great Cardini, purchased the Magic Castle from the Glover family, which had owned the property since 1961 when Thomas O. Glover bought the home and land. In that same year, Glover leased the building to William (Bill) Larsen Jr., Irene Larsen, and Milt Larsen, all of whom began the Magic Castle. This sale of the Magic Castle draws together two great families of the magical community—the Larsens and the Pitchfords.
"Randy Pitchford has done something extraordinary to protect our beloved Magic Castle and I could not be happier about our current situation as well as the prospects for the future. Randy really understands and appreciates my vision and the Larsen family vision and there is no one better to carry on what we started in 1963," said Magic Castle co-founder Milt Larsen.
Numerous luminaries of the magic community and celebrities performed over the years at the Magic Castle, including Orson Welles, Johnny Carson, Steve Martin, and Neil Patrick Harris, who was a past president of the AMA. The magic community came out today in force to celebrate Pitchford’s purchase.
“Randy’s leadership presents an incredible opportunity for the Magic Castle and its future,” highlighted David Copperfield, multi-Emmy award-winning illusionist and AMA member. “Randy brings to the table an incredible passion for magic and remarkable experience in leading successful businesses. I can’t think of anyone better who can honor the Magic Castle’s history, but ensure it maintains its relevance and positions it for growth for years to come.”
“I’ve known Randy Pitchford for years, and I know he has a day job, but in my mind he’s a magician. I believe Randy’s heart is in magic. For as long as I’ve known about the Magic Castle it’s been a bit precarious. I always worried about it. Now I don’t need to. The Magic Castle, the most important gathering place for magicians is now in safe and loving hands. I’m relieved and delighted. Randy’s professionalism, love for magic, and commitment to entertaining the world are what the Magic Castle needs to propel it forward. All of the magic community is applauding Randy and excited about the new era of the Magic Castle. And maybe now I can get in without a tie because I know Randy,” said Penn Jillette, the taller half of Emmy-winning magic legends Penn & Teller.
"The Magic Castle is the heart of American magic. It's both a great performing venue and a historical and a cultural landmark. But a major fire and the pandemic put its future in doubt. I'm so happy to hear that Randy Pitchford has been able to help the Castle survive, thrive, and expand. Randy's one of the top entertainment producers in the world, with deep roots in the history and practice of magic. We all owe him a big thanks,” commented Teller, world-renowned magician, AMA member, and co-star of the hit series Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
“Randy’s action will assure the Magic Castle will live on another hundred years. I am thrilled that the Larsen family legacy and the love of magic enhanced by Randy Pitchford will enable The Magic Castle to continue to thrive and grow forever. It is a magical win-win. Thank you, Randy Pitchford,” said Gay Blackstone, Chairman of the AMA Board of Trustees.
Pitchford is a video game industry veteran of more than 25 years and founder of the Gearbox Entertainment Company, which develops and publishes award-winning and best-selling video games through its subsidiaries, Gearbox Software and Gearbox Publishing, and produces groundbreaking film and television content. Gearbox is a recognized AAA studio and was nominated as a “Best Place to Work” by the Dallas Morning News and the Dallas Business Journal. Before becoming a full-time video game developer, Randy was a professional magician in Hollywood occasionally performing at the famous Magic Castle between classes at UCLA.
The Magic Castle, the clubhouse of the Academy of Magical Arts, is private, allowing entrance only to members and their guests, or through courtesy invitations which are available to magicians visiting from out of the United States. More information on the Magic Castle can be found here.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dan Hewitt for Randy Pitchford
469-631-9004
peacock@pitchfordhome.com
Vicki Greenleaf for the Magic Castle
323-573-5111
Great news, what a blessing, t/y man...
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